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Again, ZyXEL modems do not use a chipset.  The main advantage to not using a 
chipset is upgradability.  New features and bugfixes can be easily "installed" 
into the modem.

Kolja Waschk (kawk@Yo.COM) adds:
"Anyone who has an EPROM-burner might download the newest firmware from a ftp
server or public mailbox (many sites available) and put it in his modem. Just
remember, the ZyXEL's haven't been "voice capable" some months ago, but now
they are - without any hardware changes."

Brent Mosbrook (brentm@zyxel.com) [ZyXEL USA] also writes (with a great deal 
of marketing-speak):
"The ability to independently design hardware/features is probably
the #1 advantage.  We have been able to add many new features
to the basic modem through rom upgrades. (CID, Distinctive ring,
Voice, EDR, etc.)  

Also, as shown in the past (E --> E+ upgrade), the modem can be
upgraded by modules.  The key components of the modem (CPU, DSP,
ROMS) can be updated/replaced individually.  This allows greater
flexibility in adding new hardware capability to existing products.

As stated here in the past by others, a modem vendor who can design
the product from the ground up generally has a higher caliber 
engineering dept.  They can respond quickly to bug reports, and
have a better understanding of what makes the product tick.
 
A chipset based vendor is completely dependent upon their source
for most bug fixes, and there is no guarantee that the modem 
vendor is capable of implementing the chipset as designed
(even with written instructions from the manufacturer. :))

Bottom line:  there is no guarantee that a DSP based modem is any
better than a chipset based modem... The proof is in the end-result.
Take a look at the reviews, and comments of current users to evaluate
a modem.. These should be part of your selection criteria, in addition
to the DSP/Chipset used."