Efficient debuts new DSL CPE

Efficient Networks today launched a new series of customer premises equipment including an Ethernet DSL modem, a combination Ethernet/USB modem, a four-port Ethernet DSL router and four-port Ethernet/USB DSL router.

The new routers in particular are part of Efficient’s efforts to increase penetration into the small office/home office market, which has been adopting DSL quickly, but isn’t necessarily helping DSL’s image.

“DSL in particular got banged up just from the perspective that it didn’t take off,” said Patrick Fitzgerald, director of product marketing for Efficient Networks' Client Access Group.

New hardware features on the four-port products include switched 10/100 Ethernet ports. The product line also includes new software that allows service providers to upgrade modems from a simple bridge device to a point-to-point-over-Ethernet bridge or full SOHO router.

Efficient also has maintained the same external look with the new products, something that was intentionally done, Fitzgerald said.

“If you begin to change form factors for the bridge or the router, the LED status can change,” he said. “We wanted to make is consistent throughout the whole line.”

– Vince Vittore, Executive News Editor