The 56 kbit/s modem is a highly specialised device, targeted at a particular network configuration and a particular application. It is a product of the present-day telephone system: without the digital backbone, it would not be possible; without the analogue line, it would not be needed. It is also a product of the Internet access market, whose growth has funded its development.
The battle between X2 and K56flex is all about market share. The winners will be able to make large profits on the back of dial-in access. The conflict is not between the two technologies, however. The manufacturers are concerned with increasing their market share, and will use whichever system will further their cause. The creation of an ITU standard will not help in this aim: product differentiation will become more difficult as all the manufacturers compete in a single market. As a result, companies are pushing hard to make sales now and gain a dominant position before the standard is agreed.
It would appear that the 56 kbit/s modem will offer the highest possible data rate to most home users for some time to come. None of the products currently on the market are perfect, but this is a common occurance when a new system is introduced. Work is continuing to improve the signal processing software, with most manufacturers regularly posting updates on their web sites. Before long, the new modems should be able to earn their 56 kbit/s name.
If you have any comments on this article, or queries about the technologies described, please do not hesitate to contact me. Should the volume of questions seem to suggest that further explanation is needed, I shall collate my responses and produce another article. I may be contacted either through Archive, or by email.
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