New cable modem chips challenge DSL

Though forecasts have digital subscriber lines (DSL) overtaking the faster cable modem in terms of total number of home subscribers, chip sets supporting the 1.1 version of the data over cable system interface specification (Docsis) are now appearing and may insure that both technologies stay in the broadband-to-home business. The new Docsis spec adds encryption, telephone service and enough improvements in service to support videoconferencing and video-on-demand. Broadcom and Philips Semiconductors are sampling chips with various abilities including home networking and PC interactivity, and Texas Instruments and Conexant Systems will likely introduce cable modem chips in the next months.

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