AOL deploys 56-kbps standard
news.com
By Beth Lipton
Staff Writer, CNET NEWS.COM
July 23, 1998, 1:05 p.m. PT
America Online today said it has deployed the
International Telecommunication Union standard
V.90 modem protocol for 56-kbps access across
its network, in an effort to open up access lines for
users who increasingly are taking advantage of
faster modems.
Previously, the online giant supported users of both
the x2 modem
technology developed
by 3Com and the
K56flex technology
developed jointly by
Lucent and Rockwell,
which were not
compatible. Users with 56-kbps modems will be
able to access AOL's network more easily now,
because they no longer have to choose an access
number based on a certain modem technology, the
firm said.
Members of the International Telecommunication
Union in February agreed to a standard for
56-kbps access, dubbed V.90. The standard came
about as users wanting faster access were faced
with technologies that conflicted; often Internet
service providers offered access with one
technology or another, forcing users to choose an
ISP partially based on what modem technology it
supported.
Along with the desire for easier access to
AOL--which has had its share of network overload
and consumer ire over busy signals--users
increasingly are looking to access the Net at faster
speeds.
Faster access makes surfing easier, and also allows
Net users to enjoy the ever-increasing
bandwidth-intensive features on the Net such as
heavy graphics and streaming audio and video. To
that end, AOL and others have begun trying out
speedier access options, including cable and digital
subscriber lines (DSL).
Those options, which offer access at much higher
speeds, also can carry hefty price tags. With
support for the 56-kbps standard, AOL is looking
to give users somewhat faster speeds without the
additional costs of cable or DSL. |
