DSL vendor AccessLan Communications Inc. says carriers no longer have to say "Sorry, service not available" when people respond to DSL ads and find they're sitting behind digital loop carrier systems.
AccessLan on Monday is introducing four new line modules for its central-office DSL access multiplexer, the PL-2000 i-SLAM. Two of the line modules are specifically designed to run broadband service from the CO to the customer premise even if a digital loop carrier (DLC) system sits in between.
A DLC is a remote neighborhood terminal that extends loop lengths without the need for an additional CO wire center. Despite its advantages, the DLC typically scuttles copper-based DSL service, either because it interrupts the copper loop or because it's fiber-fed from the CO.
One of AccessLan's new modules is the 24-port IDSL Bonding Module. This product takes advantage of the fact that so-called ISDN-based DSL, or IDSL, can work behind a DLC system due to ISDN's legacy support in the phone network. Up until now that hasn't been much of a consolation for service providers. Native IDSL runs no higher than ISDN's 144K bit/sec throughput, and service providers invariably advertise DSL as supporting at least 384K bit/sec.
But AccessLan's IDSL Bonding Module lashes together six such 144K links for a total of 864K bit/sec symmetrical service, qualifying the service as a true broadband offering in today's market, explains Byron Young, AccessLan's senior director of product management. The IDSL Bonding Module is available now and lists for US$7,995.
AccessLan is also offering a 12-port DS-1 Line Module, which essentially runs a full native T-1 line from the i-SLAM in the central office through the DLC to the customer premise. That way carriers can essentially offer a T-1 -- more than the customer asked for -- to fulfill a DSL ad's bandwidth promise, Young says.
At $9,995 list, or more than $800 per port, the product is pricier for the service provider than more traditional DSL line cards. But the carrier can compensate for the extra cost by oversubscribing the trunking bandwidth more for residential T-1s than it would for business T-1s, Young claims.
AccessLan is also taking the opportunity to introduce two other new line modules -- a 24-port Universal ADSL Line Module for $11,995 and a 24-port G.Lite Line Module for $8,995. Both will be available in 90 days. All four products will be demonstrated at the DSLcon fall show in Boston running Tuesday through Thursday.
AccessLan has made its mark offering DSLAMs incorporating IP quality of service and voice over DSL, largely in competition with Copper Mountain and Cisco. Its primary market so far has been independent telcos and competitive carriers offering business DSL service. It's now offering products that address residential carriers' challenges in promising availability in order to "move into a much broader segment of the market," Young says.
AccessLan, in San Jose, Calif., is at: www.accesslan.com.