Ikanos chips offer G.Vector ITU-T G.933.5 support for FTTN

Ikanos Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IKAN) has unveiled the Fusiv Vx185 and Vx183, a pair of communications processors for services gateways and integrated access devices that, when paired with Fusiv-enabled central office equipment, will support increased bandwidth over copper in fiber to the node (FTTN) networks via ITU G.Vector performance.

The Fusiv chips employ Ikanos’s version of G.Vector (ITU-T G.993.5), called NodeScale Vectoring, to support 100-Mbps transmission over the copper part of FTTN links. According to Matt Keowen, senior director, corporate marketing at Ikanos, the introduction of the Vx183 and Vx185 means that Ikanos is the only silicon vendor to provide chips for both central office and customer premises equipment – a necessity to implement G.Vector on an FTTN link.

Keowen also said that the Fusiv devices supported a unique central office system architecture that leverages a “vector computation engine” on a system control card that efficiently enables G.Vector support across all the line cards in a system. Because of the intricacies of G.Vector noise cancellation, applying the technology to multiple line cards in a system could create interference if not properly coordinated, Keowen asserted.

“G.Vector support is crucial for the broadband communications industry,” according to a quote Lee Ratliff, senior analyst for broadband and digital home at market research firm iSuppli, supplied to Ikanos for the products’ announcement. “It pushes VDSL performance to the 100-Mbps threshold and beyond at a time when service providers are looking for a cost-effective way to upgrade their existing copper networks in order to compete with DOCSIS 3.0 and FTTH technologies.”

Approximately 70% to 80% of residences could enjoy 100-Mbps services via vectoring, Keowen estimated. However, Ikanos has added ITU-T G.998.1 and G.998.2 bonding support as well. The device natively interfaces directly to two integrated analog front-end devices, which enables the coupling of a two copper wires. Bonding can be used to extend reach or, where reach extension isn’t required, increase data rate.

Ikanos has also designed the Fusiv Vx185 and Vx183 with dynamic power management capabilities that enable the devices to operate below the power requirements of European Code of Conduct and the Home Gateway Initiative.

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