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Modem Configuration

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Modem configuration functions enable you to configure a modem before making a connection. An application can set modem options and determine the features of a modem without using commands specific to any modem device. Following are the general features an application may set before making a call:

  • Primary mode of operation (synchronous, asynchronous, and whether error control is enabled).
  • V.42 error control (defined by CCITT recommendation V.42), including specific parameters. CCITT stands for the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee.
  • V.42bis (defined by CCITT recommendation V.42bis) and MNP5 data compression.
  • Time-out options, including call setup, inactivity, and buffered data delivery.

Before setting a modem's configuration, an application should determine the capabilities of the modem device by using the GetCommProperties function. This function fills in a COMMPROP structure. This structure contains both a general portion, which applies to all communications devices, and a portion that is specific to each provider subtype. For modem devices, the provider-specific portion of the COMMPROP structure is a MODEMDEVCAPS structure.

An application can get and set the current configuration of a modem by using the GetCommConfig and SetCommConfig functions, both of which use a COMMCONFIG structure. This structure contains both a general portion, which applies to all communications devices, and a portion that is specific to each provider subtype. For modem devices, the provider-specific portion of the COMMCONFIG structure is a MODEMSETTINGS structure.

After configuring a modem, an application can use the Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) to actually establish a connection.

The modem configuration functions do not provide for long-term management and maintenance of a modem. Modem service providers should supply modem configuration dialog boxes for this purpose.