Wave Issue 2001 1/10/00 Article 6-01

***3Com Unveils Three Cable Modems and Management Systems
(December 15)

3Com Corporation has introduced a variety of data-over-cable
applications including three cable modems based on the DOCSIS 1.1
standard, HomeConnect, OfficeConnect, and TMI.

The HomeConnect cable modem offers user-programmable sounds to
indicate connection made, connection dropped, incoming email,
etc. It currently interfaces with the PC via Ethernet, and will
offer USB functionality in 2000.

The OfficeConnect modem features a sturdy form factor and a
standard 10BaseT Ethernet interface. It also has six operator-
defined LED indicators and the ability to support up to 16
computers at one time.

The TMI is a PCI-based telco-return cable modem. The internal
design makes the TMI an ideal fit for PC OEMs and set top box
manufacturers. The modem operates on a non-host based design,
which reduces complexity and risk for cable operators, and makes
the installation process easy for consumers.

3Com also previewed a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS)
router and Cable Management System (CMS) designed for its Total
Control multiservice access platform that offers system
performance for standards-based data over cable services. The
enhanced CMTS features a distributed processing architecture that
allows cable operators to scale performance as additional
subscribers are added.

3Com's SNMP-based Cable Management System features a Graphical
User Interface that manages all aspects of installation,
monitoring, upgrading and network diagnosis for 3Com cable modem
and CMTS equipment. The 3Com CMS is a Windows-based product that
allows cable operators to monitor multiple chassis at various
sites and is accessed remotely.

All 3Com CMTS products are tested for DOCSIS compliance and
field-tested for interoperability with DOCSIS-certified products
from other vendors. 3Com plans to begin customer shipment of the
enhanced CMTS and CMS products in the first half of 2000.

www.3com.com