Elastic Networks' Etherloop Modem: A Leap Forward in Internet Speed

Strategic Insights -

Elastic Networks, a subsidiary of the Canadian telecommunications giant Nortel, is developing a groundbreaking modem capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 10 megabits per second, a staggering 179 times faster than the fastest consumer modem available. This innovative technology, known as Etherloop, splits off data transmission from voice, allowing for unprecedented speeds over traditional copper phone lines. As the company showcases its creation to major phone companies, including BellSouth, interest is growing, with potential applications in hotels, large office buildings, and even residential use.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Etherloop modem, developed by Elastic Networks, can transmit data at speeds of up to 10 megabits per second, making it 179 times faster than the fastest consumer modem available.
  • The technology uses a method called Etherloop, which splits off data transmission from voice, allowing for faster data transfer rates.
  • The modem is currently being tested in a trial at the Swissotel Atlanta, with plans to install the modems in all 50 of the chain's hotels, comprising around 10,000 rooms.
  • The Etherloop modem works on traditional copper phone lines, similar to ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line).
  • Competing technologies, such as T-1, T-3, and ISDN, offer faster speeds but are too costly for widespread consumer adoption.
  • The modem's cost of around $1,000 per line is currently a limiting factor, but the company sees potential for widespread adoption in the hotel and large office building sectors.

Statistics:

  • The Etherloop modem can transmit data at speeds of up to 10 megabits per second.
  • The fastest consumer modem available, a 56k bps modem, transmits data at 56 kilobits per second, which is 179 times slower than the Etherloop.
  • Cable modems can reach speeds of up to 30 megabits per second.
  • ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) will likely provide speeds of around 1.5 megabits per second.
  • T-1 is capable of carrying 1.54 megabits per second.
  • ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) transmits data at a rate of 128 kilobits per second.
  • A T-3 line carries data at a stunning 44.7 megabits per second.

Sources:

Michael E. Kanell, "Elastic Networks' Etherloop Modem Pushes Internet Speeds", [Source not available]