CES: U.S. Robotics' USB ADSL Modems

Like many of you, beneath my desk lies a mass of cables. Finding a port on your computer to plug in external devices is not nearly as much of a challenge as finding space on the surge protector to power them up. The first progeny of U.S. Robotics collaboration with Analog Devices is an ADSL modem that doesn't need an electrical outlet because it's powered by a USB port on your computer. The modem features Analog Devices' Eagle xDSL chipset, along with software that's supposed to make it easier for you to install it. It also has security features and allows for remote troubleshooting by service providers. The modem supports WAN services including PPP over ATM, PPP over Ethernet, and Bridged or Routed Ethernet over ATM. It doesn't require an external splitter or new wiring when coexisting with plain old telephone service (POTS) and it's software upgradable. Models for both POTS, geared mostly for North and South America, and ISDN, designed mostly for Western Europe, are expected to ship in April 2002.