Net to Net Turns Triple Play

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- Net to Net Technologies, the leading provider of Ethernet-based DSL Broadband Access solutions, today announced new IP Quality of Service (QoS) features for its family of IP DSLAMs. These new features provide the necessary tools that allow telco service providers to deliver comprehensive 'triple play' services of voice, IP television, and high-speed Internet.

Net to Net's IP DSLAMs are used by telephone companies and other service providers to provide multiple types of broadband access, including ADSL, ADSL2+, SHDSL, and T1/E1 technologies. Net to Net's robust QoS solution enhances some of the existing features already supported, such as 802.1Q VLANs, 802.1p priority, and IP Type of Service (TOS) support, to create a system wide solution that guarantees IP data packets are given the appropriate handling through the DSLAM. This packet handling capability allows telcos and service providers to deliver many different services over the DSL line, including voice, IP TV, and data.

New enhancements include support for IP QoS, including Differentiated Services support, as well as the ability to prioritize packets based on IP address information. Rate limiting, which is the ability to cap the amount of bandwidth a particular service can use, as well as enhanced VLAN capability, are additional features that provide even more control over each DSL port for the service provider.

As more and more telcos and service providers are deploying IP television to better compete with cable and satellite providers, more is required from the broadband access equipment that is used to provide these multiple services. Net to Net's unique QoS solution provides the necessary mechanisms to guarantee specific service types, such as Voice over IP or IP television, have higher priority through the DSLAM than other lower priority services, such as high-speed Internet or gaming.

"Our QoS solution is designed to give providers the necessary capabilities to deliver carrier class 'triple play' services," stated Ken Latimer, Chairman and CEO of Net to Net. "Carriers need to guarantee that voice calls are crystal clear, and IP television is equal to or better than cable, while at the same time delivering many other revenue generating services. Our solution aims to deliver this capability, all over a cost-effective, native IP and Ethernet infrastructure."

Unlike many other DSLAM providers, Net to Net's DSLAMs are based on IP and Ethernet technologies, not ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode). ATM does offer very significant QoS capabilities, but also introduces considerable cost, complexity, and provisioning challenges. By contrast, IP and Ethernet can deliver the necessary QoS at much better price points while simplifying the broadband network.

Net to Net's QoS solution is available as a firmware upgrade for existing hardware, and will begin shipping in October, 2003. Existing customers may download the new firmware from Net to Net's web site. Initially only available for ADSL technology, other technologies, such as SHDSL and T1/E1, will soon offer the same QoS features.

Net to Net Technologies Inc.