Ericsson launches major VDSL2 innovation to accelerate interactive high-definition TV

June 5, 2006

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERICY) today launches a completely new out-site plant concept for its High-Performance EDA solution, a fiber-deep broadband access over copper, based on the new VDSL2 standard.

This product represents a tenfold performance improvement over previous generations in the highly innovative Ethernet DSL Access product family.

Network operators worldwide are eager to upgrade their copper networks with capabilities for multiple streams of interactive high-definition TV. Up until now, the main barrier has been the cost and technology associated to bring DSL into the out-site plant.

Ericsson has changed that by introducing a completely new site solution concept for operators that want to deploy VDSL2 in Fiber-to-the-Neighbourhood/Curb applications.
This out-site plant solution reduces a number of non-equipment related overhead costs, through the introduction of a new type of VDSL2 product that is optimized for the lowest possible cost per site.

Martin Mellor, vice president of Product Area Broadband Access, Ericsson, says: “The transition from ADSL2plus to VDSL2 requires a tenfold improvement in product performance, but short time to market has been achieved thanks to software development conducted by Ericsson’s design organization during the last four years.”

But far more important is the ability to reduce the total cost of deployment when DSL is brought closer to the customers and to access nodes located in street-side cabinets. The reduction of the copper loop length helps provide the capacity required for multiple simultaneous HDTV channels to consumers, and to provide high-speed business access in areas without fiber all the way to user premises.

Mellor says: “By focusing on a holistic out-site plant offering, we can reduce the cost and complexity to a very attractive level for operators to consider an accelerated introduction of high-definition TV capable access networks.”

Ericsson’s new product line for VDSL2 access builds on the experiences gained since 2002 with the Ethernet DSL Access deployments, and represents a mature approach for embracing end-to-end broadband according to the new TR-101 architectures.

Ericsson’s VDSL2 equipment has been going through evaluations in the field since 2005 and is now ready to be brought forward into commercial deployments, as the VDSL2 standard is reaching maturity and becomes interoperable.

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.

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About Ericsson’s Ethernet DSL access
Ericsson’s industry-leading EDA solution has been supporting high-bandwidth-demanding services, with advanced quality-assurance mechanisms for demanding video applications since 2002. As the most scalable IP-DSLAM solution on the market, Ericsson EDA lets operators develop their businesses beyond basic IP connectivity, ensuring the ability to offer Triple Play services to home and office environments in a way that is cost efficient and future proof. Ericsson EDA is the most widely deployed IP-DSLAM solution globally, with more than 90 networks deployed worldwide. The introduction of a solution with the performance increased tenfold, alongside the addition of new capabilities, make it the best solution available for VDSL2 deployments in the out-site plant.

About the VDSL2 standard
VDSL2 is a new standard defined by ITU-T as G993.2. VDSL2 combines the capabilities of VDSL1 and ADSL2plus, and is available in a number of profilers for different access applications. VDSL2 can deliver support up to 100Mbps symmetrical services over standard copper loops. One of the most important aspects of the VDSL2 standard is that it uses Ethernet as multiplexing technology in the first mile. The elimination of ATM in the first mile means that the access architecture can be simplified into an end-to-end Ethernet access architecture that uses VLANs as the service-delivery mechanism across the entire access network. VDSL2 is backward compatible with previous ADSL generations. Ericsson is actively participating in the industry efforts to make VDSL2 and interoperable standards as quickly as possible.

About the TR-101 architecture
DSL Forum has recently published Technical Report 101, which outlines how Ethernet can be introduced in the aggregation part of broadband network architectures. Standardized service quality mechanisms are enablers for distribution of broadband services beyond best-effort internet connectivity in a multivendor environment. Ericsson has been an active contributor to the creation of the TR-101 specifications.

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