Internet Access: 3Com's Bi-directional Cable Access System Gives Cable Operators New Platform for High-speed Internet Access, Other Digital Services - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 2, 1998

3Com Corporation Monday announced the immediate availability of its bi-directional Cable Access system for delivery of broadband communications. This high-speed, cable-return Internet access system includes 3Com's Total Control Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) and network management software for the headend and the U.S. Robotics Cable Modem CMX for consumers. The system components are all based on the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS). 3Com's end-to-end system enables offices and homes to access the Internet via cable connections and receive multimedia information and entertainment at speeds up to 100 times faster than conventional analog modems. In addition, the system will support future digital services such as Internet telephony and videoconferencing. The 3Com Cable Access system is scheduled for deployment by Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI), and is currently in use by FiberTel-TCI2 (Argentina), Northern Cable (Canada), ISP Channel and BlazeNet (U.S.), and other operators in the United States, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Spain and Taiwan. "Our technology helps make cable networks the preferred on-ramp to the digital highway which can now deliver more than static information," said Richard Edson, senior vice president for 3Com's New Business Initiatives group. "The state-of-the-art headend system and cable modems will enable new services and revenue opportunities for individuals, businesses and cable operators around the world." "This is the result of significant and continued investment by 3Com in the emerging cable industry, DOCSIS standards and the retail channel," said Levent Gun, vice president and general manager of 3Com's Cable Access group. "Partners like TCI have helped us design the optimal platform for current high-speed Internet access services and for new applications to be delivered by communications leaders of the next century." 3Com Supports Flexible Loads and Centralized Management

3Com's CMTS is built on the leading Total Control remote access platform, making it an easy and reliable choice for cable operators' delivery and management of high-speed digital services. The system consists of both hardware and software, providing a reliable, modular architecture (upstream and downstream access cards are de-coupled) that includes the capability to support cable-return (two-way) and telco-return (one-way) cable modems from a single Total Control chassis. This enables cable operators to build high-density scaleable systems, generating one of the lowest costs per marginal subscriber in the field. Unlike most routing-based approaches with limited scalability, the 3Com remote access platform preserves headend investments by accommodating multiple "hot-swappable" cable access cards in each chassis. The system can easily expand to meet user demand by adding more cards in nearly any upstream/downstream ratio. Furthermore, 3Com's network management software is SNMP-based allowing centralized control of all network components. Operators can manage and run diagnostics remotely on the system's user-friendly interface. The Total Control chassis allows cable operators to use voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) gateways available from 3Com. In addition to VoIP capabilities, other 3Com Total Control servers provide caching and provisioning functions associated with cable subscriber services. 3Com U.S. Robotics Cable Modem CMX is User-Friendly and Retail-Ready The 3Com U.S. Robotics Cable Modem CMX is simple to install, easy to use and supports raw throughput of up to 38 Mbps downstream and up to 10 Mbps upstream. The modem is based on the same size and stackable design as 3Com's popular OfficeConnect family of networking equipment for consumers, and small and medium-sized businesses. The new cable modem also supports Windows, Macintosh and UNIX computers through a standard Ethernet interface. Based on 3Com's own media access control technology and silicon, the 3Com U.S. Robotics Cable Modem CMX is thoroughly designed for interoperability with other DOCSIS-based systems and forthcoming industry standards. A CMX Network Interface Card (NIC) Kit is also available. The kit bundles the industry-leading 3Com EtherLink XL PCI NIC with the cable modem for significant cost and convenience improvement for operators and consumers. Later this year, 3Com will also ship a CMX Dial-Up Kit that includes a U.S. Robotics analog modem for operators with telco-return cable plants. This kit will allow end-users to gain the high-speed benefits of a cable downstream connection with the familiarity of a telephone line upstream connection, making the CMX Cable Modem the first on the market to interoperate with both digital and analog systems. All 3Com modems ship with a Cable Connections CD-ROM that provides the latest broadband applications, installation software and tools to maximize the high-speed Internet experience. Earlier this month, 3Com announced the addition of .comfax software to the Cable Connections CD. With this software, 3Com cable modem users can send and receive digital faxes over a global network of Internet fax servers, bypassing traditional dial-up telephone networks. 3Com cable modem users can substantially reduce fax charges and dedicated phone lines. The 3Com Cable Access system and modem family enables high-speed data communications over cable networks and is compatible with all 3Com routers, switches and NICs. The 3Com CMTS is currently supporting multiple Internet telephony demonstrations, and the U.S. Robotics cable modems are available in select markets and retail storefronts in North America. Pricing and Availability 3Com Total Control CMTS equipment is available now and can be purchased directly from 3Com. A complete two-way CMTS single downstream/dual upstream system sells for approximately US$48,000 and includes the Total Control chassis, upstream and downstream card sets, a network management card, and Cable Access Router and network management software. Cable operators can contact their respective sales representative for more information. The 3Com U.S. Robotics Cable Modem CMX is available now for a suggested retail price of US$319.99. The CMX NIC Kit retails for US$359.99. These products are available from cable operators and select retail stores. For more information about 3Com cable products, please visit www.3com.com/cablenow on the World Wide Web. 3Com Corporation enables individuals and organizations worldwide to stay more connected by communicating and sharing information and resources anytime, anywhere. As one of the world's preeminent suppliers of data, voice and video communications technology, 3Com has delivered networking solutions to more than 200 million customers worldwide. The company provides large enterprise, small and medium enterprise, carriers and network service providers, and consumers comprehensive, innovative information access products and system solutions for building intelligent, reliable and high performance local and wide area networks. FMI: http://www.3Com.com.