SOLUTIONS

Backhaul Solutions: Remote DSLAM Backhaul

The push to implement the “triple play” of broadband Internet access, voice and video services relies on the capacity provided by the backhaul networks connecting remote DSLAM terminals to the optical Metro networks within the central office. The increased bandwidth required for these applications can no longer be supported with T1/E1 connections, rendering these legacy backhaul networks obsolete.  Once sufficient for backhauling simple, low-speed DSL Internet access, these low-speed connections can no longer support high-speed applications.

While high-speed Ethernet provides adequate bandwidth, in most cases it is simply too expensive to deploy fiber to the remote DSLAMs. So when faced with using the existing copper, it’s a numbers problem: too many of the copper pairs are needed to continue to add T1/E1 backhaul connections to increase the backhaul bandwidth and fiber is only rarely available, since each T1/E1 connection has a capacity of 2MB per link at most (and each E1/T1 link requires two copper pairs). And upgrading to Carrier Ethernet over Copper increases the capacity to 30 Mbps using only two pairs of voice-grade copper. This provides the most effective means for backhauling next-generation applications and triple-play services.

Furthermore, rural communities are often located at distances that can not be cost-effectively reached by alternative technologies. Using Actelis' unique EFM repeater technology allows even these distances to be covered.

Advantages

• Carrier Ethernet access increases the bandwidth capacity to support rapidly expanding residential DSL subscriber base
• The existing copper backhaul network can be seamlessly upgraded to Ethernet, delivering a 5 fold increase in capacity over the same number of copper pairs
• Repeater technology enables reaching even the most remote DSLAM cabinet
• Enables rollout of triple-play voice video and data residential services
• Option for FE/GE SFP connectivity to switch and remote DSLAM to allow use of free ports

Service providers can profitably meet demand for growing DSLAM backhaul bandwidth while cutting capital and operational costs with the Actelis Carrier Ethernet over Copper™ solution. By upgrading from existing T1/E1 circuits, providers can upgrade the bandwidth capacity between the CO and remote DSLAMs over five times using the existing copper infrastructure. Using eight copper pairs, Ethernet access delivers over 100 Mbps of bandwidth, compared to merely 8 Mbps with legacy T1/E1 circuits.

Actelis Networks’ comprehensive product line enables bonding up to eight copper pairs via a 2Base-TL aggregated link to carry 100 Mbps between remote DSLAMs in street cabinets in the outside plant, as well as the central office. Actelis' Ethernet repeaters reduce the number of repeaters required to cover the same distances as legacy T1/HDSL. To support extreme long range deployments, the Actelis XR239 EFM Repeaters can be spaced almost two miles (3.6 kms) apart, stretching the total length the Ethernet spans to over 25 miles (40 kms). This is accomplished by linking up to eight Actelis XR239 EFM Repeaters in series, sufficient to reach nearly all the remote DSLAMs deployed in rural communities.

By utilizing one of the point-to-point systems, such as an ML600 Ethernet Access Device (EAD), remote DSLAM backhaul is easy and cost effective to deploy. After powering up, Actelis ML600 EADs configure themselves within minutes for quick delivery of fiber-quality DSLAM backhaul. The cost, delay and operational headache of deploying fiber trenching is avoided.