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“DSL Phantom Mode” lab test maximizes the value of
existing copper networks by pushing the envelope on DSL capacity
Paris, April, 2010 – Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU)
today announced that its research arm, Bell Labs, has successfully demonstrated
a technology that boosts the transmission speeds achievable over just two
digital subscriber lines (DSL). In a lab test of “DSL Phantom Mode”, Bell Labs
achieved downstream transmission speeds of 300 Megabits per second (Mbps) over
distances up to 400 meters (or 100Mbps at 1km). At these speeds, service
providers will be able to maximize the ability of the existing copper
infrastructure - widely deployed around the world - to satisfy demand for
bandwidth-intense residential triple-play and business services, for years to
come.
At its core, DSL Phantom Mode involves the creation of a virtual or
“phantom” channel that supplements the two physical wires that are the standard
configuration for copper transmission lines. Bell Labs’ innovation and the
source of DSL Phantom Mode’s dramatic increase in transmission capacity lies in
its application of analogue phantom mode technology in combination with
industry-standard techniques: vectoring that eliminates interference or
“crosstalk” between copper wires, and bonding that makes it possible to
take individual lines and aggregate them.
“Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs’ DSL Phantom Mode lab test adds a whole new
dimension to the ongoing ‘100Mbps for all’ debate. The fact that existing
copper loops can facilitate 300Mbps at 400 meters reshapes the whole
next-generation broadband competitive environment - and will open up a wide
range of new business opportunities for ‘traditional’ DSL players,” comments
Kamalini Ganguly, Analyst from Ovum. “This announcement shows that
Alcatel-Lucent is seriously looking at all possible innovations to help its
customers speed up the deployment of next-generation access networks, through a
smart mix of advanced copper and fiber technologies.”
“We often think of the role innovation plays in generating technologies of
the future, but DSL Phantom Mode is a prime example of the role innovation can
play in creating a future for existing solutions and injecting them with a new
source of value,” said Gee Rittenhouse, head of Research for Bell Labs. “What
makes DSL Phantom Mode such an important breakthrough is that it combines
cutting edge technology with an attractive business model that will open up
entirely new commercial opportunities for service providers, enabling them in
particular, to offer the latest broadband IP-based services using existing
network infrastructure.”
Further research is being conducted to refine deployment models and
determine a specific set of customer premises equipment (CPE)-models compatible
with the DSL Phantom Mode technology.
Alcatel-Lucent leads the DSL space on a year-to-date basis – according to
Dell’Oro’s latest Access Report*. The vendor recently announced the
unique milestone of having shipped its 200 millionth DSL line, and serves one
out of three fixed broadband subscribers around the world through its access
network technology.
* DSL Access Concentrators (Single Service + Multiservice) (Worldwide &
Regions) (4Q09), February 12th, 2010, Dell’Oro Group,  http://www.delloro.com/
Editorial background material
Alcatel-Lucent achieves unique industry milestone of 200 million DSL lines
shipped (March 4th, 2010)
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