3Com Provides Mobile Professionals With the Fastest 28.8 Modem
July 23, 1996–Global data networking leader, 3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS), today introduced its newest version of the EtherLink III LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card, providing mobile users with high-performance network access by offering the fastest 28.8 modem and the best performing Ethernet connection, all in one dual-function PC Card (PCMCIA).
Until now, mobile professionals have been hampered by the inability of modems to connect at the highest available speeds over clean or noisy lines. With 3Com's optimized modem architecture, mobile users now get the full 28.8 Kbps connection over a wider variety of telephone line conditions. Plus, as with all 3Com's industry leading Ethernet network interface cards, the EtherLink III LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card leverages 3Com's patented Parallel Tasking technology to delivery superior LAN performance.
Superior Modem Design and Performance
Today's fastest modems employ the V.34 standard developed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for dial-up communication at speeds up to 28.8 Kbps. V.34 is a complex standard that pushes the capabilities of the analog telephone network. Due to design differences, V.34 modems vary greatly in the speed at which they connect, and how fast they transfer data. 3Com has designed its 28.8 Modem specifically for optimal V.34 performance, using a 16-bit processor and data bus combined with a unique low-noise architecture, leading to higher connect speeds and data throughput than the competition.
In an independent test of leading PC Card LAN+Modem products, Henderson Communications Laboratories found that 3Com's LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card connected at the full 28.8 Kbps data rate over telephone line conditions representing 88% of the North American telephone network, compared to 59% for the next closest competitor tested. The tests were conducted using the industry standard Telecommunications Industry Association TSB37A and TSB38 test suites.
3Com's PC Card also includes a new cellular ready feature, providing mobile PC users with dial-up network access through a cellular phone. Users simply use a cellular interface with 3Com's EtherLink III LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card for a quick and easy connection. Cellular connections are usually problematic for mobile computer users due to varying line conditions; 3Com's modem architecture is ideal for this noisy environment.
"Explosive growth in notebook computers and remote access to corporate LANs has fueled the demand for high-speed 28.8 Kbps portable modems," said Rich Redelfs, director of marketing Mobile Products Division for 3Com Corporation. "With 3Com's dual-function PC Card, we are now equipping mobile professionals with the modem technology they require to attain optimum 28.8 Kbps network connections while on the road."
Industry-Leading LAN Performance
The EtherLink III LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card also offers 3Com's exceptional 10 Mbps Ethernet performance, up to 46% faster than the competition. This speed advantage is achieved through 3Com's patented Parallel Tasking Technology, which overlaps tasks which are usually handled serially. The LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card includes network drivers for all popular operating systems.
Easy Installation with 3Com's New AutoIQ Software
The EtherLink III LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card is extremely easy to install. The card supports Plug and Play for Windows 95. It also includes 3com's new AutoIQ expert systems diagnostic software which makes installation in non-Windows '95 PCs equally simple. AutoIQ software is designed to automatically detect and resolve resource conflicts often experienced with notebook installations, thus alleviating any problems should they occur. In addition, the 3Com EtherLink III LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card is compatible with all leading notebook computers and 3Com ensures this compatibility with a money back guarantee.
Pricing and Availability
3Com's EtherLink III LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card is available now for a suggested list price of $ 519 (USD) for the TP version and $ 569 (USD) for the newly added TP/Coax model. Pricing for five packs is $ 2,445 for TP and $ 2,695 for TP/Coax. Plus it comes bundled with free Delrina Winfax Lite and WinComm Lite communications software. 3Com guarantees the EtherLink III LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card with a lifetime warranty.
3Com's Etherlink III LAN+28.8 Modem PC Card is part of 3Com's Transcend Networking framework for extending the reach of networks to mobile users.
3Com Corporation has helped more than 32 million people gain access to critical information through high-speed networks. Designed to serve large enterprises, service providers, small offices and homes, 3Com products provide a scalable architecture to meet the present and future connectivity needs of today's users. With research and development on three continents, 3Com is one of the data networking industry's largest and fastest growing companies. 3Com's innovative marketing, engineering, sales and support simplify communication, optimize network reliability and protect customer investments. For further information, visit our World Wide Web site: http://www.3Com.com.
Note to Editors: 3Com, EtherLink and Parallel Tasking are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. AutoIQ and Transcend Networking are trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
3Com, Santa Clara
Deanna L. Perez, 408/764-5088
Deanna_Perez@3mail.3Com.com