SMC's New ADSL2+ Modem Routers Add Features and Reduce Cost; ADSL2+, Performance Enhancement and QoS Added in New Two- and Four-Port Modem Routers.

IRVINE, Calif. -- SMC(R) Networks (www.smc.com) today announced the launch of three new ADSL2+ Barricade(TM) Modem Routers: the SMC7901BRA2, with one Ethernet and one USB port; the SMC7904BRA2 with four Ethernet ports; and the SMC7904WBRA2 with four Ethernet ports and 802.11g wireless capability. All three modem routers deliver support for the new ADSL2+ technology, and incorporate leading-edge performance and quality of service features. The three ADSL2+ modem routers are available now to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) at MSRPs of $59.99, $69.99 and $99.99, respectively.

Based on a new chip set, the SMC ADSL2+ Barricade(TM) routers combine an ADSL2/2+ modem, router, a one-Ethernet/one USB port or a 4-port 10/100 LAN switch, and an SPI Firewall with ample support for key service provisioning and end user requirements. And, the SMC7904WBRA2 adds 802.11g wireless access to the capabilities list, for cable-free connectivity.

"These new Barricade routers are enhanced to excel with higher-bandwidth applications like VoIP, with support for the new ADSL2+ services and quality of service," said James Harris, Worldwide Product Manager for Broadband products at SMC. "The new chip set used in these SMC Barricade modem routers allowed us to deliver a product that provides more features at a lower price point than the competition."

For service providers, the inclusion of ANNEX M support allows the voice portion of a connection to transmit upstream data at up to 3.5MB, while ANNEX L support increases the geographical reach of ADSL connectivity past the current 5km barrier. To help reduce implementation and ongoing management costs for ISPs, SMC also developed an optional software module to allow service providers to take advantage of the TR-069 WAN management protocol.

For end users, the addition of new quality of service features such as Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) in the wireless version of the product and support for Diffserv (differentiated services) for IP allow the unit to automatically optimize and prioritize real-time applications like voice and video.

Harris added, "The new features we have built into the unit cater to the current needs of the market while supporting the next generation of ADSL technologies to provide investment protection to our customers."

In response to the growing concern around endpoint security, the new SMC ADSL2+ Barricade Modem Router incorporates a NAT firewall with Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and Denial-of-Service (DoS) modules to provide robust security from hackers. VPN pass-through is also provided for connecting securely to an office or corporate network.

All three of the SMC ADSL2+ Barricade(TM) Modem Routers (SMC7901BRA2, SMC7904BRA2 and SMC7904WBRA2) are available now to ISPs. Each is covered by SMC Networks' comprehensive warranty to protect consumers, and is RoHS-compliant, to protect the environment.

For more information about SMC Networks, SMC's portfolio broadband connectivity products, or any others in its full complement of networking products, visit www.smc.com, or call 800-SMC-4YOU (800-762-4968).