From: swinokur@pbs.org
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Re: Questions about ZyXEL U-1496x (and others, USR).
Date: 22 Jul 92 14:34:59 EDT
Distribution: world
Organization: PBS:Public Broadcasting Service, Alexandria, VA

     In article <clemon.08go@lemsys.UUCP>, clemon@lemsys.UUCP (Craig Lemon VE3XCL) writes:
>         I've begun the laborous task of high speed modem shopping.  Right
> now I'm looking at a ZyXEL U-1496S/E and a USR V.32bis or DS.  I can't say
> that money is no object, but I'm not obsessed with the cost : I'd rather
> have a good modem than an extra $50-$100 in my pocket.  I'm intrigued by
> the ZyXEL with it's LCD display, the many different standards it supports,
> it's FAX capabilities and the fact that ROM upgrades are released and you
> may burn them yourselves.  The USR offers the dual standard approach as
> well as a (to me anyways) rumor of an upgrade path to V.fast, which is a
> big factor for me.  BTW, could someone PLEASE mail me the USR announcement
> re: V.fast.  I still haven't seen it yet.
> 
>         I have a couple of direct questions concerning some fuzzy areas I
> have re: the ZyXEL modems...
> 
>         o Do the ZyXEL modems retrain up in speed as well as down to follow
> line conditions (ala ASL from USR), or do they only slow down when
> conditions get bad and a redial is necessary to bring full speed back
> online?
> 
>         o The Questor Project (and someone else) has mentioned that ZyXEL
> now supports a 16.8k standard.  Can someone give me more information on
> this.  Is this a ZyXEL<->ZyXEL hack similar to USR's 16.8k HST protocol
> only full duplex?
> 
>         o Do you remove the EPROMs, erase and burn with an external
> programmer (assumed) or does the modem actually utilize EEPROM and burn the
> new software on its own in a special mode (I heard this through the
> grapevine and I just want it cleared up)?
> 
>         o Are the ZyXEL modems capable of V.FAST if the firmware is written
> to support it?  Of course, throughput will be limited to 76.8kbps by the
> DTE rate.
> 
>        And now some general questions... (oh boy!)
> 
>         o Are there any advantages/disadvantages anyone has to share
> concerning either brand (aside from the HST dual standard issue)?
> 
>         o How reliable are ZyXEL modems in comparison?  Manufacturer
> support?
> 
>         o Are there any known brands that either modem is known to have
> problems establishing a connection with?
> 
> 
>         I do read comp.dcom.modems but for the last part of the school year
> I'm afraid that most of the articles simply expired, that may be why I may
> have missed some of these comments or announcements.  I do read the group
> continuously and articles are only left unread if a full disk accident
> occurs and everything gets thrown out (not good :-).  You can email or
> post, it's your perogative.  Thanks in advance, you high-speeders! :-)
> 
> --
>  Craig Lemon VE3XCL - Kitchener, Ontario. Amiga B2000  OS 2.04  UUCPv1.15D.
>  +1 519 741 0297    +1 519 578 7817              |
>  clemon@lemsys.UUCP clemon%lemsys@xenitec.on.ca  | 
>  IP/Packet: ve3xcl@ve3xcl.ampr.org [44.135.84.51]| 

Craig, I've had a Zyxel since December. LCD Model. Yes, it retrains up and
down. You must remove the eproms and put them in a programmer after 
erasing them with a prom eraser. I do it and it's no problem. The 16.8k
speed is proprietary Zyxel to Zyxel. That speed is still in beta as far
as the roms go. I download the code from their BBS and burn my own proms.
Tech support is absolutely fantastic. Fax works very well. Zyxel will not
commit to whether the modem will do V.fast or not, as the spec is still
to tentative. I believe it will with an upgrade of some sort. I don't
know if it will be a field upgrade a la USR or a return to the factory. 
The Zyxel uses a 68000 series microprocessor. I have never had a connect
problem with any modem I've called. Mainly USR's and Hayes V32bis but
some v22bis jobs too. I'm very satisfied. About 6 other people who have bought the modem
the modem that I know are equally impressed. Take it out of the box and plug
it in. That's it.
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems