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What is DSL?
What architecture does NEXTEP use?
What is a DSLAM?
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What is a DSLAM?

Situated in the local telephone exchange or at a location where services are in high demand, the DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) is the cornerstone of the DSL system.

The DSLAM routes traffic to and from the customer via a business or private home telephone line to provide high-speed DSL access to multimedia services such as:

• Internet
• Fast data transfer
• Video conferencing
• Pay-per-view TV or Video-on-Demand
• Broadcast video

One of the important features of the NEXTEP access system is interoperability with a wide range of third-party vendors of customer premises equipment (CPE).

The DSLAM detects and indicates alarm conditions to operations and maintenance staff at the NEXTEP Operations Centre.

DSLAM Configuration

The NEXTEP DSLAM typically consists of a number of access sub racks connected to form a single multiplexer. Each access sub rack can house combinations of modules:

• Integrated Gateway Units (IGUs) providing the ATM network interface
• Bus Expansion Units (BEUs) providing sub rack expansion
• Line Termination Units (LTUs) for the ADSL modems or SHDSL modems in the customer premises
• Fan tray for cooling of the sub rack

This diagram illustrates the many options that are possible with a DSL network.