CableLabs Certifies Zoom Cable Modem with Both USB and Ethernet Interfaces

Boston, MA, October 3, 2001 — Zoom Telephonics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZOOM) today announced that its new Zoom CableModem Model 5041 has received CableLabs certification. This external Ethernet/USB unit is the fourth Zoom cable modem to pass CableLabs DOCSIS testing.

The Zoom CableModem Model 5041 external has USB and 10/100BaseT Ethernet ports for maximum compatibility. The USB port simplifies installation of the cable modem by eliminating the need for a computer network interface card (NIC). It also utilizes quick-install software with on-screen prompting for easy Plug and Play operation with Microsoft® Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP. The modem's Ethernet port permits easy connection to Windows (including Windows XP), Macintosh, Linux, and other computers that have an Ethernet port; and also allows the cable modem to be connected to a router or Internet Gateway.

The Model 5041 is software upgradeable to DOCSIS 1.1. The necessary hardware, software, and Digital Certificates are built into the modem to support DOCSIS 1.1 enhancements such as the Quality of Service (QoS) tiered bandwidth protocol and Baseline Privacy Interface Plus (BPI+). The upgrade to DOCSIS 1.1 can be done remotely by a cable service provider.

"Zoom's new Model 5041 cable modem is appealing to users, retailers and cable service providers," says Terry Manning, Zoom's Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. "The 5041's dual interfaces are attractive to retailers and cable service providers since a dual-port model can replace USB and Ethernet models, adding flexibility and reducing inventory. The Model 5041 provides users with a versatile cable modem they can use with either a single PC or a computer network."

The Model 5041 features an attractive new case design that allows either horizontal or vertical placement. The front panel includes a five-LED status reporting readout.

The Zoom CableModem Model 5041 will be sold to Multiple Systems Operators (MSOs) directly, and also through Zoom’s extensive retail channel. The package sold through retailers includes ZoneLabs' ZoneAlarm personal firewall software, AdSubtract ad blocker/cookie filter software, a user's manual, and both Ethernet and USB cables.

About Zoom

Zoom Telephonics, a communications leader since 1977, designs, produces and markets dial-up modems, cable and ADSL modems, wireless LAN products, home and small office networking devices, and other data communication products under the Zoom, Hayes and Global Village brands. Zoom products are available in thousands of the highest volume computer retailers worldwide. For more information visit Zoom at www.zoom.com.