Cisco Systems and Copper Mountain Networks have upped the ante for digital subscriber line technology, highlighting a series of moves in the broadband equipment niche this week.

Both companies this week introduced new strategies to transform their technologies to support Internet standards. Furthermore, Cisco got a ringing endorsement from Baby Bell SBC Communications, which plans to launch Cisco's DSL equipment in the Midwest region of its network. But analysts expect new Internet-based DSL equipment to be used predominately by the relatively new entrants such as Covad Communications or Rhythms NetConnections and others that only want to maintain one network, rather than also building duplicate layouts for alternative technologies. Network equipment providers are scrambling to tackle an explosion of interest in accessing the Internet over high-speed, or "broadband," lines like those offered through cable networks or telephone systems using digital subscriber line, or DSL, technology--a way to soup up existing phone lines. Cahners In-Stat Group recently predicted that DSL will become the leading choice for high-speed Net access worldwide next year.