The DeskPorte FAST and DeskPorte FAST+ are compliant with the new ITU-T V.34 standard. This standard makes communications possible at data rates of 28,800 bps with throughput rates of 115,200 bps using V.42bis data compression.
THE PARALLEL PORT SOLUTION
Microcom is the first modem manufacturer to offer the parallel port
interface solution.
The DeskPorte FAST modem series supports the standard serial port interface as well as Microcom's revolutionary parallel port interface. Parallel port operations utilize Microcom Windows drivers (included with each modem) loaded on the PC. Users can choose either serial or parallel port operation with minimal set up.
The parallel port interface optimizes the performance of Windows communications applications, where most PC serial ports are limited to throughput rates of 19,200 bps. These PCs can be upgraded to the 16550 UART to support throughputs of 38,400 bps. But to deliver true V.34 throughput, PCs must be retrofitted with high-speed accelerator cards. Therefore, most V.34 modems on the market today have a hidden cost associated with high speeds. And, notebook computers cannot be retrofitted at all!
Microcom's parallel port drivers reroute the data stream through the PC's high-speed parallel port. The parallel port driver is designed to support all third party Windows communications products, including Carbon Copy (TM), CrossTalk, pcAnywhere, Procomm, WinFax Pro, FaxWorks and others. As a result, the DeskPorte FAST and DeskPorte FAST+ provide 300,000 bps performance without costly PC serial port retrofits. And you can have 300,000 bps on your notebook computer too!
COMPATIBILITY WITH NON-V.34 MODEMS
The DeskPorte FAST modem series supports data communications
with non-V.34 modems, including ITU-T V.32bis,
V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.21, Bell 212A and Bell 103, thus maintaining
compatibility with the installed base of lower speed
modems. During the initial link negotiation, the modem recognizes
the highest modulation speed the non-V.34 modem
will allow, and connects at that speed.
Microcom's V.34 modems also support Rockwell's V.Fast Class (V.FC)
technology. This enables Microcom's V.34
modems to maintain backwards compatibility with the large installed
base of V.FC modems, many of which may not be
upgraded to V.34. In addition, if the user has remote as well as
central site 28,800 bps modems, it is only necessary to
upgrade the central site modems to V.34 to ensure compatibility.
The DeskPorte FAST modem series supports MNP 10 (Microcom Networking Protocol Class 10), the de facto standard protocol for high-performance data communications. MNP 10 allows modem users to get connected, stay connected and achieve the highest throughput rates under all line conditions, including noisy land lines as well as cellular links. First, MNP 10 ensures a dialup connection is established even under the harshest transmission conditions. Second, MNP 10 automatically adapts data packet size and modem transmission speed in response to prevailing line conditions. By continuously optimizing throughput, MNP 10 reduces connect time, resulting in substantial telephone savings and increased user productivity.
FLASH MEMORY
Both modems are also designed with flash downloadable memory so
software upgrades and enhancements can be
downloaded via floppy disk or the Microcom BBS. Flash memory
allows users to keep their modems up-to-date and
protect their investment without costly hardware upgrades.
LCD DISPLAY INCREASES EASE OF USE
Combined with five front-mounted LEDs, the DeskPorte FAST modem
series' LCD provides users with real-time
information on modem operations, including Operating Speeds, MNP
Operations, Off Hook, Ring, Connection, Fax
Operations, Compression Rate, Carrier Detect (CD), Data Terminal
Ready (DTR), Transmit Data (TXD) and Receive Data (RXD).
SECURITY FEATURES
The DeskPorte FAST modem series features two layers of security to
help protect PC and network resources from
unauthorized access:
Dial Access Security offers three types of security: pass through, fixed callback and/or variable callback. Upon connection, the caller is prompted for a valid user ID and password. If a match is found in the Dial Access Security database, the caller is either passed through for immediate access, called back at a fixed location, or called back at the number requested. This feature provides a built-in security database for up to 40 users.
Enhanced Password Connection Security (PCS(TM)) allows up to 50 encrypted passwords to be stored in the modem. Any one of the 50 passwords can then be verified at link negotiation, providing link security for the network manager and seamless operation for the user.
REMOTE CONFIGURATION
The DeskPorte FAST modem series allows you to change the security
levels, password profiles or configurations of the
modems from a distance and through any other modem. This allows
a central site manager to change remote users'
modem configurations without having the modems returned or
making time-consuming field support calls. Configurations
are password protected to prevent tampering.
V.25bis
Both modems support synchronous and asynchronous ITU-T V.25bis
for special host dialing/response applications.
AUTO-LOGON
The modems also offer a flexible scripting language which allows you
to customize and automate security logon
procedures, enhancing ease of use, flexibility and convenience for
the remote user.
UUCP AND KERMIT SPOOFING
The DeskPorte FAST modem series increase throughputs when
operating in UNIX and when performing Kermit file
transfers by optimizing protocol handling during a call.
AUTOMATIC REDIAL ON LOSS OF CARRIER
Both modems automatically redial and restore a dial connection lost
due to poor phone conditions, eliminating the need to
restart an aborted file transfer.
LEASED LINE
While both modems support two-wire leased line operations, the
DeskPorte FAST+ also supports-four wire leased line
applications with two-wire dial backup capabilities. If the leased line
no longer supports data communications, the modem
will automatically switch to the two-wire dial backup line. This
automatic dial backup capability provides fail-safe connections
for crucial data transfers, including mission-critical and real-time
applications.
AUTOMATIC LEASED LINE RESTORAL
In the event the leased line does fail and the dial backup line is in
use, the modem will periodically sample the leased line to
determine whether it has returned to a state sufficient for data
transfer. Once conditions have improved enough to drop
the dial backup connection, the DeskPorte FAST+ will automatically
restore leased line communications so that the user is
not paying for two connections longer than necessary.
WHY THE DESKPORTE FAST?
With the DeskPorte FAST modem series, we are combining
Microcom's 12 years of data communications experience and
latest technology to provide you with the fastest speeds and most
reliable connectivity at the lowest cost. With V.34
speeds and MNP 10 reliability, the DeskPorte FAST and DeskPorte
FAST+ place users into a more productive
environment while cutting annual dial charges. With the parallel
port interface, both modems provide 300,000 bps in a
Windows communications environment without the hidden costs
associated with upgrading PCs.