rec.autos.simulators

I'm having a problem with both my USB modem and controller. Wehn the
modem is on my FPS in GPL and Nascar 2k2 plummet to about 12 fps. When
I turn off the modem, fps goes back to normal. This happens online and
off. Does anybody know why? Is there a fix? I've taken my controller
(TSW2Mod) of the USB and put it back to the gameport and everything is
fine. I would like to use the USB controller though. I think it's more
accurate.
Both the modem and controller were plugged into the only 2 USB ports
on my PC. Why the conflict? And why does it affect my FPS?

Thanks,

ZZ

[This followup was posted to rec.autos.simulators and a copy was sent to
the cited author.]

  USB is like a network. There is a limit to the total bandwidth
available. For standard USB, it's about 12Mbit (roughly 1.5MByte) per
second.

  That seems high, but some drivers may briefly hog the buss. Depending on
the type of modem, there may be alot of traffic flowing through the buss,
even when offline. Both of those ports are being run by one controller.

  The best fix may be to buy a second USB card. Spend a little extra and
get a USB 2.0 card while you're at it and be ready for the new fast
devices coming out. Putting devices on separate controllers is just like
putting hard drives on different channels/controllers.  

--
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On Sat, 14 Sep 2002 14:52:05 GMT, Andrew Rossmann

The best fix is to get the modem totally off USB and onto an ethernet
card. If you're out of slots and need to use USB, the second best way
is to use a ethernet/USB converter (Linksys makes one), and use that.
The USB drivers that come with RCA, Motorola and Com21 cable modems
are flakey (these are the 3 I deal with). The USB converter uses it's
own driver and you can use the ethernet port on the modem.

USB and WinModems are *** the processor.

There's only really one way around it.  Get a true, external HARDWARE based
modem.

My all-time favorite is the USR Courier V.Everything, but most people find
them a bit pricey.

-Larry

I actually just assumed you were talking about a cable modem. If that
assumption was incorrect, please disregard.

Tim