Bell Labs drives DSL speeds to 300Mbit/s

Alcatel-Lucent's Bell Labs has sent data at 300Mbit/s over standard copper lines

Bell Labs, the research arm of Alcatel-Lucent, has managed to pass data at 300Mbit/s over ordinary copper wiring using a system known as DSL Phantom Mode.

The team achieved the speeds over a distance of 400m using two standard copper DSL lines. The speed dropped to 100Mbit/s at anything up to 1km.

The technology could extend the lifespan of existing copper-based DSL lines if it can be scaled properly, according to the researchers.

Kamalini Ganguly, an analyst at Ovum, suggested that the test "adds a whole new dimension to the ongoing '100Mbit/s for all' debate".

"The fact that existing copper loops can facilitate 300Mbit/s at 400m reshapes the whole next-generation broadband competitive environment, and will open up a wide range of new business opportunities for 'traditional' DSL players," she said.

DSL Phantom Mode works by creating a virtual data channel to supplement the physical link. The technique uses controllers to reduce interference between the physical and virtual data channels, and allow faster speeds.

"We often think of the role of innovation in generating technologies of the future, but DSL Phantom Mode is a prime example of the role innovation can play in creating a future for existing solutions and injecting them with a new source of value," said Gee Rittenhouse, head of research at Bell Labs.

"What makes DSL Phantom Mode such an important breakthrough is that it combines cutting edge technology with an attractive business model that will open up entirely new commercial opportunities for service providers, enabling them in particular to offer the latest broadband IP-based services using existing network infrastructure."