* HomePNA adds two silicon firms
The HomePNA Alliance has expanded its roster with the addition of two semiconductor firms: STMicroelectronics and Kawasaki Microelectronics.
The additions are considered significant, as HPNA had been relying on one chip supplier: CopperGate Communications.
The latest version of the networking standard, HPNA 3.0, was standardized by the ITU in May 2005. The platform calls for a PHY throughput of 128 Mbps, plus “optional extensions” that could push it to 240 Mbps.
* Cable exec takes down former VP candidate in Conn. election
Early election returns show that Ned Lamont, owner of Lamont Digital Systems, yesterday beat Sen. Joe Lieberman, Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, in a Democratic primary in Connecticut.
Lamont will compete for Lieberman’s Senate seat against Republican Alan J. Schlesinger and perhaps also Lieberman, who has vowed to run as an Independent.
Lamont Digital Systems wires universities and residential gated communities for video, data, telephony and security services.
* SMC shipping new modem router for SMB market
SMC Networks has introduced a new modem router designed for small to mid-sized business, hospitality and ISP applications.
The new SMC EZ Connect Commercial Cable Modem Router is CableLabs DOCSIS 1.1-certified and 2.0-ready. The product is equipped with 4 MB Flash ROM, 16 MB SDRAM and TurboDOX technology to provide downstream data transmission rates of up to 38 Mbps and 30 Mbps upstream.
* Wisconsin telco to deploy ADC’s FTTH technology
ADC said that Richland-Grant Telephone Cooperative, based in Blue River, Wis., will deploy ADC’s OmniReach fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) solutions to provide IPTV and other services.
RGTC will work with ADC to install OmniReach Multiport Service Terminals (MSTs) and fiber drop cables for rural delivery of Internet access, wide-area paging, voice mail, IPTV, local-area and wide-area networks.
* Small Florida community sends FiOS over 3M mark
Verizon continues to roll out its FiOS TV service in dribs and drabs, most recently passing 4,000 households in north Sarasota County in Florida. Verizon says FiOS now passes 3 million homes. Verizon is continuing to build out its network in Sarasota and nearby Manatee county.