Adtran adds IP to its DSLAM mix

Adtran announced that its Total Access 3000 and Total Access HDX DSLAMs can now support Ethernet-based architectures, position both as network elements that can be part of an overall IP migration path that includes layer 3 switching, transparent LAN extension and multicast video.

. The company, which has been one of the traditional DSL vendors for many of the RBOCs as well as larger independent carriers, is targeting smaller more rural incumbent carriers with its latest iteration of both DSLAMs.

"We do see some opportunity with the smaller line size companies," said Jay Wilson, director of product management for Adtran’s Carrier Networks Division. "As soon as you mention ATM they stop paying attention. What we didn’t want to do is be caught flat footed."

The Total Access 3000 can scale up 224 users and operates as a single-shelf solution for small-and medium-sized COs while the Total Access HDX is geared for higher density applications. Both systems also are adding line-cards for emerging flavors of DSL including ADSL2+, which is quickly becoming one of the preferred standards for video transport.

However, the company is not necessarily anticipating a big surge in telco video until what Wilson calls "the triple play of standards"—compression with either MPEG4 or Windows Media9, a new bonding standard and ADSL2+—is ready for market.

"In order to even have a shot at deploying a competitive video product over copper you need all three of those," he said.