Intel unveils cunning network mobo plan

Chip giant Intel yesterday said it had designed a specification for ATX motherboards to support modem, networking and audio elements in chip sets. The communication and networking riser (CNR) specification will be made available to OEMs with the idea that they include it in future PCs used at home. The spec offers a riser interface for microATX, ATX and FlexATX mobos, said Intel, apparently with the aim of cutting down costs. CNR will provide interfaces for multi-channel sound, v90 modems, twisted pair home networks and 10/100 Ethernet networking. The specification is available on this Intel page. ®