(COMTEX) B: Pairgain's New PG-Plus Release Features 56 kbps Modem Sup
B: Pairgain's New PG-Plus Release Features 56 kbps Modem Support; Industry's
First Small Subscriber Carrier Product to Offer Full 56 kbps Modem Speeds
TUSTIN, CALIF. (March 10) BUSINESS WIRE -March 10, 1999--PairGain(R)
Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: PAIR) Wednesday announced the release of
PG-Plus(R)Release 2.0, the industry's first small subscriber carrier
product to provide full 56 kbps modem support.
PG-Plus Release 2.0 operates in an integrated mode to deliver up to six
lines over a single copper pair. PairGain developed the 56 kbps modem
support feature to aid telcos with providing higher modem speeds to
their customers. Support for 56k modem speeds has become increasingly
important as multiple local exchange carriers compete for the same
premium business dialtone market.
The PG-Plus 56k modem support feature was created by adding a digital
switch interface into the platform, which enables 56kbps modems to work
at their maximum capability. The signal is digital from the network
interface device (NID) at the customer's home all the way into the CO
switch. PG-Plus Release 2.0 offers telcos the opportunity to place the
PG-Plus shelf in the outside plant network. The shelf can be placed in
a cabinet, hut or Controlled Environmental Vault (CEV). Four T-1
circuits feed the shelf with the necessary bandwidth to enable up to 96
channels.
"PG-Plus Release 2.0 provides an extremely cost-effective alternative
for carriers that have been using DAMLs (Digital Added Main Lines that
provide two channels over a single copper pair) to fulfill requests for
additional modem lines," said James Mount, PairGain's field marketing
manager for Small Subscriber Carrier products.
"Currently, no other DAMLs support 56k modems, which results in one of
two things. Either the speeds get compromised to usually less than 28
kbps and user complaints increase, resulting in additional customer
service costs; or the user cancels the additional line, which results
in lost revenue for the carrier. With 56k modem support, PG-Plus
Release 2.0 addresses these issues."
Additionally, there are mounting concerns that some state Public
Utilities Commissions (PUCs) may raise minimum modem speed
requirements. Though universal service requirements ensure the reliable
delivery of voice, carriers in most states are not legally obligated to
provide data connections any faster than 9600 baud. Greater public use
of phone lines for data applications has put pressure on local
utilities to mandate accessibility of higher speeds. What may seem a
costly obstacle to some carriers could be viewed as opportunity.
"Washington State is one example of a state with a utility commission
that is considering mandating 28.8 kbps modem speeds," continued Mount.
"Service providers are concerned that such a ruling will require
extensive network upgrades. The new PG-Plus offers a cost-effective,
network-compatible solution, that in terms of speed, provides carriers
with both a competitive edge and future-proofing against any minimum
speed rulings handed down by a state's utility commission."
PG-Plus Release 2.0 continues to support DDS, ISDN, P-Phone, Loop
Start/Ground Start POTS with CLASS features and network management, all
from a single platform. By supporting these technologies in a variety
of configurations, PG-Plus Release 2.0 offers a very flexible solution
for applications running over a single copper telephone line.
PG-Plus Release 2.0 is available now. To enable the 56 kbps feature, a
digital interface, like the popular BellCore TR-08 or the standard D4,
is required. Support for GR-303 will be available later this year.
PairGain Technologies Inc.
PairGain is a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) networking systems. Service providers and
private network operators worldwide use PairGain's products to deploy
DSL-based services such as high-speed Internet, remote LAN access and
enterprise LAN extension.
For more than 10 years, PairGain has been recognized as a technological
leader and industry innovator of telecommunications equipment. The
company offers the widest range of HDSL, ADSL and SDSL-based systems
available. Its product lines include HiGain(R) T1/E1 access systems,
PG-Flex(R) and PG-Plus(R) small subscriber carrier systems, Avidia(TM)
System and Megabit Modem(R) campus systems and megabit access products.
Well over 1 million PairGain DSL nodes are installed in over 70
countries.
Additional information about the company is available on the Internet
at www.pairgain.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters
discussed in this announcement are forward-looking statements which
involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic,
competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the
company's operations, markets, products, services and prices and other
factors discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
-0- RMS/np* JV/np
CONTACT: PairGain Technologies Inc., Tustin
Stephen Moore, 714/730-2336
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED
Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
URL: businesswire.com
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