Net to Net Technologies has come out with new IP quality of service features for its family of IP DSLAMs. These new features are designed to support telcos’ “triple play” services of voice, IP television, and high-speed Internet.
Net to Net’s IP DSLAMs are used by telephone companies and other service providers to offer multiple types of broadband access, including ADSL, ADSL2+, SHDSL and T1/E1. Net to Net’s QoS solution enhances some of the existing features already supported, such as 802.1Q VLANs, 802.1p priority, and IP type of service support, to create a system-wide solution that guarantees IP data packets are given the appropriate handling through the DSLAM.
New enhancements include support for IP QoS, including Differentiated Services support, as well as the ability to prioritize packets based on IP address information. Rate limiting, which is the ability to cap the amount of bandwidth a particular service can use, as well as enhanced VLAN capability, are additional features that provide even more control over each DSL port for the service provider.
The QoS solution is available as a firmware upgrade for existing hardware, and will begin shipping this month. Existing customers may download the new firmware from Net to Net’s Web site. Initially only available for ADSL technology, other technologies, such as SHDSL and T1/E1, will soon offer the same QoS features.
Unlike many other DSLAM providers, Net to Net’s DSLAMs are based on IP and Ethernet technologies, not ATM. ATM does offer very significant QoS capabilities, but also introduces considerable cost, complexity, and provisioning challenges. By contrast, IP and Ethernet can deliver the necessary QoS while simplifying the broadband network and at much better price points, according to Net to Net.
