1.   Ascend, which makes digital modems, and Cascade, which makes switches, could combine their products to sell one integrated device, analysts said.

2.   DSL uses a special digital modem and requires a visit from the phone company to install service.

3.   He likes Netopia, an Alameda, Calif., company that provides fast Internet access to small businesses over digital modems.

4.   Now the company hopes to do the same with digital modems.

5.   What Covad and other new carriers concentrate on is selling high-speed digital modem lines to small- and medium-sized businesses.