Multi-Multi-Tech MultiModem ISDN External ISDN NT1

Our experience with the $245 Multi-Tech IWay Hopper was far from favorable. Although the 116-kbps throughput (226 kbps with compression) looks admirable in the field of externals, the unreliable IWay Hopper required frequent resets to keep it running. But we were thankful during our testing process for its abundant LED indicators. Not only did they alert us to different types of connections, but they also let us know when the modem had inexplicably stopped receiving data in the middle of a transfer so we could perform a reset and start again. Our experience with the $245 Multi-Tech IWay Hopper was far from favorable. Although the 116-kbps throughput (226 kbps with compression) looks admirable in the field of externals, the unreliable IWay Hopper required frequent resets to keep it running. But we were thankful during our testing process for its abundant LED indicators. Not only did they alert us to different types of connections, but they also let us know when the modem had inexplicably stopped receiving data in the middle of a transfer so we could perform a reset and start again.

The IWay Hopper lacks support for Windows 95 Plug and Play, so installation didn't go smoothly either. For some reason, you must configure the IWay before connecting it to the ISDN line. To get the drivers installed, we first had to run the configuration utility and hand-enter the telephone switch type, directory numbers, and SPIDs. Be sure to have your owner's manual ready because you'll need it. After you have finished the configuration, you are instructed to turn your IWay Hopper off, connect it to the ISDN line, reboot your computer, and turn the IWay back on. It simply won't function if any of this is done out of order. Now, finally, the drivers can be found so you can add your IWay within the modem's control panel and specify a connection with Dial-Up Networking. But if your ISP uses CHAP authentication you will be limited to single-channel connections only.

You only get one analog device port on the IWay Hopper, but with this unit's meager calling features you aren't likely to use it much. You can only simultaneously perform data transfers and talk over the phone if you leave one channel free. Furthermore, because the IWay lacks call-bumping capabilities, incoming callers get a busy signal while you are using both channels for data transfers. If you are lucky enough to receive your call, the Multi-Tech IWay will ring the phone, but this is of little consolation considering that any failed calls cause the modem to become confused and--you guessed it--require another reset.

The IWay Hopper has a menu-driven utility you can run from within any terminal program for Mac and Unix users, and can be upgraded through a simple software download to flash ROM. But with all the limitations and problems we encountered, this modem will have you crawling across the Internet--not hopping.