Texas Instruments is proposing a new high-bandwidth DSL variation that is backwards compatible with operators’ current infrastructure and scalable in capacity to add competitive HDTV video services alongside existing data and voice services. TI said the backwards compatibility of UDSL-based equipment would allow operators to deploy a flexible menu of services using ADSL and VDSL standards from a single line card design in the central office or residential gateway in the home. TI plans to take its vision of a universal DSL technology before the various standards organizations around the world.
UDSL-based equipment will be targeted at neighborhood service cabinets, sometimes called cross connects or primary connection points that are located four to six kilofeet (Kft) from the user. Operators can then deploy fiber to this connection point and utilize the existing copper to deliver speeds between 50-100Mbps to users. UDSL could also be used in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and multi-tenant units (MTUs) in shorter loop markets where operators have already deployed fiber to the curb (FTTC) or building (FTTB) networks.
TI said its UDSL technology could also support ultra-high speed rates of 200Mbps aggregate throughput for one line of DSL. Such capacity could be used to provide 100 Mbps symmetric or an asymmetric service, such as 150Mbps downstream-50Mbps upstream in shorter loops. Additionally, since UDSL is backwards compatible with all DMT standards, (ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+ and VDSL, as well as the upcoming VDSL2 standard) operators would be able to support multiple DSL service options using one solution.
TI expects to introduce its first UDSL solutions next year. UDSL-based equipment is expected to begin rolling-out in 2006 to deliver ADSL-, VDSL- and ultra-high speed services to consumers. http://www.ti.com/udsl
