Winmodems are not modems

The purpose of this page is to identify consumer-grade modems systematically and to note compatibility with Linux as reported by you, the users.

So-called Winmodems, host-based, HCF- or HSP-modems require vendor-supplied software to do the work of proper hardware modems. The sale of these devices for x86-based PCs is becoming increasingly popular among retailers and OEMs because of their lower cost. However, Winmodems are only appropriate for use with Microsoft Windows on a fast Pentium.

It has been pointed out to me that the name "Winmodem" is a registered trademark of 3Com. I'm sure that they are proud of this fact ;) In any case, when I refer to Winmodems, please read it as "Winmodems(tm), host-based modems, HCF-modems, HSP-modems, and all similar modem-like hardware."


  
  

What's new

4/15/99
Actiontec's press release on their new PCI modem with Linux support is here. I believe this should be the model PCI56012 we've been expecting for a while. I don't have a model number for the the external modem they are promoting, and the modem information has not hit their home page yet. I wonder if they have a Beta program? :) If you are enthused about this press release, why not drop a note to marketing@actiontec.com?
   

Winmodem Mini-FAQ

1. If Winmodems are not really modems, why do manufacturers make them?
Two reasons: Most people don't know the difference; and floppy disks are cheaper than hardware chips. A winmodem lacks parts found in regular modems-- these parts are "emulated" by software running on your CPU.

2. Oops, I bought a Winmodem. Will it work with Linux?
No, a Winmodem requires software, and the only software available for Winmodems comes from the manufacturers (who only support Windows).

3. But someone must have adapted or reverse-engineered one by now!
No, for two reasons: Winmodem vendors will not release the source code for their Windows software; and the Linux gurus capable of reverse-engineering a Winmodem are probably unwilling to buy one, given that there are real modems available.

4. Are there any external Winmodems? Am I always safe getting an external modem?
We haven't seen any external serial port Winmodems. Standard serial port speeds make a Winmodem impractical. However, some older modems are based on RPI chipsets (see below). RPI modems are not supported.

If you are interested in the status of USB support in Linux, please follow the link to Iñaky's uusbd development page. External USB Winmodems are possible, I am told. At this point, Linux doesn't support USB modems at all.

5. How about PCI modems? Are all PCI modems winmodems?
No, there are at least two controller-based PCI modems. As of this writing, I have not received confirmation that they work with Linux. If you are curious, these modems are the Multitech MT5634ZPX-PCI and the Actiontec PCI56012 (IBM 33L4618). WARNING, if you buy one of these modems, you are stepping into uncharted territory.


   
 

Linux/Modem Compatibility Knowledge Base

Usual disclaimers apply. This list is provided only for your convenience and should not be considered an endorsement blah blah blah ;-) Experienced Linux users-- I need your help to mark more modems OK

If you can add something to this table, please let me know. FCC ID number and/or FCC Registration number is required. This number is usually silk-screened or on a label on the modem board. Click here for an example. I'm thinking about including Industry Canada certification numbers, too.

If you're looking for a particular modem, be sure to use your browser's "Find in Page" command. It may not be where you think it should be!

WM = Winmodem, only works with Windows software
RP = Rockwell RPI chipset, requires DOS or Windows DSP software, may work with error-correction disabled
OK = Real modem, reported to work with Linux

Recent Changes
WM RIGTAI-25942-M5-E OEM (Mx-)I601, 56K v.90 YesNoPCI Daniel Bremer
OK 5RXUSA-23967-MM-E 56K External Modem, RFM56KEXT --EXT Kevin Snively
OK BDNUSA-25719-CN-E Dualmode Zoom/FaxModem 56K (internal) Model 2919L, Award Technology A30/Zoom 336 Multi-Function LS PC Card w/Voicemail YesYesISA Mike Bland
Various FCC updates and newly approved modems as of 8 Apr 99
OK ? SupraExpress 336i V+ YesNoISA J M Cabrera
WM DXZTAI-25751-M5-E IJ-5614CPS, Cirrus CLM Data/Fax/Voice YesNoPCI Michael Douglass
WM GX5USA-27261-PT-E Creative ModemBlaster DI3635-1; DI5655 YesNoPCI Greg Moody
OK ? AOpen FM56PVS-DL, Rockwell RCVDL56ACF/SP chipset NoYesISA Jon

  

The Whine-O-Matic

This is where you get to sound off about winmodems, this page, life in general, etc. I will check this page occasionally, so if you're looking for a particular modem and can't find it on the list, click away.

This special Whine-O-Matic technology is provided by the good folks at GuestPage


   
 

Quick survey

Results
1. My level of Linux experience is:
  • What's a Linux?
  • Thinking about using Linux
  • Linux newbie
  • Competent user
  • Call me root
  • I am Linus Torvalds
2. After reading this page:
  • Just surfing through.
  • Didn't find what I was looking for.
  • I avoided buying the wrong modem.
  • I found out I have a Winmodem :-(
  • I now know I don't have a Winmodem :-)
  • Now I'm thoroughly confused.

Respondent profile

About 4% of visitors take the survey (platform and browser figures are cumulative, survey results are monthly).
Platform       Jan Feb Mar     Browser          Jan Feb Mar
Windows 95.....34% 34% 34%     Navigator 4.x....71% 65% 62%
Windows 98.....22% 22% 26%     Microsoft IE.....22% 28% 30%
Linux 2.0.x....19% 14% 11%     Navigator 3.x.....4%  5%  4%
Windows NT.....12% 14% 14%     Lynx.............<1% <1%  1%
SunOS...........2%  4%  3%     Opera............<1%  1%	<1%
Linux 2.2.x.....2%  3%  3%     Mozilla..........<1% <1% <1%
Macintosh.......2%  3%  2%     Navigator 2.x....<1% <1% <1%
HP-UX...........1%  1%  1%
IRIX...........--- <1%  1%     
Linux 2.1.x.....2%  1% <1%     Experience       Jan Feb Mar 
Windows 3.1.....1% <1% <1%     What's a Linux?...1%  2%  3%
AIX.............1% <1% <1%     Thinking about....8% 11% 13%
OSF1...........<1% <1% <1%     Linux newbie.....37% 46% 44%
FreeBSD........--- <1% <1%     Competent user...30% 22% 23%
OS/2...........<1% <1% <1%     Call me root.....23% 17% 16%
BeOS...........--- <1% <1%     I am Linus........1%  2%  1%
Amiga..........--- <1% <1%
Unixware.......--- <1% <1%
NeXT...........--- --- <1%

 
 

Links to other modem information

gromitkc@o2.net