ZTE NG-DSLAM Solution Bring to A Future-proof World

Digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAM) are a leading broadband access technology, delivering high-speed data transmission over existing copper telephone lines. The next generation of DSLAM platforms has to deliver greater density, higher bandwidth and lower cost per port. Any solution must be able to handle the diversity and inter-operation of networking technologies such as IP-to-ATM switching. The first challenge in the future evolution of the DSLAM market though is to enable migration from centralized ATM-based systems to a decentralized IP-based architecture requiring much greater data processing capability. ZTE NG-DSLAM technology is the ideal solution to enable this migration from ATM to the IP-based structure of the next generation platform.

Design challenges for next generation DSLAM

The ability to deliver voice, video and data is the goal of every telecom operator, and next generation DSLAM offers the potential to deliver these multiple revenue streams from a single IP packet network.

There are many design challenges for a successful DSLAM line-card, including:

• The ability to support the transition and eventual convergence of ATM and IP networks;
• Increased port density;
• Increased bandwidth from high performance services and standards, such as ADSL-> ADSL2+ and VDSL->VDSL2/+ for “triple play”;
• Intelligence moving to the edge of the network as a traditional DSLAM assumes some edge router functionality;
• Maximizing the existing infrastructure to accommodate more users;
• Maximizing Return On Investment (ROI) by reducing cost per port or user;
• Managing QoS to ensure prioritization of latency sensitive traffic to meet service level agreements;
• Ensuring the security/confidentiality of subscriber information;
• Providing the ability to add new features and functions through Software based on market and subscriber demand.

A robust DSLAM line-card design must also combine the best density, throughput functionality, scalability and cost-efficiency to provide equipment vendors with a distinct competitive advantage.

ZTE NG DSLAM Solution

To accommodate these requirements for the development of next generation networks and services, broadband access layer equipment is evolving to a platform – NG DSLAM.

ZTE NG DSLAM is designed with a multi-Giga, multiple-bus architecture to enable an extensive range of ultra bandwidth services. It features flexible networking capabilities with carrier-class reliability and full-service protection functions. As a unified service access platform, it provides network management, QoS management, security management, and operation and maintenance management oriented to the various services provided. Its full service open architecture supports completely seamless integration with the NGN. Effectively, it is an NGN-ready super IP-DSLAM access platform. As it has evolved from the ATM/IP DSLAM, the NG DSLAM is compatible with the functions of the earlier equipment.

Features of ZTE NGN-oriented NG-DSLAM technology

Compared with earlier DSLAM access equipment, the significant characteristics of ZTE’s NG DSLAM technology are:

• Multi-Giga bus, and multiple Gigabit service slots;
• Full-service open architecture supporting full service access, bearer and transmission, to implement full service platform-based access;
• Extremely powerful access capability supporting multiple access modes;
• Flexible networking capabilities with carrier-class reliability and full service protection;
• Full IP architecture, multi-Giga bus and easy expansion;
• High-quality security solution, high reliability Ethernet-ring protection, 50ms self-recovery and network security monitoring;
• Full range of broadband services (IPTV, VoIP, and triple play), TDM over Ethernet, powerful multicast capability, service identification, service perception and multi-service edge;
• Sound EMS/NMS capability and powerful operation & maintenance capability;
• Unified Access supports xDSL access, PON optical access, wireless access, POTS access and LAN access.

The ZTE NG DSLAM family, FSAP series, consists of the following: FSAP 9800 with large capacity and active/standby redundancy; FSAP 9806H with medium to small capacity and high/low temperature resistance of - 40º ~ + 65º outdoors; FSAP 9812 with small capacity Pizza box.

The large capacity FSAP 9800, Mini FSAP 9806H and Pizza box 9812 have been already put into commercial application.