Technical paper: How enhanced DSL technologies optimize the last copper mile

Authored by John Williams, a new technical white paper from JDSU investigates "how enhanced DSL technologies [can] optimize the last copper mile." The analysis states that bonded and vectored VDSL are delivering significant data rate improvements, especially over shorter copper loops.

"As broadband speeds increase to support the connected home, a debate continues over which type of network architecture is best suited for wireline services providers," writes Williams. "FTTH may be the best media for the long term in greenfield installations. However, in brownfield environments, digging up the ground and laying new fiber is [still] prohibitively expensive for most providers."

"Copper is the dominant link into most homes," he continues. "With recent DSL technology, such as VDSL2 bonded, downstream speeds of 100 Mbps on shorter looplengths can be achieved. In addition, advancements in DSL technology such as vectoring, Phantom-Mode DSL, and G.fast are expected to boost performance well past 100 Mbps."

The analysis concludes that hardened DSLAMS are making it possible for providers to both improve vector control and shorten loop lengths. "However, vectoring places new demands on managing the outside copper plant," cautions Williams.

View/download the white paper here.