V.Fast Vs. V.32terbo

Modem Suppliers Support Forthcoming V.FAST Standard

SUNRISE, FL. -- Racal-Datacom and several other leading modem manufacturers
announce their continuing support for the forthcoming "V.Fast" standard
and the formation of an industry Interoperability Forum for V.Fast-type
dial modems at speeds up to 28,800 bits per second. The group rejects an
interim "V.32terbo" specification being circulated by some vendors.

"We believe the evolving high-speed V.Fast standard under discussion by
CCITT (Consultative Committee International for Telegraphy and Telephony)
serves the best interests of the data communications industry and our
users," said Julio Siberio. RacalDatacom's vice president of Analog
Products. "Now is not the time to offer a modification of the existing
V.32bis when we are nearing the adoption, probably in 1993, of a new,
globally accepted, new standard for high-speed modem operations."

Taking note of the exploding demand for high-speed dial modem technology in
such applications as facsimile transmission, LAN interconnectivity and
videophones, the group expressed its belief that the V.Fast standard now
being developed by CCITT will provide users with the best feasible
performance as early as possible. The cooperative activities announced
today are in support of that goal.

Members of the group make the following specific points:

1. The CCITT V.Fast standard is expected to become firm during 1993. V.Fast
will be a true international standard, available to all. In contrast,
"V.32terbo" is not a CCITT standard but simply embodies a proprietary
modulation technique for 19,200 bps which apparently is supported by a few
vendors.

2. The CCITT V.Fast standard, when it is finalized, will allow transmission
of data at rates up to 28,800 bps, doubling the current top speed of
14,400 bps (CCITT's V.32bis standard). In contrast, "V.32terbo" will go up
to only 19,200 bps. At the 19,200 rate, V.Fast will provide about 6 dB (a
factor of four) more noise margin than V.32terbo. This is because
V.32terbo uses V.32 technology (dating from 1984), whereas V.Fast uses the
latest high-speed modem technologies. V.32terbo modems will in general not
be upgradeable to be compatible with V.Fast.

3. While an upgrade from 14,400 to 19,200 bps may satisfy some specific
applications and might have made sense several years ago, there seems
little point in a general offering of such an interim upgrade now when a
substantially superior standard will be available in about a year.

INTEROPERABILITY FORUM FORMED

The manufacturers announced the formation of an Interoperability Forum.
Many of these manufacturers have V.Fast-type modems either announced or in
the laboratory. The purposes of the Interoperability Forum will be:

1. To verify the performance of early implementations of the modem
technologies that are being included in V.Fast.

2. To provide data and recommendations to the CCITT V.Fast Rapporteur Group
which is developing the V.Fast standard, so as to ensure completion of a
firm V.Fast draft recommendation in 1993.

3. As the V.Fast standard becomes firm, to ensure compatibility between
V.Fast modems built by different manufacturers.

Racal-Datacom announced in late 1992 its software downloadable ALM 3239
standalone and ALM 3268 dual density central site card, operating in
transmission speeds up to 21,600 bps in point-to-point two/four wire
leased line or dial applications. Both will be compatible, if not
compliant, with the new CCITT V.Fast standard when it is issued. The
company anticipates CCITT issuance of the actual standard now nicknamed
V.Fast to be during 1994, if not 1993.

Racal-Datacom is a leading independent provider of data communications
products, systems and services designed to meet the business objectives of
corporations and government organizations. The company is represented in
more than 80 nations, and offers solutions for the implementation,
integration, management and support of enterprise networks from the desk
top through local area and wide area networks. RacalDatacom offers the
broadest range of LAN/WAN products in the industry. all managed by a
single network management system and all supported by a full range of
network services. The company reported revenues of more than $606 million
for the fiscal year 1992.

Racal-Datacomm, 1601 N. Harrison Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323-2899
Mailing Address: PO Box 40744, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33340-7044
305-846-1601;  Fax: 305-846-3935

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