Application Touchstone Cable Modems are designed with the needs of both the operator and consumer in mind. They meet the operators’ objective of maximizing revenue by providing an efficient, stable design. The Touchstone CM550 is compliant to both DOCSIS® 2.0 and Euro-DOCSIS 2.0 standards. Consumers appreciate that Touchstone Cable Modems are easy to install, have superior throughput, and are packaged in attractive, space-saving designs. No other modem delivers as many features as the Touchstone Cable Modem at such a competitive price. Packaging Innovation Consumers gravitate towards products that take up less space, so the Touchstone CM550 is designed to be both compact and flexible in how it can be positioned in a home. The Touchstone CM550 has a built in ‘kickstand’ that swivels out to hold the unit in a vertical position. No separate, makeshift snap-on stand is needed. The Touchstone CM550 can be placed horizontally if preferred. Finally, the Touchstone CM550 provides a simple means for the subscriber to move the cable modem completely off their desk. The unit has built-in mounting holes that allow the Touchstone CM550 to be hung vertically or horizontally on the wall. Latest Generation Silicon Based on the latest generation of silicon in the industry today, the Touchstone CM550 is capable of exceeding the higher bandwidth requirements needed by operators. The Touchstone CM550 improved MIPS core, coupled with our extensive development experience allows operators to realize performance improvements of up to 70%. This translates to better operation, lower CPU utilization rates, and improved bi-directional data performance. And, with an improved scanning algorithm over the Touchstone CM450 generation, the Touchstone CM550 will typically range and register within 5 minutes – often more quickly than that, depending on downstream frequency. Bridged Interface Both the Touchstone CM550A and CM550B have a bridged Ethernet and USB interface that allows subscribers to use two PCs simultaneously with a single cable modem. This eliminates the need for additional equipment in a two-computer household. The Touchstone CM550 also enables subscribers who require more networking ability to use a home router to support up to 16 PCs via the Ethernet port. Environmentally Friendly ARRIS “Green” With the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive quickly approaching, ARRIS is pleased to provide the industry’s first cable modem that exceeds the RoHS directive. Going beyond the present European directive to remove lead and other heavy metals, ARRIS has increased our focus by removing other environmentally impacting materials from the packaging, cables, etc.