U.S. Robotics Releases Preliminary Performance Data On Its High-Speed x2 Modem Technology
Preliminary Beta Testing Begins
SKOKIE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 2, 1997-- U S Robotics Inc today released initial x2 performance data based on recently completed testing. U.S. Robotics plans to be first to market with a new generation, higher-speed Internet access modem technology, with initial consumer products shipping later this month.
U.S. Robotics has conducted testing in 87 area codes across the U.S., with early performance data showing that the vast majority of households should be able to download Internet text and graphics at nearly twice the speed as current standard modem connections. This early test data is based on nearly 20,000 V.34 calls placed with diagnostic software that predicts whether the connections will support the new technology.
Based on early testing in seven Bell operating company regions, a high percentage of test calls to date have only one analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion in the path of the call, which is a condition necessary to connect at the higher speeds supported by x2. The remaining calls would automatically fall back to V.34 operation, the 28.8K/33.6K modem standard widely used today.
When x2 connections are not made, it's typically because there's been more than one analog-to-digital conversion in the path of the call. However, because the telephone network is evolving to a primarily digital infrastructure, most calls to trunk side digitally- connected ISP equipment have only one analog-to-digital conversion in their path.
U.S. Robotics also is in the process of obtaining FCC (Federal Communications Commission) certification of its x2 products. Currently, FCC rules limit the signal level that digitally connected server equipment can transmit into the digital portion of the network phone lines. Based on product testing to date, the result of this limitation is that the top transmission speed in the downstream link is 53 Kbps. At higher signal levels, laboratory tests indicate that the x2 top speeds increase, with connections at 56 Kbps and otentially higher rates.
Signal level adjustments are made by software changes on the server or "head-end" equipment at the Internet Service Providers' local points of presence. U.S. Robotics' access server and concentrator products will comply with the current FCC rule. But the products will be designed so that they can be made capable of operating at the
higher signal levels necessary for 56K operation in countries which permit higher levels and in the U.S., if and when the permitted levels are increased.
The FCC rule is being addressed by various standards organizations in which U.S. Robotics and other modem manufacturers participate.
This rule does not directly affect the desktop client modems needed to receive the x2 transmissions, because they will not transmit at higher signal levels. The upstream connections are made using the V.34 standard (28.8/33.6 Kbps). On the downstream link, the desktop client modems will be capable of receiving at speeds up to 56K where and when the necessary signal levels are permitted.
Preliminary Beta Testing Begins
U.S. Robotics is beginning preliminary beta testing of x2. USR will use the beta process to collect additional test data on telephone network performance. This information will be collected through field trials with U.S. Robotics'ISP customers who use U.S. Robotics equipment worldwide.
U.S. Robotics will continue to release information on its testing and field trials as it brings products to market in January.
U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, enterprise communications systems, desktop/mobile client products and modems and telephony products that connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet Service Providers, regional Bell operating
companies, inter-exchange carriers and a wide range of other large and small businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's fiscal 1996 revenues were a record $1,977.5 million.
CONTACT: U.S. Robotics
Karen J. Novak, 847/982-5244
Kathleen A. Behof, 847/982-5161 |
