Ikanos unveils multi-mode DSL chip

Ikanos Communications today unveiled what it claims is the world’s first chipset that integrates VDSL-DMT (discrete multi-tone), ADSL-DMT and Ethernet in the first mile (EFM) into a single programmable silicon solution.

The SmartLeap 8800 is geared toward multiple applications including bringing VDSL technology beyond its current limitation of 4000 feet. According to Richard Sekar, vice president of marketing for Ikanos, DSLAMs with the chipset can provide VDSL service up to 12,000 away and still get a 1 Mb/s upstream path.

Moreover, the chipset allows carriers to deploy multiple services on the same remote terminal. For instance, a carrier could provide ADSL or EFM to a small business and in the same rack provide VDSL to residential subscribers.

“It’s the first chip set that does multiple technologies configurable on four ports,” said Sekar.

At the same time, carriers can upgrade between services with a software change, not a truck roll that can destroy the economics of DSL.

“That’s only possible because the underlying technology is DMT,” said Sekar.

Samples of the chipset will be available in the first quarter of next year and will cost $30-$80 for four ports, depending on quantity.