Knowledge Base

Using ISDN Terminal Adapters in Windows 95

Article ID: 140123

Article Last Modified on 11/15/2006

APPLIES TO

This article was previously published under Q140123

SUMMARY

This article describes how to set up and use ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) terminal adapters in Windows 95.

Currently, Windows 95 supports only the following ISDN adapters:
  • Motorola BitSURFR (needs version 1E EPROM)
  • Motorola TA210 (needs version 1E EPROM)
  • Motorola TA110-120
Microsoft supports the detection of these adapters, but does not support setting them up. In order to properly set up an ISDN adapter, you need to obtain information from the adapter's manufacturer and your ISDN provider.

MORE INFORMATION

Detection and Setup of ISDN Terminal Adapters

  1. Install the adapter using the Windows 95 Modem .inf file. Automatic detection of the adapter or Plug and Play detection typically provides this using native .inf files. Use the Modems tool in Control Panel, or if the adapter is a Plug and Play device, shut down and restart the computer. A new ISDN adapter should include a disk with a Windows 95 .inf file that should be installed following the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Configure the adapter using an ISDN setup tool. Adjust values and settings to prepare the adapter for ISDN use. Typically, the adapter's S registers are adjusted during this step. (S registers are memory storage locations within the adapter that are used to store information about the adapter's operating parameters.)

    These values are typically provided by the local phone company when ISDN service is provided. Other values for the adapter are derived from documentation accompanying the adapter.

    Some ISDN adapter vendors provide MS-DOS-based or Windows-based ISDN adapter configuration tools. These tools should run with Windows 95 and should be used to configure the adapter.

Setting S Registers

Setting Specific Profile ID (SPID) and other ISDN values typically involves adjusting S registers. You can use HyperTerminal for this purpose. Follow these steps:
  1. Install the adapter.
  2. Check the Modems tool in Control Panel. The ISDN adapter should be listed.
  3. Start HyperTerminal. You may need to configure HyperTerminal with a telephone number.
  4. On the File menu, click Properties.
  5. In the Connect Using box, click Direct To Com<X>, where <X> is the number of the port the ISDN adapter is using. Click OK.
  6. Use Hayes-style AT commands to set the adapter's S registers. For example, to set register 10 to a value of 30, type the following line:

    ats10=30

  7. When you finish setting up the adapter, select the ISDN adapter, rather than Direct To Com<X>, in the Connect Using box.

Dual Capability Adapters

A few ISDN adapters have both analog line capability and ISDN features. Typically, you can use AT commands with these adapters in either analog or ISDN mode. The functionality of these adapters is dependent on the .inf file included by the adapter's manufacturer. The .inf file may allow you to select either the adapter's analog or its ISDN capabilities, or it may support a default ISDN configuration only.

Dual-Channel ISDN

Many ISDN adapters and local phone companies provide ISDN service that provides two channels at the same time (a data channel and a voice channel). Both channels can be operational during the same connection. Note that the voice channel on some ISDN devices can also be converted to a data channel, boosting data transfer capability. Manufacturer's documents and local phone company instructions should be consulted to use this dual-channel feature.

Dial-Up Networking 1.3 Upgrade

Microsoft has released the Dial-Up Networking 1.3 Upgrade. This release includes the support necessary for making remote access connections over an ISDN line. For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

191494 Dial-Up Networking 1.3 Upgrade Available

Keywords: KB140123


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