Intel Intros Gigabit Ethernet Modem

Intel is famous for its CPUs, but it dabbles in other technologies, like network modems, and it is precisely one such product that we are writing about now.

During the Cable Show, the Santa Clara, California-based IT giant revealed a DOCSIS 3.0 gateway, or cable modem as the term goes. It is codenamed Puma 6, like all DOCSIS 3.0 products, and will let Internet cable providers allow their customers faster web data transfers. By that we mean that downloads will attain 1 Gbps rates and upstream bandwidth of up to 240 Mbps, depending on how channel bonding is configured by the cable service company.

Eight channels are needed for the maximum upload speed and 24 for maximum download rates. Unfortunately, consumers we'll have to wait quite a while before starting to feel the benefit of 1 Gbps modems. One reason for this is that cable Internet providers are naturally slow in upgrading their infrastructure. The other reason is that Intel does not expect to have the DOCSIS 3.0 Puma 6 products out before next year (2013) and, even then, only one company will benefit, as part of a test run of sorts, in Korea (SKbroadband).

“SKbroadband is proud to lead the world in piloting a 1 gigabit Internet experience,” said Dae Chul Noh, team leader of SKbroadband’s Network Division. “Our customers use these lightning-fast Internet speeds for high-definition TV, multi-player gaming, video conferencing and more.” HD video content and large application downloads are the major driving forces behind the transition to faster web connections. High-speed network cards in consumer PCs help, but they can't really push data transfers above what the provider's hardware can cope with.

“We continue to lead in DOCSIS technology, and are now providing cable gateway solutions with 1Gbps capability,” said Alan Crouch, general manager of Intel’s Service Provider Division. “Service providers can now deliver on consumer demands for higher broadband speeds, supporting a proliferation of new devices, services and experiences.”

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