Netopia Announces Firmware Version 4.5 with Groundbreaking DSL Bonding and Redundancy Capabilities

Strategic Insights -

Netopia, Inc., a leading provider of DSL Internet equipment and e-commerce Web platforms, has announced the immediate availability of firmware version 4.5 for its R-series routers and D-series DSUs. This latest release introduces several innovative features, including DSL bonding, integrated ISDN dial backup, and dynamic MultiNAT, which significantly enhance the reliability and flexibility of broadband connectivity for small and medium-sized businesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • DSL bonding enables customers with SDSL connections to achieve speeds of up to 3 Mbps, twice as fast as T1, and allows customers with IDSL connections to achieve speeds of up to 576 Kbps.
  • The new firmware offers unparalleled redundancy for mission-critical Internet connections, enabling businesses to maintain uninterrupted access to the Internet even in the event of primary connection failure.
  • Netopia's DSL Bonding technology allows service providers to double the capacity of high-bandwidth DSL connections, providing greater speeds to businesses running mission-critical applications over SDSL and teleworkers using extended-reach IDSL.
  • The integrated ISDN dial backup module provides businesses with redundant access to the Internet and from the Internet to mission-critical Web and e-commerce servers, with flexibility in use, including automatic, manual, or on-demand activation.
  • Dynamic MultiNAT enables businesses to use a variety of IP applications without being strictly limited to the number of IP addresses assigned by their ISP, allocating IP addresses dynamically as needed and returning them to a common pool when no longer required.
  • The new features are designed to work seamlessly with Copper Mountain's family of CopperEdge DSL concentrators and are available as a free download on Netopia's Web site for all R-series routers and D-series DSUs.
  • Netopia has established strategic relationships with leading CLECs, ISPs, and equipment manufacturers, including Covad Communications, NorthPoint Communications, Rhythms NetConnections, France Telecom, and Nokia, among others.

Statistics:

  • DSL bonding can achieve speeds of up to 3 Mbps (twice as fast as T1) for SDSL connections.
  • The technology also allows customers with IDSL connections to achieve speeds of up to 576 Kbps.
  • The integrated ISDN dial backup module can be activated automatically, manually, or on-demand, providing businesses with flexibility in use.
  • Dynamic MultiNAT allows businesses to allocate IP addresses dynamically, assigning them as needed and returning them to a common pool when no longer required.

Sources:

  • Business Editors/High-Tech Writers, "Netopia Announces Firmware Version 4.5 with Groundbreaking DSL Bonding and Redundancy Capabilities" (January 31, 2000)
  • Netopia, Inc., "Firmware Version 4.5 Press Release" (January 31, 2000)
  • Copper Mountain Networks, Inc., "CopperEdge DSL Concentrators and Netopia's DSL Bonding Technology" (July 1999)
  • Zyan Communications, "Dynamic MultiNAT Enhancements" (unspecified date)