A fast train protocol for use by a high-speed point of sale (POS) modem is disclosed. In one aspect, the fast train protocol may include he following exemplary steps: receiving an instruction to connect to a remote modem; transmitting a tonal signal to the remote modem for a pre-determined period of time in response to receiving the instruction, where the tonal signal identifies the POS modem as being capable of supporting the fast train protocol; receiving an S signal from the remote modem in response to transmitting the tonal signal; receiving an S signal from the remote modem following receiving the S signal; receiving one or more remote PP signals from the remote modem following receiving the S signal; and receiving a remote parameter sequence from the remote modem following receiving the one or more remote PP signals.