Lucent improves its Stinger DSL product line by doubling ADSL density to 672 subscribers per unit and introducing SHDSL support, enabling DSL support 30,000 feet from the CO.

by Wayne Kawamoto [April 23, 2001]

Lucent Technologies announced increased capacity and new capabilities in its line of Stinger digital subscriber line (DSL) access concentrators. The line now offers double the asymmetric DSL (ADSL) subscriber density and supports the new single-pair high-speed DSL (SHDSL) standard for symmetric DSL.

The new Stinger ADSL hardware supports 48 users per line card, which should enable support for 672 subscribers in a single Stinger system. According to Lucent, density is important because space is limited in central offices and remote terminals where DSLAM platforms are typically deployed. In addition, higher line density may reduce deployment and maintenance costs by minimizing equipment costs, lowering collocation costs, and reducing power consumption.

Lucent's support of SHDSL means that the Stinger platform now complies with the recently ratified ITU-T G.991.2 standard for symmetric DSL transport, as well as ETSI TS 101 524 for European deployments. Lucent says that the advantages in Lucent's SHDSL solutions result in higher performance, lower power consumption and improved spectral compatibility compared with existing symmetric DSL technologies. Also, its standards-based technology may help to simplify the provisioning process for service providers and accommodate multi-vendor configurations.

SHDSL support on Stinger should deliver symmetric bandwidth from 72 Kbps to 2.312 Mbps to customers for applications such as telecommuting, Internet access, and voice over DSL (VoDSL). The technology should also make it easier for service providers to provide business customers high-speed leased-line replacement for public and private network access.

SHDSL can reach customers at distances beyond what other symmetric DSL technologies have been successful at more than 30,000 feet when repeaters are used. Support for the new standard is available via a software upgrade to existing Stinger hardware.

"Lucent is the only major DSL equipment vendor with market leading positions in both asymmetric and symmetric DSL technologies, and today we are announcing further technological advancements on both of these fronts," said Ashok Dhawan, president of Lucent's InterNetworking Systems Next Generation Access business unit. "Stinger has long been recognized as the highest density DSL access solution in the industry. Other vendors have tried to claim that title, but our new ADSL line card, which doubles our existing capacity, effectively removes all grounds for debate."

Launched in September of 1999, Stinger DSL access concentrators have been purchased by more than 90 service providers in 20 countries. More than 14,000 Stinger systems have shipped to date and more than 2 million DSL ports have been sold. Lucent's Stinger family includes the high-capacity Stinger FS for central office deployments; the smaller Stinger LS for reduced capacity central offices and the multi-tenant unit market; and the hardened Stinger RT for curbside deployments.

Availability and pricing
The 48-port ADSL line card and SHDSL software upgrade are available worldwide this month. Pricing is based on configuration.

—End