Lucent Technologies Unveils New Modem Chips with Advanced Features

Strategic Insights -

Lucent Technologies is on the cusp of revolutionizing the way people access the internet with their new modem chips, which will soon enable users to take telephone calls on the same line without disconnecting from the web. Developed by Lucent's Allentown-based Microelectronics Group, the chips promise to cut in half the time it takes for modems to establish an internet connection and increase modem upload speeds by over 40 percent. The new features, part of the v.92 technology standard, will hit the market this fall and are expected to greatly enhance the user experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new modem chips, developed by Lucent's Allentown-based Microelectronics Group, will allow users to take phone calls on the same line without disconnecting from the web, thanks to the Modem on Hold feature.
  • The Quick Connect feature will reduce the time it takes for modems to establish a connection with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from an average of 20 seconds to 10 seconds.
  • PCM Upstream will increase the speed at which information can be transmitted from a computer to the internet from 33.6 kilobits per second (kbps) to 48 kbps, a 43 percent increase.
  • Lucent officials claim that the new features will increase the speed of sending e-mails with large attachments and improve the operation of interactive web applications.
  • The company expects its market share of the modem chip market to increase with the introduction of v.92 technology.
  • Jack Molets, Lucent spokesman, stated that the company is the first to announce enhancements that meet the new standards of the International Telecommunications Union.

Statistics:

  • Time reduction for establishing a modem connection: 20 seconds to 10 seconds
  • Increase in upload speed: 43 percent
  • Maximum upload speed with v.92 technology: up to 48 kbps
  • Maximum download speed of analog modems: 56 kbps

Sources:

  • Lucent spokesman Jack Molets
  • Craig Garen, general manager of the Microelectronics Group's client access business
  • Company press release