We got the DSL beat

National network provider Rhythms NetConnections has announced that it will implement Paradyne's Hotwire MVL digital subscriber line platform across its systems.

Rhythms had been using the Hotwire platform to offer rate adaptive DSL in Southern California and now will expand to 10 more metropolitan markets with the MVL rollout. The carrier targets residential customers and businesses using a centralized hub architecture with multiple connection points (see figure). Rhythms currently leases its backbone architecture from other providers.

Hotwire MVL is a splitterless solution that offers Rhythms scalability, said James Greenberg, chief network officer for Rhythms.

"We started to evaluate all the DSL vendors out there, and Paradyne was the one that could deliver the scalable solution we require," Greenberg said. "It's a way to leverage our investment and extend our reach."

Rhythms also plans to partner with Internet service providers and competitive local exchange carriers with no data business, Greenberg said.

The deployment is the first for Paradyne's Hotwire MVL solution, said Frank Wiener, vice president and general manager for the DSL products division of Paradyne. MVL stands for multiple virtual line, a feature that allows carriers to create LAN-like functionality over premises wiring. MVL modems deliver up to 768 kb/s of bandwidth, according to Paradyne officials.

"It allows us to plug an MVL modem into each phone jack," Wiener said. "It has tremendous benefit to the CLECs and others focused on high-density solutions."

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