KEYMILE’s VDSL2/vectoring board, for its multi-service access platform MileGate, combines VDSL2 for fast broadband access with system-level-vectoring functions. Due to the on-board, system-level-vectoring unit, most of the interference from crosstalk can be eliminated on all subscriber lines connected, giving a significant boost to the achievable data rate.

KEYMILE is a leading technology supplier of communications solutions in access and transmission systems. At CeBIT the company will be presenting a VDSL2 board with integrated system-level-vectoring functions for the first time. It combines 96 VDSL2 ports and vectoring functions on one 2-slot card. Network operators can connect two of these boards with one another and then provide up to 192 VDSL2 ports with system-level-vectoring. Compared with KEYMILE’s dedicated vectoring solution, the integrated board provides greater port density. As a result, up to 960 VDSL2 lines, enhanced with vectoring, can be provided with one MileGate subrack.

Vectoring offers a solution to the current challenges presented by the vast increase in VDSL2 connections over the last few years. In theory, VDSL2 data rates of over 100 Mbps are possible, but only if lines are short and the cable has few subscribers. In practice however, crosstalk (FEXT, far-end crosstalk) between each of the copper lines with VDSL2 signals, is the reason why this data rate is not achieved. Vectoring virtually fully compensates for crosstalk in the cable and therefore increases the potential data rate significantly. This solution is targeted at network operators who want to add vectoring to the VDSL2 service from the outset.

The board supports system-level vectoring with up to 192 lines. To obtain the best result in eliminating crosstalk, all VDLS2 signals within a cable have to be incorporated into the vectoring process in real time. To do so, two of the 96 port boards form a logical unit that enables the vectoring group to be increased to 192 VDSL2 lines. The correction signals required to compensate for crosstalk are exchanged between the two boards.

The VDSL2 board is designed for use in outdoor cabinets. With its high level of port density and low power consumption per port, it is ideal for setting up FTTC architectures (Fibre-to-the-Curb).

The integrated VDSL2/system-level-vectoring board will be available in the middle of the year.