CONEXANT SYSTEMS: Conexant achieves CableLabs Certification in major industry breakthrough enabling cable modems to be installed directly inside PCs
M2 COMMUNICATIONS Fri Jul 21, 2000 09:32 EST
JUL 21, 2000, M2 Communications - Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXT) today
announced a major industry breakthrough that will enable cable modems to be
installed directly into computers by PC makers. The company`s single-chip cable
modem has received certification from Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
(CableLabs) in the first customer product designs to include a Peripheral
Component Interconnect (PCI) interface so that consumers will be able to
purchase PCs with built-in, always-on, high-speed cable modems.
A total of five customer designs have received certification using Conexant`s
InfoSurge CN9414 single-chip cable modem and associated software and reference
designs, including solutions from Zoom Telephonics and GVC Corporation with a
PCI interface, and products from Zoom, PowerCom Technology Co., Ltd. and D-Link
with an Ethernet interface. Conexant`s single-chip cable modem is the industry`s
most highly integrated, lowest-cost solution and the only one that can be
programmed via network downloads to support new feature sets and all worldwide
standards.
Conexant`s InfoSurge solution provides Internet connections at speeds up to 1000
times faster than today`s fastest dial-up modems. The PCI solutions represent a
major breakthrough for provisioning cable modem services. Until now, service
providers have had to deliver and install external cable-modem boxes at the
customer premises, adding to the cost and complexity of service deployment.
"We`re proud to receive certification for this industry breakthrough, which will
enable cable modems to be installed directly in PCs," said Dan Marotta, vice
president and general manager for Conexant`s Digital Infotainment Division.
"Conexant`s innovative PCI solution will accelerate the market for cable modems
by allowing consumers to buy PCs with built-in, always-on high-speed cable
modems," Marotta added. "Conexant has a long history of bringing connectivity
solutions to mainstream PCs, and now we`re doing the same with broadband cable
modem technology. Zoom, GVC, Powercom and D-Link are leading innovators and we
are pleased for these companies and proud to have worked with them on this
achievement. This also is an important milestone for Conexant, as we prepare to
enter volume production with a number of customers who have designed in our
single-chip solution."
Conexant`s highly-integrated InfoSurge solution is also the first of its kind to
receive Microsoft`s Windows Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL) certification based on
PC 99 system design guidelines. This will ensure that systems and add-in cards
based on Conexant`s solution will be fully compatible with Windows operating
systems and can display the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" logo on product
packaging.
The CN9414-based CableLabs-certified products with a PCI interface will enable
PC OEMs to attach their cable-modem products directly to the PC`s internal PCI
bus. Also, because the CN9414 modem chip includes a powerful Advanced RISC
Machines (ARM) processor to drive its unique programmable media access control
(MAC) layer, the PCI solution has the processing horsepower to support a
multitude of application software, independent of the PC`s host processor.
This, along with the use of Conexant`s PCI interface technology, will enable PC
manufacturers to bundle GVC`s and Zoom`s cable modems directly into their
systems.
Part of Conexant`s InfoSurge family of digital broadband communications
products, the CN9414 single-chip cable modem is the only device of its kind to
include a programmable media access control (MAC) layer that can be
software-upgraded to support new feature sets and industry standards via network
downloads. The CN9414 solution also is the industry`s first single-chip cable
modem to include a microprocessor and other key functions that would otherwise
be expensive add-on requirements for building a complete cable-modem product.
This cuts cable-modem product costs by as much as 25 percent as compared to
alternative solutions. Conexant`s CN9414 cable modem is also supported by a
complete reference design that is the first of its kind from a single supplier
to include all necessary silicon and software for creating a complete subscriber
modem that can support all popular worldwide cable-modem standards.
The CableLabs Certified Cable Modems project, formerly known as Data Over Cable
System Interface Specification (DOCSIS), defines interface requirements for
cable modems involved in high-speed data distribution over cable television
networks. The project also provides cable-modem equipment suppliers with a fast,
market oriented method for attaining cable industry acknowledgment of DOCSIS
compliance, and has resulted in high-speed modems being certified for retail
sale. The Zoom, GVC, PowerCom and D-Link cable modems have received DOCSIS 1.0
certification, and can be quickly and easily software-upgraded to new
specifications and feature sets as they evolve.
About Conexant`s Digital Infotainment Division
Conexant`s Digital Infotainment Division is a leading provider of semiconductor
systems for broadband and broadcast communications applications. Addressing the
convergence of PCs with consumer entertainment products, the division's broad
portfolio includes cable and wireless modems, IP telephony products, digital
set-top boxes and digital broadcast and video solutions for personal computing
appliances.
About Conexant Systems
With a revenue run-rate of approximately $2 billion per year, Conexant is the
world`s largest independent company focused exclusively on providing
semiconductor solutions for communications electronics. With more than 30 years
of experience in developing communications technology, the company draws upon
its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and
semiconductor products for a broad range of communications applications. These
products facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data
communications networks, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems,
personal imaging devices and equipment, and emerging cable and wireless
broadband communications networks. The company aligns its business into five
product platforms: Network Access, Wireless Communications, Digital
Infotainment, Personal Imaging, and Personal Computing. Conexant is a member of
the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 Indices. For more information, visit Conexant at
www.conexant.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements relating to future results of the company
(including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking
statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain
risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to: global and market conditions, including, but not limited to, the
cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the
company`s and its customers` products; demand for and market acceptance of new
and existing products; successful development of new products; the timing of new
product introductions; the availability and extent of utilisation of
manufacturing capacity; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; changes
in product mix; fluctuations in manufacturing yields; product obsolescence; the
ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for
the related intellectual property; the successful implementation of the
company`s diversification strategy; labor relations of the company, its
customers and suppliers; and the uncertainties of litigation, as well as other
risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time
to time in the company`s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These
forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company
undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Other brands
and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.
M2 COMMUNICATIONS Fri Jul 21, 2000 09:32 EST
JUL 21, 2000, M2 Communications - Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXT) today
announced a major industry breakthrough that will enable cable modems to be
installed directly into computers by PC makers. The company`s single-chip cable
modem has received certification from Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
(CableLabs) in the first customer product designs to include a Peripheral
Component Interconnect (PCI) interface so that consumers will be able to
purchase PCs with built-in, always-on, high-speed cable modems.
A total of five customer designs have received certification using Conexant`s
InfoSurge CN9414 single-chip cable modem and associated software and reference
designs, including solutions from Zoom Telephonics and GVC Corporation with a
PCI interface, and products from Zoom, PowerCom Technology Co., Ltd. and D-Link
with an Ethernet interface. Conexant`s single-chip cable modem is the industry`s
most highly integrated, lowest-cost solution and the only one that can be
programmed via network downloads to support new feature sets and all worldwide
standards.
Conexant`s InfoSurge solution provides Internet connections at speeds up to 1000
times faster than today`s fastest dial-up modems. The PCI solutions represent a
major breakthrough for provisioning cable modem services. Until now, service
providers have had to deliver and install external cable-modem boxes at the
customer premises, adding to the cost and complexity of service deployment.
"We`re proud to receive certification for this industry breakthrough, which will
enable cable modems to be installed directly in PCs," said Dan Marotta, vice
president and general manager for Conexant`s Digital Infotainment Division.
"Conexant`s innovative PCI solution will accelerate the market for cable modems
by allowing consumers to buy PCs with built-in, always-on high-speed cable
modems," Marotta added. "Conexant has a long history of bringing connectivity
solutions to mainstream PCs, and now we`re doing the same with broadband cable
modem technology. Zoom, GVC, Powercom and D-Link are leading innovators and we
are pleased for these companies and proud to have worked with them on this
achievement. This also is an important milestone for Conexant, as we prepare to
enter volume production with a number of customers who have designed in our
single-chip solution."
Conexant`s highly-integrated InfoSurge solution is also the first of its kind to
receive Microsoft`s Windows Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL) certification based on
PC 99 system design guidelines. This will ensure that systems and add-in cards
based on Conexant`s solution will be fully compatible with Windows operating
systems and can display the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" logo on product
packaging.
The CN9414-based CableLabs-certified products with a PCI interface will enable
PC OEMs to attach their cable-modem products directly to the PC`s internal PCI
bus. Also, because the CN9414 modem chip includes a powerful Advanced RISC
Machines (ARM) processor to drive its unique programmable media access control
(MAC) layer, the PCI solution has the processing horsepower to support a
multitude of application software, independent of the PC`s host processor.
This, along with the use of Conexant`s PCI interface technology, will enable PC
manufacturers to bundle GVC`s and Zoom`s cable modems directly into their
systems.
Part of Conexant`s InfoSurge family of digital broadband communications
products, the CN9414 single-chip cable modem is the only device of its kind to
include a programmable media access control (MAC) layer that can be
software-upgraded to support new feature sets and industry standards via network
downloads. The CN9414 solution also is the industry`s first single-chip cable
modem to include a microprocessor and other key functions that would otherwise
be expensive add-on requirements for building a complete cable-modem product.
This cuts cable-modem product costs by as much as 25 percent as compared to
alternative solutions. Conexant`s CN9414 cable modem is also supported by a
complete reference design that is the first of its kind from a single supplier
to include all necessary silicon and software for creating a complete subscriber
modem that can support all popular worldwide cable-modem standards.
The CableLabs Certified Cable Modems project, formerly known as Data Over Cable
System Interface Specification (DOCSIS), defines interface requirements for
cable modems involved in high-speed data distribution over cable television
networks. The project also provides cable-modem equipment suppliers with a fast,
market oriented method for attaining cable industry acknowledgment of DOCSIS
compliance, and has resulted in high-speed modems being certified for retail
sale. The Zoom, GVC, PowerCom and D-Link cable modems have received DOCSIS 1.0
certification, and can be quickly and easily software-upgraded to new
specifications and feature sets as they evolve.
About Conexant`s Digital Infotainment Division
Conexant`s Digital Infotainment Division is a leading provider of semiconductor
systems for broadband and broadcast communications applications. Addressing the
convergence of PCs with consumer entertainment products, the division's broad
portfolio includes cable and wireless modems, IP telephony products, digital
set-top boxes and digital broadcast and video solutions for personal computing
appliances.
About Conexant Systems
With a revenue run-rate of approximately $2 billion per year, Conexant is the
world`s largest independent company focused exclusively on providing
semiconductor solutions for communications electronics. With more than 30 years
of experience in developing communications technology, the company draws upon
its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and
semiconductor products for a broad range of communications applications. These
products facilitate communications worldwide through wireline voice and data
communications networks, cordless and cellular wireless telephony systems,
personal imaging devices and equipment, and emerging cable and wireless
broadband communications networks. The company aligns its business into five
product platforms: Network Access, Wireless Communications, Digital
Infotainment, Personal Imaging, and Personal Computing. Conexant is a member of
the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 Indices. For more information, visit Conexant at
www.conexant.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements relating to future results of the company
(including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking
statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain
risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to: global and market conditions, including, but not limited to, the
cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the
company`s and its customers` products; demand for and market acceptance of new
and existing products; successful development of new products; the timing of new
product introductions; the availability and extent of utilisation of
manufacturing capacity; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; changes
in product mix; fluctuations in manufacturing yields; product obsolescence; the
ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for
the related intellectual property; the successful implementation of the
company`s diversification strategy; labor relations of the company, its
customers and suppliers; and the uncertainties of litigation, as well as other
risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time
to time in the company`s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These
forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company
undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Other brands
and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.
