The DSL chip that could kill fiber: UDSL from Texas Instruments brings video closer to home

America's Network, July 15, 2004 by Al Senia

Texas Instruments says it has a better idea to boost DSL growth: A universal, backward compatible standard that's suitable for video technology. TI recently took the wraps off its Uni-DSL (or UDSL) technology, which raises the bandwidth of DSL to the point where it will be able to deliver HDTV and other advanced video services (as well as voice and data) with limited fiber deployment.

Best of all, the new technology is compatible with existing DMT-based ADSL technology and, officials say, will meet whatever standards evolve for VDSL-2, a competitive DSL technology.

"We will deliver a product that will support all DSL flavors, " says Peter Chow, chief technology officer for TI's DSL Technology Center. "It is meant to be a fiber-copper hybrid solution.'

Chow says TI expects to introduce chipsets by the middle of next year for UDSL-based equipment targeted at neighborhood service cabinets, cross connects or primary connection points that typically are located between four and six thousand feet from the user. Operators will be able to deploy fiber to that connection point and utilize existing copper wire to deliver broadband at speeds between 50 and 100 Mbps. This approach minimizes the need to negotiate new rights-of-way or dig up streets to lay new fiber.

VIDEO SERVICES

Chow concedes that next-generation video services will have a lot to do with whether TI's vision pays off in the marketplace. "We believe video is going to be very important to everyone," he adds. "Video is a key component to this technology. It is the next big growth opportunity worldwide."

According to Chow, the new technology would allow service providers to offer up to three channels of HDTV per household, positioning carriers to use their existing copper network to thwart cable companies. The TI announcement comes at a time when DSL providers appear to be preparing for a major high-speed Internet access battle with cable companies. The ability to deliver video would position the telcos to offer the coveted "triple play" solution of video, phone and Internet access that some cable companies already provide.

Chow foresees hardware based on the UDSL standard hitting the market sometime in 2006. The new standard would allow operators to offer a complete range of DSL services on a single network platform and with one residential gateway, which would reduce costs.

"Carriers want to be able to maintain a well-managed network from a central office," says Chow. "It's an exciting but somewhat scary prospect for them."

Chow adds that TI has been working closely with an industry standards group to insure UDSL compatibility with still-undefined VDSL standards. TI also is speaking with several unidentified service providers.

Chow says UDSL solutions might hit the market in Asia before they make it to the U.S. "There has been more interest in Korea and Japan because of the need for higher bandwidth," he says.

UNPROVEN CONCEPT

Industry analysts briefed by the company say TI's concept sounds appealing, although the technology itself remains unproven. "They are really announcing a concept, an architecture of a product," says Will Strauss, president of Forward Concepts research firm. "If they pull it off, they'll provide a single product family that will go almost anywhere."

Henry Goldberg, senior analyst with In-Stat/MDR research company, says he's impressed with TI's UDSL plans. "The concept that one chip will support multiple types of DSL from ADSL up through the higher standards in the future is an interesting one. It seems like a very flexible solution."

However, Goldberg notes that no cost analysis was presented. He's not sure how many U.S. service providers will need the flexibility inherent in UDSL.

Fast Facts

DSL growth soars in Q1 2004

* Worldwide DSL subscribers hit 73.4 million

* Global subscribers grew by 9.35 million

* U.S. added 1.2 million subscribers, up 13%

* DSL now on 5.6% of U.S. phone lines

* Thirteen nations now have more than 1 million DSL users

Source: DSL Forum