Performance Telecom Corp plans to introduce a new digital modem that it says is ideal for videoconferencing and interactive video applications. Called Champion SDSL/ISDN, it transports data at up to 2Mbps in both directions thanks to the SDSL Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line feature, making it suitable for videoconferencing applications that require bi-directional speeds for higher quality operation. The use of Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line means that the modem can send the same amount of data both ways. This is superior to its ADSL predecessors that transmit more data downstream than upstream, said Jim Gulley, vice president of marketing and sales. Performance has field tested the modem with a central European telephone operator that prefers to remains anonymous. The modem enables simultaneous transmission of 2Mbps Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line and 128 Kbps Basic Rate ISDN services over a single, unconditioned twisted pair copper telephone line. The additional benefit for public telephone operators is that the modem will make it possible to deploy DSL services while maintaining the value of their existing investment in ISDN. The modem performs at a rate 16 times that of ISDN, in addition to maintaining the existing basic rate ISDN service without interruption, the Rochester, New York company claimed. The operating range of Champion SDSL/ISDN modems is 4 kilometres (0.5mm wire) or 12,000 feet (24 gauge wire). The average length of local loops in Europe and the US is well within this range. Champion SDSL/ISDN modems can be configured with a range of data networking interfaces including 10BaseT, V.35, T1, G.703 E1 and RS422 interfaces, and are compatible with 2B1Q and 4B3T ISDN line codes. The products are due out by the end of September, priced at $800.
