Full details on new ntl:home cable modem

Published Sunday, Mar 24 2002, 00:45 GMT | By James Welsh

Cable giant ntl:home is set to provide its own-branded cable modem for its broadband internet service, in "original" ntl:home areas.

The cable modem, which is manufactured by Ambit Microsystems, will replace supplies of the Terayon model currently being shipped to customers. The move represents a cost saving to the operator in excess of 50%.

The modem, as shown above, prominently displays the "ntl:home broadband internet" brand. It complies with DOCSIS 1.0, and like the current Terayon model, is DOCSIS 1.1 "ready". DOCSIS, which stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, defines standards for cable modems and the equipment they connect to.

Seven lights on the front of the modem provide a diagnostic function:

Power
USB - lights up when a USB cable is connected to the modem. Blinks during modem to PC communication
ENET - lit when the modem is connected to a device via Ethernet. Blinks during modem to PC communication
U/S - Blinks during activity upstream from the modem to the local ntl:home UBR
D/S - similar to upstream light, instead indicating status of downstream connection between modem and UBR
SYNC - indicates status of downstream connection between modem and UBR
RDY - blinks during establishment of connection and during the registration process; fully lit during normal operation

The new modems will commence rollout shortly. Discussion continues in our Internet and Telecommunications forum, here on Digital Spy.