ADSL: New ADSL Router Supports G.lite Standard and Fast Ethernet LAN Connection; Fast and Affordable SOHO Internet Access From ZyXEL - ZyXEL Communications' Prestige 641 router - Product Announcement

Cambridge Telcom Report, June 21, 1999

ZyXEL Communications Inc. has begun marketing its newest Internet access router, the Prestige 641.

The unit features a built-in ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) modem, preferred by many for its faster downloading speeds. It has been specifically designed as a cost-effective high-speed/ high-bandwidth solution for easy Internet access.

With an adaptive data-transfer rate of up to 8.0Mbps downstream and up to 640Kbps upstream, the Prestige 641 is more than 140 times faster than the typical 56K dial-up modem used in many small office/home office and telecommuting operations. Its autonegotiation rate adaptation feature ensures ease of use, as it allows the Prestige 641 to automatically adapt to whatever ADSL line settings are being used.

Among the Prestige 641's special cost-effective features is Internet access sharing. Single User Account (SUA)/Network Address Translation (NAT) technology enables multiple workstations on a LAN to access the Internet for the cost of a single IP address from your ISP.

The unit offers dual-speed 10/100 baseT and its autonegotiation LAN connector protects the user's current 10baseT equipment investment while supporting fast Ethernet speeds of 100Mbps.

The unit follows the Discrete Multitone (DMT) industry standard to support this high-speed capability. Prestige 641 has been designed to be compatible with the forthcoming G.lite standard. This will reduce installation costs, as it will allow voice and data services to share a single phone line without the need of an external voice splitter.

Easy installation, configuration and filter setup is assured through ZyXEL's proprietary Prestige Network Commander software. Additionally, the company's ZyNOS network operating system enables the Prestige 641 to support IP protocol routing, Network Address Translation (NAT), Port Address Translation (PAT), LAN resource sharing, and network management and diagnostics.

ATM support includes VC-based and LLC multiplexing and up to eight VCs, UBR, VBR. PPP support includes multiple protocol AAL5, PPP over AAL5, and PPP over Ethernet. Other features include various network protocols and management systems.

Customer shipments of the Prestige 641 are expected to begin in July and are available for shipment through ZyXEL's extensive network of distributors and value-added resellers. It has a list price of $599 and is backed by a two-year limited warranty.

A total Internet access solution provider, ZyXEL is a leading supplier of broadband access networking devices, remote access routers, high-speed terminal adapters and modems.

The firm provides complete networking access solutions for Internet/intranet, VPN/Extranet applications and home networking. It also provides networking service solutions in the design, implementation and maintenance of networks for small- to medium-size businesses.

ZyXEL Communications' headquarters are located in Placentia, providing a full genre of marketing, sales and technical support services to its North and South American customers. Research and manufacturing services are located at the ZyXEL worldwide headquarters in Taiwan. Additional information may be found at www.zyxel.com.