Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!hookup!news.kei.com!MathWorks.Com!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!library.ucla.edu!news.mic.ucla.edu!unixg.ubc.ca!wrob From: wrob@unixg.ubc.ca (Robert Wong) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems,comp.dcom.fax,comp.answers,news.answers Subject: ZyXEL modem FAQ List v3.6, Feb 28 1994, Part 2 of 5 [FAQ] Supersedes: <2f949q$o63@nnrp.ucs.ubc.ca> Followup-To: comp.dcom.modems Date: 3 Mar 1994 09:14:26 GMT Organization: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada Lines: 392 Sender: wrob@unixg.ubc.ca Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu Expires: Fri, 25 March 1994 00:00:00 GMT Message-ID: <2l49pi$6me@nnrp.ucs.ubc.ca> NNTP-Posting-Host: unixg.ubc.ca Summary: Contains common questions often asked of/about ZyXEL modems. Keywords: ZyXEL FAQ FTP Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu comp.dcom.modems:29296 comp.dcom.fax:4931 comp.answers:4009 news.answers:15969 Archive-name: modems/ZyXEL/FAQ/part2 Last-modified: 1993/12/20 Version: 3.6 Posting-frequency: monthly;the third Monday of every month ZyXEL Modems Frequently Asked Questions List Version 3.5 Archived at: rtfm.mit.edu in /pub/usenet/news.answers/modems/ZyXEL/FAQ/part[1-5] Please mail any additions to: wrob@unixg.ubc.ca ================= Table of Contents ================= Q. Frequently Asked Questions Q.1 What is the proper pronunciation of "ZyXEL"? Q.2 What is a "ZyXEL"? Q.3 What is the difference between the "Plus" and the regular models? Q.4 What features does the U-1496S+ (aka U-1496+) offer? Q.5 How fast do ZyXELs communicate with other ZyXELs and with other modems? Q.6 How does one get access to ZyXEL technical support? Q.7 What are additional methods to contact ZyXEL USA technical support? Q.8 What are the prices for upgrading a ZyXEL? Q.9 What is the warranty on a ZyXEL? Q.10 What features will be in the next generation ZyXEL modems? ================================================================================ Q Frequently Asked Questions ================================================================================ Q.1 What is the proper pronunciation of "ZyXEL"? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The proper pronunciation of "ZyXEL" is apparently "Zai-sell". Note the "Zai" rhymes with "buy". -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.2 What is a "ZyXEL"? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ZyXEL is the name of a modem manufacturer. Thus a "ZyXEL" is a brand of modem. They manufacture a series of fast, feature-packed faxmodems that operate on multiple platforms. The following chart will serve to quickly explain the product line: Model Type Display Data Speed ----- ---- ------- ---------- U-1496B Internal (PC bus) none 16.8 ZyX U-1496B+ Internal (PC bus) none 19.2/16.8 ZyX U-1496E External 12 LED lights 16.8 ZyX U-1496E+ External 12 LED lights 19.2/16.8 ZyX U-1496 External 20 x 2 LCD display & 16.8 ZyX & aka U-1496S 6 LED lights Leased Line U-1496+ External 20 x 2 LCD display & 19.2/16.8 ZyX & aka U-1496S+ 6 LED lights Leased Line U-1496R Rackmount 15 LED lights 19.2/16.8 ZyX U-1496RN Rackmount 15 LED lights 19.2/16.8ZyX & Leased Line U-1496P Portable 1 LED light 16.8ZyX/14.4Cell ZyCellular Avail. on all N/A Cell 14.4 Option models Notes: 1) The U-1496, aka the U-1496S is no longer manufactured. 2) Aside from nomenclature, the U-1496 is *exactly* the same as the U-1496S; the U-1496+ is *exactly* the same as the U-1496S+. 3) U-1496S/S+ models with ROMs v6.00 ROMs or newer can have a display screen that shows the lights that are on the E but not the S. Each "light" is depicted with a rectangular box and a corresponding short label. 4) Rackmount modems require in addition, a RS-1600 Rack Mount System and Network Management Software (NMS). For further information about ZyXEL modems, contact your local authorized reseller, or mail server (c.f. I.2). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.3 What is the difference between the "Plus" and the regular models? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paraphrased and modified from the page 1-1 of the ZyXEL User's Manual (Revision 2.1). [page 1-1 in the on-line version]: The U-1496 "Plus" models have a faster processor and more memory. This allows the "Plus" models to have: . more advanced voice capability (CELP voice encoding) . faster speeds ZyXEL specific 19.2 kpbs (between two "Plus" modems) . external "Plus" models support a 76.8kbps DTE rate (recent external non-"Plus" modems apparently also support the higher 76.8kbps DTE rate) The basic feature, function, and operation of the "Plus" versions are the same as the normal non-"Plus" versions. Brent Mosbrook (brentm@sdsc.edu) [ZyXEL USA] explains that in the future, the Plus models will have 2 Mbit ROMs to allow room for "future enhancements". -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.4 What features does the U-1496S+ (aka U-1496+) offer? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The U-1496S+ (aka U-1496+) is ZyXEL's flagship modem. It is an external modem with a display consisting of six (6) LED lights and a two (2) line by twenty (20) character backlit LCD display. In addition to the usual features found in U-1496 "Plus" models (advanced CELP voice capability, ZyXEL-specific 19.2 kbps speed and 76.8kbps DTE rate) the U-1496S+ has the following features: . two (2) or four (4) wire leased line capability . V.33, V.29, V.27ter protocols . dial backup capability (calls backup phone number when leased line is unavailable.) . on-line conditioning monitoring [LCD display shows link option (eg., V.32bis), line speed, error control, data compression, line type (eg., dial-up), data format (eg., asynchronous), instant transmission throughput, signal to noise ratio, receiving signal level, phase jitter in received signal, frequency offset, retrains granted, retrains requested, round trip echo delay and carrier loss counts.] . capability to view the above parameters and the capability to change modem settings via four (4) arrow keys on the front panel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.5 How fast do ZyXELs communicate with other ZyXELs and other modems? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Between two ZyXELs: ZyXEL modems will communicate with each other at the highest speed that is common to both modems. This means that the "Plus" (U-1496 B+/E+/S+) and rackmount models will communicate with each other at the ZyXEL-specific speed of 19.2 kbps. Non-"Plus" models communicate with each other and with "Plus"/ rackmounts at the ZyXEL-specific speed of 16.8 kbps. Note that both the 19.2 and the 16.8 kbps speeds are full duplex protocols. The ZyCellular option is available on ALL ZyXEL modems, and is now capable of 14.4 connects using the ZyXEL-specific CELL 14.4 protocol. Again, both modems must have the ZyCellular option in order to use the CELL 14.4 protocol. Between a ZyXEL and a non-ZyXEL modem: The fastest speed that ZyXEL modems will communicate with non-ZyXEL modems is at 14.4 kbps (V.32bis). The fastest speed that ZyXEL modems will communicate with V.32terbo modems is at 14.4 kbps (V.32bis). V.32terbo modems do run at 19.2 kpbs. The modulation scheme of V.32terbo modems are separate and distinctly different from the ZyXEL 19.2 kbps implementation. Thus V.32terbo modems are *NOT* compatible with ZyXEL modems at either the ZyXEL-specific speeds of 16.8 kbps or 19.2 kbps. (Brent Mosbrook (brentm@sdsc.edu) of ZyXEL USA explained that a different bit mapping scheme was used in each modem.) The fastest speed that ZyXEL modems will communicate with USR HST/VHST modems is at 2400 baud. ZyXELs will communicate with a USR Dual Standard (DS) modem at 14.4 kbps (V.32bis). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.6 How does one get access to ZyXEL technical support? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ZyXEL, Taiwan BBS: 886-35-787045 Voice: 886-35-783942 FAX: 886-35-782439 TCL Technology Ltd, Hong Kong 302 Iuki Tower 5 O'Brien Road Wanchai Hong Kong BBS: (852) 574-6040 Voice: (852) 891-3281 FAX: (852) 891-6335 ZyXEL, USA (formerly 0/1 Networking) 4920 E. La Palma Avenue Anaheim, CA 92807 USA BBS: (714) 693-0762 Voice: (714) 693-0808 (Sales) or: (800) 255-4101 (Works in Canada) Voice: (714) 693-0808 (Tech. support) FAX: (714) 693-8811 E-Mail: sales@zyxel.com tech@zyxel.com bug-report@zyxel.com MX ENGINEERING CO.,LTD., Japan KOJIMACHI 4-3 BENIYA BLDG.8F CHIYODA-KU TOKYO 102 Voice: (03)5213-8444 Fax: (03)5213-8445 BBS: (03)5213-8445 OCOMP Optimizing COMPuters, Canada Voice: (416) 534-1508 E-Mail: George Vande Bunte (gvb@telly.on.ca) of OCOMP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.7 What are additional methods to contact ZyXEL USA technical support? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [This was originally posted by Brent Mosbrook (brentm@sdsc.edu) of ZyXEL USA technical support. It was slightly modified by me (wrob@unixg.ubc.ca).] The following information summarizes the various methods of accessing ZyXEL technical support. BBS We operate a 4-node BBS, 24 hrs a day. This provides ZyXEL users access to the latest rom binaries, Zfax updates, configuration guidelines, and software setup instructions. In addition, sysop pricing and order forms are available. You can reach the BBS by dialing 714-693-0762 Internet The site called zyxel.com has been established. Please use the following email addresses: sales@zyxel.com For information regarding pricing, availability, literature, upgrades, and sysop deals. tech@zyxel.com For installation problems, configuration questions, and general technical information. bug-report@zyxel.com For submission of bug reports (currently used for BETA versions of Zfax 3.0x). The comp.dcom.modems and comp.dcom.fax newsgroups are also monitored, and posts/replies to the newsgroups will be made when appropriate. An anonymous FTP site has also been established at ftp.sdsc.edu. ZyXEL related files are in the /pub/other/zyxel directory. The latest official roms and software here will be posted to this site. However, the FTP is not intended to replace the BBS, which has a much wider array of available files. [Currently, the zyxel.com link to the internet consists of a 24 hour SLIP connection with two U-1496S+ modems on either end of the link. Due to the bandwidth limitations, and the fact that we are converting from a dial-up to a leased line connection, ftp.sdsc.edu will continue to be the "official" ZyXEL site for rom images, and other related files.] Fidonet We maintain a node on the network, which is linked to our BBS. You can reach us at: 1:103/725 (1:202/701.101 secondary address). Users can netmail technical support questions to the above address, and they will be replied to by our staff. We monitor the comm, hs_modems, and ZyXEL echos, will post or reply when appropriate. File REQest any file on our bbs by name (wildcards accepted) OR "FILE" for files listing "FILES" for files listing "ROME" for the latest roms for the E "ROMEP" " " " " " " E Plus "ROMB" " " " " " " B "ROMBP" " " " " " " B Plus "ROMSP" " " " " " " S Plus "ROMS" " " " " " " S "ZFAX" " " " Zfax CompuServe We are on-line at CIS and can be reached as user 71333,2734. We have a forum dedicated to ZyXEL (GO ZYXEL), and will respond to any technical support related issue in e-mail. Please address any sales related to >internet:sales@zyxel.com. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.8 What are the prices for upgrading a ZyXEL? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Firmware upgrades are available for free via anonymous FTP to sites carrying ZyXEL ROM images. Users, however still need to provide their own EPROMs, EPROM burners, EPROM erasers, etc. ZyXEL USA is offering to upgrade U-1496E models to U-1496E+ models for US$150 (plus shipping). Upgrading your U-1496E to a U-1496E+ by this method will ensure that your warranty remains valid. There are reports that a U-1496E can be upgraded by users to a U-1496E+ for substantially less. This "do-it-yourself" method seems to work. It would also void your warranty. The prices for upgrading existing models to support V.34 (aka V.Fast) have been set. ZyXEL USA has announced that upgrades to V.34 (aka V.Fast) will cost US$249 for U-1496E+/B+ models and US$299 for U-1496E/B/S/S+ models. Owners will ship the modem back to ZyXEL USA, where the motherboard will be replaced. Please note that the prices listed above reflect the ceiling for the upgrade. The modem is still being designed, and until that is completed (as well as finalization of V.34), exact pricing will not be known. It is possible (although not promised) that the price could go down. The V.34 upgrade will be available pending the finalization of the V.34 standard (estimated realistically in June 1994). The offer/pricing mentioned above is valid for the U.S. and Canada only. Other distributors in other countries may offer the same or similar deals, but that is up to each distributor. Contacting your local distributor for more information. All pricing listed above is for non-sysops. BBS sysops may have a discount. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.9 What is the warranty on a ZyXEL? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All ZyXELs come with a two year parts and labour warranty. ZyXEL USA has decided to extend the warranty an extra three years. Thus a ZyXEL USA modem has a five year parts and labour warranty. This warranty allows the user to install and change the ROMs on the modem. Other hardware modifications such as the upgrading of the ROM socket, the installation of a capacitor for Caller-ID, and other modifications that ZyXEL USA performs MAY keep the warranty intact. The basic philosophy regarding user-modifications seems to be that as long as the modification is PROPERLY performed, the warranty will be honoured. (Burn marks, large holes, etc., would likely void the warranty.) Specific questions regarding hardware modifications and the effects to the warranty should be e-mailed directly to ZyXEL USA. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.10 What features will be in the next generation ZyXEL modems? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next generation of ZyXEL modems will be available pending the finalization of the V.34 protocol. This is expected to be sometime around June 1994. The feature set appears of the new modems appear to be: . The V.34 protocol for faster data transmission speeds. . A higher DTE speed of 230 kbits/sec DTE speed for the V.34 protocol. . flash EPROMs, to allow easier ROM upgrades. Downloaded ROM images would be installed by running a program on the host computer. The program would write the images onto the flash EPROMs. . Class 2.0 fax (note the ".0" part), for better interoperativity with Class 2.0 fax software running in multitasking operating systems such as NeXTstep. . Error Correcting Mode (ECM) will be implemented for faxing. Thus ECM will be a form of fax "verification" and it will lower the chance of line noise corrupting part of a fax transmission. ================================================================================ -- Robert Wong Jr. 1921 East 61st Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V5P 2K2, (604) 322-6918 wrob@unixg.ubc.ca Keeper of the ZyXEL FAQ and Head of the UBC-NeXT Users Group Standard disclaimers apply. -- Robert W. Wong Jr. wrob@unixg.ubc.ca (ASCII only) Crasher of Automated Banking Machines, Keeper of the ZyXEL modem FAQ, University of British Columbia NeXT Users Group Leader and collector of titles.