OT> DSL Gets a G.Lite Lift Via Centillium Chip Set
October 27, 1998
PC Week via NewsEdge Corporation :
Widespread introductions of high-speed DSL
services may begin before year's end as
service providers and equipment vendors
resolve technical and economic issues that
have prevented mass deployments of the
technology.
One vendor, Centillium Technology Corp., last
week took a step in that direction with the
delivery of its CopperLite DSL chip set, which
company officials called the first end-to-end
solution incorporating the new G.Lite
standard for splitterless digital subscriber line
services. The G.Lite standard, which is in the
final stages of adoption by the International
Telecommunications Union, is an initiative
spearheaded by Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp.
and Compaq Computer Corp. to advance the
adoption of DSL technology in the PC
industry.
In addition to the product progress, the DSL
Study Group of the ITU, at a meeting in
Geneva last week, made significant progress
in approving six technical transceiver
standards for ADSL (asymmetric DSL)
services, clearing the way for the
introduction of ADSL products that comply
with the new standards.
While estimates of the pace of DSL
deployments vary within the industry,
potential customers of the high-speed local
data services have been frustrated by what
they perceive as a lack of commitment
among providers to making the service
universally available.
Actual service deployments are in line with
market researcher TeleChoice Inc.'s
projections. But, surprisingly, early DSL
service introductions have been adopted at
rates that are lower than expected in areas
where services are available, said Claudia
Bacco, an analyst with TeleChoice, in
Boston. "The customers aren't buying the
service at the rates we initially had thought
they would," Bacco said.
The CopperLite chip set solves some barriers
that have prevented larger-scale
deployments of DSL services, said Centillium
officials in Fremont, Calif. The CopperLite
chips are for both providers' central offices
and DSL modems at customers' premises.
The chips offer higher port densities and
lower power consumption than earlier
products, officials added, making it more
economical for providers to introduce DSL
services and deliver full G.Lite DSL
functionality.
The CopperLite chip sets are available now in
limited quantities; high-volume production is
scheduled to begin next year.
Centillium can be reached at (510) 445-1640
or www.centillium.com.
<<PC Week -- 10-26-98>>
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