Nokia Siemens Networks Debuts Phantom DSL Technology At Blazing Speeds

The world will probably never stop searching for faster Internet connections. That drive is what pushed us from the modems of old to the place where we are today: a place that involves broadband Internet via DSL, cable, fiber optics, and satellites. But of course, fast is never really fast enough, and while the bigger push today is getting basic broadband services to rural communities, the race for more speed is always ongoing in the background.

But it's not always brand new technology delivering new speed records. Some companies are striving to make more out of what we already have, which is a very cost effective method compared to building out entirely new networks. Nokia Siemens Networks is one of those companies, and today they have announced a new technology that could drastically increase the data carrying capacity of standard copper wires.


The company achieved data transmission speeds of 825 megabits per second (Mbps) over 400 meters of bonded copper lines and 750 Mbps over 500 meters. Most DSL services available to consumers now top out at 30Mbps or 40Mbps, with some "extreme" cable services going as high as 100Mbps. But these rates are much, much higher, and they use the same copper technology that is already widely available.

Nokia Siemens Networks used circuits that involve the creation of a virtual - or ’phantom’ - channel to supplement the two physical wires that are the standard configuration for copper transmission lines. The approach, known as Phantom DSL, is being showcased this week, and could hopefully be used in a real world application in the future. The company has yet to mention a time line for that, but the fact that it's being demonstrated to the public is a great sign. We'd gladly take DSL at those speeds, wouldn't you?

Nokia Siemens Networks achieves world record copper DSL speeds
Paris, France – 25 October 2010
"Phantom DSL" reaches 825 megabits per second over 400 meters of copper lines

Nokia Siemens Networks has successfully tested a technology that could drastically increase the data carrying capacity of standard copper wires. The company achieved data transmission speeds of 825 megabits per second (Mbps) over 400 meters of bonded copper lines and 750 Mbps over 500 meters. At these speeds, network operators could optimize existing, widely deployed copper infrastructure to provide bandwidth-intensive services for years to come.

Nokia Siemens Networks used circuits that involve the creation of a virtual - or ’phantom’ - channel to supplement the two physical wires that are the standard configuration for copper transmission lines. The approach, known as Phantom DSL is also being showcased during Broadband World Forum 2010 in Paris,
October 26 - 28.

“Laying down new optical fiber to the home remains costly, though it is capable of delivering very high speeds and is a definite solution for long-term bandwidth requirements,” said Eduard Scheiterer, head of broadband access business line, Nokia Siemens Networks. “However, the innovative use of technologies such as phantom circuits helps operators provide an efficient last mile connectivity with existing copper wires.”

Phantom DSL promises a bandwidth increase of 50-75% over existing bonded copper lines. This prolongs the life of copper networks, delaying the need for fiber rollout and protecting operator’s existing capital investments. The promised high speeds will enable a whole new range of end-user services and open up new revenue opportunities for operators. The technology could be used to test initial demand for very high bandwidth services.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ Phantom DSL will become an integral part of the company’s DSLAM* products hiX 562x/3x.
About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com