End-to-End DSL Architectures

Summary

In general, most potential DSL subscribers must be within 5486 meters (18,000 feet) of the central office equipment, whether in a traditional CO or in a remote terminal. This distance represents the traditional Carrier Serving Area (CSA) defined by remote terminals that extend voice service from the central office, and it has been accepted over decades for voice service. The relatively recent use of DSL repeaters is extending this reach. DSL equipment can be installed in a remote terminal, but the equipment must be made compact and environmentally hardened. Even before the equipment is accepted, regulatory issues must be addressed to define colocation and line sharing between the incumbent provider and the competitive DSL provider.