> Another factor to consider is that there's a class of user that prefers
> external modems (easier to reset without rebooting, easier to move from
> system to system, leds to tell you what's happening, LCDs on the better
> ones to tell you speed and other status info). I don't think an external
> softmodem is currently available/possible. For these people, winmodem
> kernel support is irrelevant.
No, external software modems are available. Rockwell's RPI chipset
is used by many modem vendors to produce such modems. The modem will
respond to a few basic AT commands for identification, but it won't
work like a normal modem. The computer is expected to speak the RPI
protocol, handle compression, and handle error correction.
RPI modems have a low CPU load, unlike a 100% software modem.
The RPI modem can run faster than a non-RPI modem, because the
non-RPI modem must use an underpowered CPU for compression.
The RPI modem also reduces interrupt load.
The Winmodem by US Robotics does not use the RPI chipset or any other
third-party chipset AFAIK.
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