Internet Info 1994 March/Internet Info CD-ROM (Walnut Creek) (March 1994).iso/answers/comp/modems/ZyXEL/FAQ/part2

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From: [e-mail] (Robert Wong)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems,comp.dcom.fax,comp.answers,news.answers
Subject: ZyXEL modem FAQ List v3.6, Feb 28 1994, Part 2 of 5 [FAQ]
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Summary: Contains common questions often asked of/about ZyXEL modems.
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Archive-name: modems/ZyXEL/FAQ/part2
Last-modified: 1993/12/20
Version: 3.6
Posting-frequency:  monthly;the third Monday of every month



                             ZyXEL Modems
                           Frequently Asked
                            Questions List

                              Version 3.5

                    Archived at: rtfm.mit.edu in
         /pub/usenet/news.answers/modems/ZyXEL/FAQ/part[1-5]

           Please mail any additions to: [e-mail]


=================
Table of Contents
=================

Q.      Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1     What is the proper pronunciation of "ZyXEL"?
Q.2     What is a "ZyXEL"?
Q.3     What is the difference between the "Plus" and the regular models?
Q.4     What features does the U-1496S+ (aka U-1496+) offer?
Q.5     How fast do ZyXELs communicate with other ZyXELs and with other modems?
Q.6     How does one get access to ZyXEL technical support?
Q.7     What are additional methods to contact ZyXEL USA technical support?
Q.8     What are the prices for upgrading a ZyXEL?
Q.9     What is the warranty on a ZyXEL?
Q.10    What features will be in the next generation ZyXEL modems?


================================================================================
Q       Frequently Asked Questions
================================================================================

Q.1     What is the proper pronunciation of "ZyXEL"?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The proper pronunciation of "ZyXEL" is apparently "Zai-sell".  Note the "Zai"
rhymes with "buy".


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.2     What is a "ZyXEL"?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ZyXEL is the name of a modem manufacturer.  Thus a "ZyXEL" is a brand of
modem.  They manufacture a series of fast, feature-packed faxmodems that
operate on multiple platforms.  The following chart will serve to quickly
explain the product line:

Model           Type                    Display                 Data Speed
-----           ----                    -------                 ----------

U-1496B         Internal (PC bus)       none                    16.8 ZyX
U-1496B+        Internal (PC bus)       none                    19.2/16.8 ZyX

U-1496E         External                12 LED lights           16.8 ZyX
U-1496E+        External                12 LED lights           19.2/16.8 ZyX

U-1496          External                20 x 2 LCD display &    16.8 ZyX &
aka U-1496S                              6 LED lights           Leased Line

U-1496+         External                20 x 2 LCD display &    19.2/16.8 ZyX &
aka U-1496S+                             6 LED lights           Leased Line

U-1496R         Rackmount               15 LED lights           19.2/16.8 ZyX

U-1496RN        Rackmount               15 LED lights           19.2/16.8ZyX &
                                                                Leased Line

U-1496P         Portable                1 LED light              16.8ZyX/14.4Cell

ZyCellular      Avail. on all           N/A                     Cell 14.4
Option          models


Notes:  1) The U-1496, aka the U-1496S is no longer manufactured.
        2) Aside from nomenclature, the U-1496 is *exactly* the same as the
           U-1496S; the U-1496+ is *exactly* the same as the U-1496S+.
    3) U-1496S/S+ models with ROMs v6.00 ROMs or newer can have a
       display screen that shows the lights that are on the E but not
       the S.  Each "light" is depicted with a rectangular box and a
       corresponding short label.
        4) Rackmount modems require in addition, a RS-1600 Rack Mount System
       and Network Management Software (NMS).

For further information about ZyXEL modems, contact your local authorized
reseller, or mail server (c.f. I.2).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.3     What is the difference between the "Plus" and the regular models?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paraphrased and modified from the page 1-1 of the ZyXEL User's Manual
(Revision 2.1).  [page 1-1 in the on-line version]:

The U-1496 "Plus" models have a faster processor and more memory.  This allows
the "Plus" models to have:
. more advanced voice capability (CELP voice encoding)
. faster speeds ZyXEL specific 19.2 kpbs (between two "Plus" modems)
. external "Plus" models support a 76.8kbps DTE rate (recent external
  non-"Plus" modems apparently also support the higher 76.8kbps DTE rate)

The basic feature, function, and operation of the "Plus" versions are the same
as the normal non-"Plus" versions.

Brent Mosbrook ([e-mail]) [ZyXEL USA] explains that in the future, the
Plus models will have 2 Mbit ROMs to allow room for "future enhancements".


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.4     What features does the U-1496S+ (aka U-1496+) offer?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The U-1496S+ (aka U-1496+) is ZyXEL's flagship modem.  It is an external modem
with a display consisting of six (6) LED lights and a two (2) line by twenty
(20) character backlit LCD display.

In addition to the usual features found in U-1496 "Plus" models (advanced CELP
voice capability, ZyXEL-specific 19.2 kbps speed and 76.8kbps DTE rate) the
U-1496S+ has the following features:
. two (2) or four (4) wire leased line capability
. V.33, V.29, V.27ter protocols
. dial backup capability (calls backup phone number when leased line is
  unavailable.)
. on-line conditioning monitoring [LCD display shows link option (eg.,
  V.32bis), line speed, error control, data compression, line type (eg.,
  dial-up), data format (eg., asynchronous), instant transmission throughput,
  signal to noise ratio, receiving signal level, phase jitter in received
  signal, frequency offset, retrains granted, retrains requested, round trip
  echo delay and carrier loss counts.]
. capability to view the above parameters and the capability to change modem
  settings via four (4) arrow keys on the front panel.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.5     How fast do ZyXELs communicate with other ZyXELs and other modems?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Between two ZyXELs:

ZyXEL modems will communicate with each other at the highest speed that is
common to both modems.  This means that the "Plus" (U-1496 B+/E+/S+) and
rackmount models will communicate with each other at the ZyXEL-specific speed
of 19.2 kbps.  Non-"Plus" models communicate with each other and with "Plus"/
rackmounts at the ZyXEL-specific speed of 16.8 kbps.  Note that both the
19.2 and the 16.8 kbps speeds are full duplex protocols.

The ZyCellular option is available on ALL ZyXEL modems, and is now capable
of 14.4 connects using the ZyXEL-specific CELL 14.4 protocol.  Again, both
modems must have the ZyCellular option in order to use the CELL 14.4 protocol.


Between a ZyXEL and a non-ZyXEL modem:

The fastest speed that ZyXEL modems will communicate with non-ZyXEL modems
is at 14.4 kbps (V.32bis).

The fastest speed that ZyXEL modems will communicate with V.32terbo modems is
at 14.4 kbps (V.32bis).  V.32terbo modems do run at 19.2 kpbs.  The modulation
scheme of V.32terbo modems are separate and distinctly different from the
ZyXEL 19.2 kbps implementation.  Thus V.32terbo modems are *NOT* compatible
with ZyXEL modems at either the ZyXEL-specific speeds of 16.8 kbps or 19.2
kbps.  (Brent Mosbrook ([e-mail]) of ZyXEL USA explained that a different
bit mapping scheme was used in each modem.)

The fastest speed that ZyXEL modems will communicate with USR HST/VHST modems
is at 2400 baud.  ZyXELs will communicate with a USR Dual Standard (DS) modem
at 14.4 kbps (V.32bis).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.6     How does one get access to ZyXEL technical support?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ZyXEL, Taiwan
        BBS:   886-35-787045
        Voice: 886-35-783942
        FAX:   [phone]

TCL Technology Ltd, Hong Kong
    302 Iuki Tower
        5 O'Brien Road
        Wanchai
        Hong Kong
        BBS:   [phone]
        Voice: [phone]
        FAX:   [phone]

ZyXEL, USA (formerly 0/1 Networking)
        4920 E. La Palma Avenue
        Anaheim, CA 92807
        USA
        BBS:   [phone]
        Voice: [phone] (Sales)
           or: [phone] (Works in Canada)
        Voice: [phone] (Tech. support)
        FAX:   [phone]
        E-Mail: [e-mail]
        [e-mail]
        [e-mail]

MX ENGINEERING CO.,LTD., Japan
    KOJIMACHI 4-3 BENIYA BLDG.8F
    CHIYODA-KU TOKYO 102
    Voice:    [phone]
    Fax:    [phone]
    BBS:    [phone]

OCOMP Optimizing COMPuters, Canada
        Voice: [phone]
        E-Mail: George Vande Bunte ([e-mail]) of OCOMP


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.7     What are additional methods to contact ZyXEL USA technical support?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[This was originally posted by Brent Mosbrook ([e-mail]) of ZyXEL
USA technical support.  It was slightly modified by me ([e-mail]).]

The following information summarizes the various methods of accessing ZyXEL
technical support.

BBS       We operate a 4-node BBS, 24 hrs a day.  This provides ZyXEL
          users access to the latest rom binaries, Zfax updates,
          configuration guidelines, and software setup instructions.
          In addition, sysop pricing and order forms are available.
          You can reach the BBS by dialing 714-693-0762

Internet  The site called zyxel.com has been established.  Please use the
      following email addresses:

      [e-mail]    For information regarding pricing,
                  availability, literature, upgrades, and sysop
                deals.

      [e-mail]    For installation problems, configuration
                  questions, and general technical information.

      [e-mail]    For submission of bug reports (currently used
                  for BETA versions of Zfax 3.0x).


      The comp.dcom.modems and comp.dcom.fax newsgroups are also
      monitored, and posts/replies to the newsgroups will be made when
      appropriate.

          An anonymous FTP site has also been established at ftp.sdsc.edu.
      ZyXEL related files are in the /pub/other/zyxel directory.  The
      latest official roms and software here will be posted to this site.
      However, the FTP is not intended to replace the BBS, which has a
      much wider array of available files.

      [Currently, the zyxel.com link to the internet consists of a
      24 hour SLIP connection with two U-1496S+ modems on either end of
      the link.  Due to the bandwidth limitations, and the fact that we
      are converting from a dial-up to a leased line connection,
      ftp.sdsc.edu will continue to be the "official" ZyXEL site for
      rom images, and other related files.]


Fidonet   We maintain a node on the network, which is linked to our
          BBS.  You can reach us at: 1:103/725 (1:202/701.101
          secondary address).  Users can netmail technical support
          questions to the above address, and they will be replied to
          by our staff.  We monitor the comm, hs_modems, and ZyXEL
          echos, will post or reply when appropriate.

          File REQest any file on our bbs by name (wildcards
          accepted)

          OR

          "FILE" for files listing
          "FILES" for files listing
          "ROME"  for the latest roms for the E
          "ROMEP"  "   "    "      "   "   "  E Plus
          "ROMB"   "   "    "      "   "   "  B
          "ROMBP"  "   "    "      "   "   "  B Plus
          "ROMSP"  "   "    "      "   "   "  S Plus
          "ROMS"   "   "    "      "   "   "  S
          "ZFAX"   "   "    "    Zfax

CompuServe     We are on-line at CIS and can be reached as user
               71333,2734.  We have a forum dedicated to ZyXEL
               (GO ZYXEL), and will respond to any technical
               support related issue in e-mail. Please address
               any sales related to >internet:[e-mail].


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.8     What are the prices for upgrading a ZyXEL?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Firmware upgrades are available for free via anonymous FTP to sites
carrying ZyXEL ROM images.  Users, however still need to provide their
own EPROMs, EPROM burners, EPROM erasers, etc.

ZyXEL USA is offering to upgrade U-1496E models to U-1496E+ models for
US$150 (plus shipping).  Upgrading your U-1496E to a U-1496E+ by this
method will ensure that your warranty remains valid.

There are reports that a U-1496E can be upgraded by users to a U-1496E+
for substantially less.  This "do-it-yourself" method seems to work.
It would also void your warranty.

The prices for upgrading existing models to support V.34 (aka V.Fast)
have been set.  ZyXEL USA has announced that upgrades to V.34 (aka V.Fast)
will cost US$249 for U-1496E+/B+ models and US$299 for U-1496E/B/S/S+ models.
Owners will ship the modem back to ZyXEL USA, where the motherboard will
be replaced.

Please note that the prices listed above reflect the ceiling for the
upgrade.  The modem is still being designed, and until that is completed
(as well as finalization of V.34), exact pricing will not be known.  It
is possible (although not promised) that the price could go down.

The V.34 upgrade will be available pending the finalization of the V.34
standard (estimated realistically in June 1994).

The offer/pricing mentioned above is valid for the U.S. and Canada only.
Other distributors in other countries may offer the same or similar deals,
but that is up to each distributor.  Contacting your local distributor for
more information.

All pricing listed above is for non-sysops.  BBS sysops may have a discount.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.9     What is the warranty on a ZyXEL?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All ZyXELs come with a two year parts and labour warranty.  ZyXEL USA has
decided to extend the warranty an extra three years.  Thus a ZyXEL USA
modem has a five year parts and labour warranty.

This warranty allows the user to install and change the ROMs on the modem.

Other hardware modifications such as the upgrading of the ROM socket,
the installation of a capacitor for Caller-ID, and other modifications
that ZyXEL USA performs MAY keep the warranty intact.  The basic
philosophy regarding user-modifications seems to be that as long as
the modification is PROPERLY performed, the warranty will be honoured.
(Burn marks, large holes, etc., would likely void the warranty.)

Specific questions regarding hardware modifications and the effects to
the warranty should be e-mailed directly to ZyXEL USA.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.10    What features will be in the next generation ZyXEL modems?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next generation of ZyXEL modems will be available pending the finalization
of the V.34 protocol.  This is expected to be sometime around June 1994.  The
feature set appears of the new modems appear to be:
    . The V.34 protocol for faster data transmission speeds.
    . A higher DTE speed of 230 kbits/sec DTE speed for the V.34 protocol.
    . flash EPROMs, to allow easier ROM upgrades.  Downloaded ROM images
      would be installed by running a program on the host computer.  The
      program would write the images onto the flash EPROMs.
    . Class 2.0 fax (note the ".0" part), for better interoperativity with
      Class 2.0 fax software running in multitasking operating systems
      such as NeXTstep.
    . Error Correcting Mode (ECM) will be implemented for faxing.  Thus
      ECM will be a form of fax "verification" and it will lower the
      chance of line noise corrupting part of a fax transmission.
================================================================================
--
Robert Wong Jr.
1921 East 61st Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V5P 2K2, [phone]
[e-mail]
Keeper of the ZyXEL FAQ and Head of the UBC-NeXT Users Group
Standard disclaimers apply.




--
Robert W. Wong Jr.                     [e-mail] (ASCII only)
Crasher of Automated Banking Machines, Keeper of the ZyXEL modem FAQ,
University of British Columbia NeXT Users Group Leader and
collector of titles.