Actelis Networks Inc. got into the residential broadband market Wednesday by announcing what it's calling Broadband Accelerators. The devices improve ADSL signal quality so that the signals can reach farther or carry more bandwidth -- the latter case being useful for carriers wanting to add video services.

The Broadband Accelerator draws its electrical power from the telephone line, a useful feature for deployments in distant rural areas. Actelis is particularly interested in applying these products to the broadband stimulus plans (stimuli?) of various countries, says Joe Manuele, senior vice president of sales.

Separately, Actelis is planning a VDSL2 product that could start trials later this year. Manuele wouldn't go into detail about it, but the company has already publicized some of its research into extending VDSL2 reach. (See ECI, Actelis Validate DSM.)

Why this matters
Residential broadband could bring some new types of customers to 13-year-old Actelis. "What this has done for us is: We're talking to much, much larger Tier 1 carriers," Manuele claims.

It's an interesting contrast to the merger of Hatteras Networks Inc. and Overture Networks Inc. announced earlier this month.

Actelis's Broadband Accelerators involved a deal, too, but it was much less dramatic. Actelis bought the assets of a startup called Phylogy -- which apparently dabbled in signal processing, even though its name smacks of oozy biotech experiments.

For more
The latest on Ethernet-over-copper and related markets:

• Actelis Adds Broadband Accelerators
• Ekinops: Making Overtures to ANDA?
• Carrier Ethernet Access Enters 2011 on a High
• Rumor: ANDA's About to Be Acquired
• Overture & Hatteras Gang Up on Carrier Ethernet

— Craig Matsumoto, West Coast Editor, Light Reading