DSL Variant Adds Features For Businesses

Telcos are developing a new flavor of digital subscriber line service that should have greater appeal to business customers than the more consumer-oriented DSL available today. Called SHDSL (single-pair, high-bit-rate DSL), it's aimed at small and midsize businesses, telecommuters, and branch offices.

Vendors of SHDSL equipment tout it as a superior service for businesses to its predecessor, asymmetric digital subscriber line. SHDSL supports two-way data transmissions at speeds of up to 2.3 Mbps and offers security, standards-based management, and transmission across distances of more than 20,000 feet.

Efficient Networks Inc. on Monday launched its 5950 SHDSL Business Gateway, a device designed for installation at a customer's site, where it will offer interfaces for eight ports of 10/100 Mbps Ethernet. The 5950 will be capable of carrying data, packetized voice traffic, and video, and will include features such as security and virtual private network support. Security techniques it will support include wire-speed VPN capabilities and IP Security.

The device is expected to be generally available beginning in June from telcos that have struck deals with Efficient to use the device as part of their SHDSL services. Its list price will be $599. SHDSL service first will be available in Europe, probably in the third quarter. In the United States, testing should begin this summer and fall, says Dano Ybarro, Efficient's VP of business management, with service available by year's end.