Dual push for cable connection

3Com and Cisco are working separately to increase data transfer speed.

Analog modems are being left in the starting blocks by high-speedpeed. cable modems, according to 3Com and Cisco.

3Com's cable access system, which is being targeted at consumers as well as businesses, can achieve internet access up to 100 times faster than analog modems and can cope with video-conferencing and IP telephony.

The system's components include 3Com's Total Control Cable Modem Termination system (CMTS) and its network management software. Its modular architecture de-couples upstream and downstream access cards, allowing it to support two-way and one-way modems from one chassis.

European, Asian and US cable operators are poised to deploy 3Com's offering.

It is already in use in Argentina, Canada, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Spain. No UK operators have announced plans to use the system, but the cable access components are available in the UK.

Zia Daniell, a telecoms analyst at Jupiter Research, predicted the modems would do better in the consumer than the businesses market. "In the consumer market we expect cable will outpace digital subscriber line by a ratio of two to one in the next five years," she said.

Cisco is sharing IP technologies with Spanish communications device specialist Teldat. The two companies aim to develop cable modems for carriers who want to offer internet access, IP telephony and data services for small office and home users. Its first product, made specifically for southern Europe, won't be available until early next year. Cisco hopes to sign similar deals in northern Europe.