U.S. Robotics Ships New Enhancements For Courier I-Modem Including TURBOPPP Feature Set; Standards-Based TurboPPP ISDN Standards for Enhanced Throughput & Compression, Dynamic Voice Override, Integrated NT-1 & Universal Connect

Business Wire, June 17, 1996

SKOKIE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 17, 1996--U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ: USRX) announced the immediate availability of the TurboPPP(R) feature set for the Courier I-Modem with ISDN/V.34. TurboPPP is a unique set of high-performance ISDN capabilities, developed by U.S. Robotics, to maximize ISDN performance. Courier I-Modem owners can download this new feature from U.S. Robotics' BBS (available for ISA versions in July).

TurboPPP: Channel Aggregation, Compression, Enhanced Throughput

TurboPPP is a collection of features designed to work with industry standards. A key component of TurboPPP is Multilink PPP, which allows two 64 Kbps B channels of an ISDN BRI line to be combined into a single 128 Kbps channel.

TurboPPP also opens up the potential of ISDN to software that does not support Multilink PPP or multiple compression types. TurboPPP can negotiate the use of two B channels for throughput of 128 Kbps even when the application supports only PPP (64 Kbps). Additionally, TurboPPP supports multiple forms of compression for ISDN transfer that include Stac(R), Microsoft(R), and Ascend(R) software support. This allows the Courier I-Modem to adjust the compression type based on what is supported on the other end of the transmission. TurboPPP senses compression type in a remote device and sends compressed data. TurboPPP's compression provides potential throughput of up to 512 Kbps.

"For telecommuting, remote and Internet access applications requiring higher-performance ISDN connectivity, TurboPPP provides excellent throughput, taking the best advantage of any available compression standard," said Bob Rainone, director of product management for U.S. Robotics' Network Systems Division. "As part of our full line of ISDN access solutions, the Courier allows compression to put in place complete, end-to-end solutions for access to information."

Additional Features: Dynamic Voice Override, Integrated NT-1, Universal Connect

In addition, the Courier I-Modem's dynamic voice override supports voice communications over a standard analog phone, dropping one of its two 64 Kbps channels to send a voice call and automatically bringing the channel back up for data when the call is complete. This allows data to be sent without interruption.

The product also includes an integrated NT-1 (network termination device) providing a single box, direct connection to an ISDN wall jack (no other device is needed to connect to ISDN services) and an analog device port to connect a telephone, facsimile or answering machine. The new serial port interface support will also enable Courier users to take better advantage of the ISDN bandwidth up to 230 Kbps.

Ideal for telecommuting and Internet applications over ISDN, the I-Modem achieves faster transmission of graphics, larger files and LAN-based data. The Universal Connect feature automatically detects ISDN or analog calls and connects at the highest possible rate supported by the device on the other end of the connection. Stampede(TM) Remote Office(TM) Gold Client software bundled with the Courier I-Modem, enable off-site connections to the main office LAN with the same functionality as locally connected users.

The I-Modem includes the capabilities of an integrated U.S. Robotics Courier V.Everything(TM)/V.34 modem for compatibility with the installed base of V.34, V.FC, V.32 terbo and slower speed modems, enabling the product to provide access to analog-based on-line services; Group III fax devices; individual modem users; home banking services; and workplace or Internet service providers that have not yet begun deploying ISDN services. List price ranges from $495 to $695 depending on configuration and form factor.

"The key is that people shouldn't have to choose between ISDN and analog applications. With the Courier I-Modem, they get the best of both technologies in a single box solution," said Denise Gollaher, product manager for U.S. Robotics' Client Products, Network Systems Division. "People need products that will connect to as many devices as possible -- it isn't practical to limit communications to ISDN while analog technologies such as V.34 and Group III fax machines continue to be predominant communication standards."

I-Team: Complete ISDN Support

Since June 1995, U.S. Robotics has ensured complete interoperability with the I-Team for ISDN support, now offered through a new toll free number: 1-888-USR-ISDN. The I-Team is a customer service group focused on providing end-users with area specific information regarding ISDN availability, installation charges/services, contact information, tariffing and support for ISDN products. The service is designed to make obtaining and installing ISDN products and services as simple as possible.

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 1995 sales were $889.3 million; sales for the first six months of fiscal 1996 were $819.3 million. -0-