NT>>  Whats this X2 technology USR r widely publishing ??
X2 is USR's 56 kbps protocol which permits one-way data transfers at up to 
56kbps using standard telco lines in the home.
X2, like the rival K56Flex modems, come in two "flavours" - client and 
server.  The client modem is what you would have in your home, and it 
connects to the standard telephone line that you now use.  The server modem 
must be connecetd to the telephone system with digital lines, and for either 
protocol to work, there must be no more than one digital to analogue 
conversion between the server and the client, looking from the server end.
Primary use is with an ISP.  The ISP runs the server, and you run the client. 
 You can download data at up to 56kbps but your upload speed is still at V.34 
speeds.  This is reasoanble since most internet browsing results in far more 
data being downloaded to you than you upload.
Naturally, whether you can attain 56kbps or not depends on the line 
conditions, and certain FCC requirements in the U.S. makes any connection 
greater than 53.333kbps extremely unlikely.  The modem operates the same as a 
regular V.34 modem if it cannot negotiate an X2 connection.
The ITU is expected to produce a "standard" 56kbps protocol next year (both 
X2 and K56Flex are proprietary, and one will not connect with the other).  
USR has stated they will provide a free upgrade to the ITU standard when it 
is available to all who have their X2 modems.  Other manufacturers will no 
doubt do the same.  The standard will not be X2 nor K56Flex.
Rick
--- MsgedSQ 3.30
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