StarTech.com 56K USB External Dial-Up & Fax Modem - V.92 Hardware Modem, USB-A with RJ11 and Caller ID

The StarTech.com 56K external USB modem is a hardware-based V.92 dial-up and fax adapter that adds reliable data, fax and voice capability to a computer via a single USB-A connection.

Need a straightforward way to send faxes, connect to rural dial-up ISPs, manage voice calls, or support legacy security and POS devices? This compact StarTech.com modem uses a dedicated Conexant chipset to offload modem tasks from your machine, so you can add dial-up and fax functions without installing internal cards or stressing your CPU.

How does this modem handle faxing and data transfers?

The unit supports standard fax and data protocols so it interoperates with conventional fax machines and dial-up servers. It supports V.92/V.90-era data connections up to 56 Kbps and fax standards used by most Class 1 fax applications.

• Data speeds: up to 56 Kbps download, 33.6 Kbps upload with V.92 support
• Fax throughput: up to 14.4 Kbps with T.31 Fax Class 1.0 and EIA/TIA 578 compatibility
• Broad modem protocol support: V.34, V.32bis, V.32, plus Bell 103/212A
• Hardware-based Conexant CX93010-21Z chipset for reliable signal processing

Will this work with my computer and telephony equipment?

The modem is an external USB Type-A device with a single RJ11 telephone jack and is USB-powered for plug-and-play convenience. Drivers are provided for major operating systems, and the modem supports caller ID and voice features to integrate with telephony setups.

• Connectivity: USB Type-A connection, powered by USB bus
• Telephony: 1 x RJ11 jack for line or phone passthrough
• OS support: Windows, Windows Server, macOS 10.9–12.x, Linux kernel 3.16+
• Caller ID and voice functionality for call handling through your PC

What installation and performance considerations should I expect?

Because the modem uses dedicated hardware, it minimizes CPU load compared with software-only solutions. Installation typically involves plugging into USB and installing drivers when prompted; StarTech.com provides drivers for Windows, and community or vendor drivers support macOS and Linux versions listed.

• USB-powered — no separate power adapter required
• Windows drivers available for download from StarTech.com
• Works with legacy dial-up ISPs, fax workflows, security panels and POS systems that require analog modem connections
• TAA compliant for procurement in regulated environments

Who is this for? If you maintain equipment or services that rely on analog telephone lines — such as remote sites with dial-up internet, fax-dependent businesses, legacy POS or alarm panels, or users who need desktop call handling — this StarTech.com external 56K USB modem provides a compact, bus-powered way to restore modem capabilities to modern laptops and desktops without opening the case. It's especially useful where reliability, broad protocol support and straightforward USB connectivity are priorities.