Ikanos – First single-chip IFE to enable low-power multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL2+ triple play

Availability of the FXS60IF1, the industry’s first single-chip Integrated Front End (IFE) that enables cost effective, low power, multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL2+ triple play residential gateways, has been announced by Ikanos Communications.

The FXS60IF1 is designed to allow gateways to deliver Ikanos’ market-leading VDSL2 performance and simultaneously meet the DSL Forum’s stringent ADSL2+ and ADSL performance specifications (TR-100 and TR-067 respectively). By integrating the xDSL line driver, the FXS60IF1 reduces external components and power consumption compared to existing solutions in the market, says the company.

“Carriers that are upgrading their networks for deployment of triple play services over VDSL2 would benefit from a single residential gateway (RG) platform that offers multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL2+ capabilities,” said Aileen Arcilla, senior semiconductor analyst at IDC. “This RG can be used in ADSL2+ or ADSL mode to support today’s subscribers, and can be upgraded through software to support subscriber migration to triple play services over VDSL2, eliminating future truck rolls and equipment upgrades. Such a multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL2+ RG potentially can reduce the carrier’s capex and recurring operating expenses.”

The FXS60IF1, in conjunction with a residential gateway processor such as the Fusiv Vx180, delivers a best-in-class solution for a multi-mode triple play residential gateway. This solution meets the ITU-T standards for VDSL2, ADSL2+, ADSL2 and ADSL. It also offers Ikanos’ superior physical layer technology features – such as high levels of impulse noise protection, Rapid Rate Adaptation (RRA), on-chip quality of service (QoS) and wire-speed network processor performance – to improve consumers’ triple play experience.

“Ikanos has a long history of providing the cutting-edge technology that serves as the foundation of our broadband access devices,” said Jorson Tsai, chief technology officer of Gemtek Technology Co. Ltd. “The availability of a high performance multi-mode residential gateway solution with the FXS60IF1, which supports both VDSL2 and ADSL2+, will enable us to develop a single design that can effectively meet the majority of our customers needs. More importantly, the technology’s compliance with DSL Forum standards will ease the qualification process with many of our largest carrier customers.”

Michael A. Ricci, president and CEO of Ikanos, said: “By combining advanced capabilities into a single, low power solution with a small footprint, Ikanos is leading the market in terms of performance and integration for multi-mode xDSL residential gateways. Ikanos is meeting the needs of service providers today by delivering the industry’s first multi-mode VDSL2/ADSL2+ residential gateway solution that offers high performance VDSL2 and meets DSL Forum’s requirements for ADSL2+/ADSL.”