To: PaperChase who wrote (4208 ) 6/3/1998 8:17:00 PM From: gao seng Read Replies (3) | Respond to
My thoughts, also. ADSL is pure hype. Microsft recently said that they don't think ADSL will become widely accepted until 2005, so they aren't building it into their apps that much. For true Internet connectivity, the only way for this to happen is for a network cable be run to your abode from a curbside data switching device. Ideally, this will be a fiber optic for the future, but copper would suffice. But the point is a whole new infrastructure is required, not a rehash of the existing cable and telephone networks. Pactel was working on this until they got bought up by SW Bell. Still, Qwest, PsiNet, and recently Sprint are announcing that they have been secretly (and not so secretly) working on that, entirely new infrastructures. Wireless isn't reliable enough. But still, the Bells, etc, got the money and right now the power to deliver a lot of hype and get some money to maybe to something for themselves. But it certainly isn't for the customer. And once you get connected to that curbside switch, baby you got it made. xDSL don't get you there, ain't gonna get you there, and isn't even a cost viable alternative. Just per hype. However, DSC does make ATM switches, which is at the heart of FON's new network. The press releases all mention Cisco as the supplier, but (I may be a little inaccurate here) Cisco is betting on IP Switching, etc, instead of ATM. While Cascade (not part of Ascend) is the big boy in this area, the competition is heating up, especially since Cascade is not part of Ascend (whose concentrators are known fire hazards). COMS just announced they have the fastest ATM available. ATM is what goes into the curb in the future.
