I'm curious about the Cyclone. Can you enlighten me on it a bit?
If I understand correctly, the Cyclone uses the Rockwell chipset to do 56k communications. If I am further correct, there are *two* incompatible standards for 56k, one being Rockwell and the other being USRX's. USRX's 56k is available *now* in their X2 line, and I would expect that AOL's orders (most likely to go to USRX) will be for their X2 modems. I don't know what's happening on the Rockwell side of the equation, especially just which manufacturers are going to use their chipset and when we'll see them on the market. I would *like* for the USRX standard to *not* become de facto, but am concerned that it will, making Rockwell-based equipment obsolete before it even gets going.
It's easy to look at the old HST standard, which was around a LONG time before anybody else could do 14.4k, and did well, but quickly died when v.32bis became a reality. Would rather see that happen to the X2, as well, but am not sure history will repeat itself in this case, primarily because, unlike HST, X2 is very reasonably priced.
What's your take on this? Is the Cyclone betting on the emergence of Rockwell as the winner in this category? If so, how safe does everyone feel about that bet? Or will it be able to use the X2 technology? Or do you see a 3rd standard emerging that'll let these two technologies talk to each other, similar to the way v.34 will talk to v.FC?
My knowledge of the new 56k technology is sketchy, so would appreciate anyone filling in the gaps. |
