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Xircom launches ADSL USB modem

Networking vendor Xircom has responded to the growing popularity of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Internet Access by adding an Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modem to its PortStation line of hubs and USB-compatible networking products. The modem will be both Windows and MacOS compatible.

The DSL will provide Internet access at up to 100 times the speed of a normal 56Kbps modem, according to Xircom. The modem is available only through Digital Service Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs) that bundle the device with DSL service and cannot be bought at retail outlets, said Dave Murray, Xircom's director of sales.

The USB expansion features of the PortStation DSL modem allow for easy creation of home or small office networks, enabling multiple computers to share a single DSL Internet connection, Murray said.

"A user can buy a USB-based wireless home personal networking module and snap it on to the PortStation DSL modem. That way, other computers on the wireless network can share the single DSL connection," he said, adding that USB makes installation simpler.

While the DSL modem is good for home and small office networks, corporate customers aren't left behind, Murray said. "This modem is a boon for the remote office users or employees who work from home because of the standard equipment we provide. They won't have to worry about compatibility from either end."

Murray declined to comment on which DSLAMs and vendors Xircom has partnered with to offer the modem. The USB add-ons for the DSL modem, like the personal or wireless networking modules, might be available through retail in the future, though he declined to give a time frame.

Made with OpenGroup's Titanium chipset, the PortStation DSL modem offers multiple protocol support to ensure maximum vendor interoperability, falling in line with the OpenDSL initiative, which was launched in August by major DSL vendors, including 3Com and Cisco Systems. The initiative is aimed at providing a standard software specification to ensure DSL equipment interoperability for both the DSLAM's and customer's DSL equipment.

In Australia, the modem is available from CHA, Express Data and Tech Pacific.