Comtrend brings multimode DSL into the home

Comtrend today announced it has developed what could be the first multimode DSL wireless router designed for use in the residential market.

The new CT-5371 supports all existing ADSL standards as well as the VDSL2 standard (G.993.2), giving carriers the ability to deploy a single in-home router regardless of the particular access technology they’re using. Like most vendors’ ADSL equipment, the new router includes an auto discovery mode.

“It’s subservient to the DSLAM, and we’re capable of all [VDSL2] bands,” said Andrew Morton, general manager of Comtrend.

Inside the device, the company is using a multi-chip architecture from Broadcom. However, according to Morton, Comtrend is able to keep its cost structure low because the chip design doesn’t require two different architectures. Additionally, the chip set can support both ATM and Ethernet transport, a key factor particularly in U.S. deployments.

On the backend of the device, the company has included four 10/100 Base-T Ethernet ports and a single USB port plus an integrated 802.11n WiFi Access Point. Comtrend is developing specific models for customers that also support MOCA and HPNA, but decided to make the first general release compatible with 802.11n.

“Carriers are able to get more devices with more types of installations with 802.11n,” Morton said. “It’s already becoming a generally accepted medium.”