external 56k modem

I also use an external modem.What is your device set to (/dev/modem probaly wont work).I have to change mine to /dev/ttyS0.You can try some differiant ones in the kppp program or do like me and use wvdial.Here is a sample wvdial.conf file :

[Dialer Defaults]
Modem = /dev/ttyS0
Baud = 57600
Init = ATZ
Init2 = AT s11=50
Phone = 123-4567
Username = tech2k
Password = youwish

I just write that file as root and save it as "wvdial.conf" in /etc and then as a normal used type wvdial in an xterm and it connects much faster than kppp.