Actiontec Announces PCI Bus 56K Fax/Modem; Controller-Based PCI 56K Fax/Modem Targets Needs of OEMs

Business Wire, June 11, 1999

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 11, 1999--

Actiontec Electronics, Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communication and wireless products, today announced the 56K PCI Controller-Based Fax/Modem. Targeting the needs of computer OEM's, the 56K PCI Controller-Based Fax/Modem supports all of today's popular operating systems including DOS, Windows, Unix, OS/2, and Linux, and accommodates both single and multi-processor computers.

The new modem provides PC OEMs with the latest Internet access technology, supporting both the ITU V.90 standard and the popular K56flex technology for maximum flexibility. Assuring complete interoperability between the two standards, the modem automatically selects the right technology when connecting to an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Unlike conventional host-based PCI modems, the 56K PCI Controller-Based Fax/Modem incorporates an on-board controller, making the physical modem operation independent of the host CPU. In addition to increasing system performance by freeing up the host processor from the details of communication control, modem operation is completely independent of the choice of operating system. This makes the 56K PCI Controller-Based Fax/Modem ideal for the server market where draining host processing is not desirable.

"The increasing acceptance of open source operating systems such as Linux, combined with the need for OEMs to maximize system performance, has driven the demand for a high-performance controller-based PCI modem designed to meet the stringent requirements of OEMs," stated Ramzi Al-Harayeri, vice president of OEM sales at Actiontec. "The 56K PCI Controller-Based Fax/Modem meets this need with a complete cost-effective and reliable connectivity solution."

The 56K PCI Controller-Based Fax/Modem offers users the option of Plug-N-Play installation under Windows 95 or manual selection of COM port and IRQ settings via a hardware jumper block. Based on the Lucent Technologies Microelectronics Group chip set, the modem delivers powerful advantages in performance, innovation, and upward compatibility. Automatic rate adaptation technology adjusts speeds, depending on line conditions, to operate at the optimum speeds with the fewest errors

The modem is software upgradeable to take advantage of performance upgrades as they become available. Purchasers of the new modems will be able to download future software updates directly from the Actiontec Internet site at www.actiontec.com.

Supporting even the most sophisticated high speed data communication needs, the modem operates at up to 56 Kbps, and combines MNP5 and V.42bis data compression with MNP2.4, V.42, and LAPM error correction to provide full duplex operation with throughput up to 115,200 bps. The modem is fully compatible with all common modem standards to ensure reliable connections when lower speeds are needed. Speed is automatically negotiated on connection. In the FAX mode, the modem offers send/receive fax capability up to 14,400 bps and provides Group 3 fax support. The modem includes popular easy-to-use fax and data software and additional free online services.

The 56K PCI Controller-Based Fax/Modem is currently available to OEMs. The modem is backed by an aggressive five-year limited warranty.

About Actiontec

Actiontec Electronics, Inc. is a significant global player in the data communications marketplace. The company's product line includes a complete line of Home Networking products, Mobile and Desktop Fax/Modems, and Ethernet cards, as well as Internal and External PC Card Read/Write Drives for SmartMedia, CompactFlash and ATA Flash PC Cards. Actiontec products have been recognized with a Best of Show award at Retail Xchange, the Editors Choice award from CNET's computer.com, and an Editors Choice award from Computer Retail Week. Actiontec products are available through national distribution and retail outlets as well as through private label OEM relationships and its online store. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, and maintains branch offices in Philadelphia, PA, Government Sales in Arlington, VA, and International Sales in Irvine, CA.

For more information contact Actiontec by phone at 408-752-7700 or on the Web at http://www.actiontec.com.

Actiontec and the Actiontec logo are trademarks of Actiontec Electronics, Inc. All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.