Alcatel take licence to boost DSL chipsets

Alcatel has licensed ReachDSL from Paradyne Networks for its microelectronics unit to jointly develop and produce a new generation of ADSL chipsets.

Alcatel has licensed ReachDSL from Paradyne Networks for its microelectronics unit to jointly develop and produce a new generation of ADSL chipsets.

Known as ADSL/R, this chipset will combine standard ADSL technology with Paradyne's patented ReachDSL technology.

Complementary to ADSL, Paradyne's ReachDSL technology is used to overcome typical DSL deployment obstacles such as poor copper conditions, long or challenged loops, interference, and in-premises wiring problems.

As part of this agreement, Paradyne has granted to Alcatel for its microelectronics unit, a license to use its ReachDSL technology for production of both central office (CO) and customer premises equipment (CPE) chipsets.

Additionally, both companies have committed resources to ensure the successful development of the dual-mode ADSL/R chipsets.

This new complete ADSL solution will extend the capabilities of existing chipsets, allowing OEMs and service providers to dramatically expand their service offering, optimising the business case for broadband access by generating more profitable revenue.

The solutions' auto mode feature will reduce the operational expenses associated with broadband deployment.

This feature enables the modem to automatically select the best operating mode between ADSL and ReachDSL, to offer the best guaranteed service to the end-user, avoid unnecessary truck rolls, and eliminate the need to inventory two types of modems.

"We are excited about the challenges this new chipset could solve for service providers around the globe", said Sean Belanger, president and CEO of Paradyne.

"Deploying DSL with consistent levels of service is one of the greatest challenges we are seeing today.

Many service providers are already complementing their ADSL service with ReachDSL to overcome deployment challenges and dramatically increase their coverage areas.

Now, these dual mode chipsets will allow automatic selection of ADSL or ReachDSL to ensure the best service quality to the end users".

"More and more functionality is being integrated directly into DSL chipsets", said Matthew Davis, director of broadband access technologies for the Yankee Group.

"Pushing out the footprint of DSL is an important focus for service providers, and being able to leverage existing platforms with a specially designed line card to extend their reach will allow for greater use of telco network assets".

Johan Danneels, president and CEO for Alcatel's microelectronics activities added: "Our customers are looking for ways to enhance their product offering to allow them to reach more people, at a lower cost, with better service.

We feel that with our chipset and the added functionality of ReachDSL, this new product will offer exactly what our customers need to compete in the broadband market".

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