[mega pixels]

In February 2005 ntl launched the UK's first ADSL2+ trial. The trial has proven that we can deliver broadband connections with downstream line rates in excess of 18Mb/s without any modification to our copper infrastructure.

In March 2005 we also launched the first known UK trial using ADSL2+, which will enabled us to deliver on-demand streaming of HDTV channels over an IP Broadband infrastructure.

NTL (unlike US cable and BT) use "Siamese" cable in the access network which has both coax (HFC) and copper.

Historically, this architecture has provided ntl with a cost-effective platform for the delivery of broadcast video, traditional telephony and broadband services.

Going forward, the same combination gives ntl the competitive advantage of being able to deploy leading broadband technologies over coax and next generation DSL technologies over copper.

Our competitive advantage is largely due to the short distance of our copper loops to the home - 95% of ntl network is within 1000 meters to the home; 90% of BT's network is within 5,000 meters but only 5% is within 1,000 meters*

* Source: BT at Evolving Access Networks Conference Feb 2005.

This short distance allows us to deliver very high speed bandwidth to the home using next generation DSL technologies (ADSL2+ initially, followed later by VDSL2), without costly "fibre to the home" network investment.

In addition, developments on our HFC network will allow us to further exploit its shared access capabilities with downstream line rates in excess of 18Mb/s without any modification to our copper infrastructure

In March 2005 we also launched the first known UK trial using advanced DSL technology platform which will enable ntl to deliver on-demand streaming of HDTV channels over an IP Broadband infrastructure.


http://www.ntl.com/locales/gb/en/inv...esentation.pdf

[SerenityMovie]

In February 2005 ntl launched the UK's first ADSL2+ trial. The trial has proven that we can deliver broadband connections with downstream line rates in excess of 18Mb/s without any modification to our copper infrastructure.

Erm. That anybody else find the hilarious? Our cable network is so much superiour (but we're using ADSL2+, the competitors new technology).

[TheBigM]

This will probably be used for the LLU expansion bordering NTL's cable network. Delivering broadband over cable and copper may be useful for even higher speeds (like bonded ADSL) or perhaps to reduce load on HFC. Either it is an extension/addition to HFC not in lieu of it. (Like VOD n PVR, complement each other rather than rival technologies as some people seem to think). Interested by the HDTV business, perhaps the extra speed afforded by ADSL2+ will complement HFC TV streams to make the HDTV thus ensuring continuity of wide selection of channels but with HDTV, Will provide extra information upon channel change kinda like Homechoice chnging channel.

[ntlhellworld]

and where is the infomation about the HDTV ?..

-Chris

[TomNls]

Originally Posted by Kevin.Beaumont

Erm. That anybody else find the hilarious? Our cable network is so much superiour (but we're using ADSL2+, the competitors new technology).

That isn't hilarious at all. DSL is not "the competitors new technology" - it wasn't created by BT (or any of the LLU companies), just like DOCSIS wasn't created by ntl.

They are technologies developed by tech companies giving different solutions to home high speed net access - it just so happens that BT's infrastructure is capable of utilising DSL, whereas ntl's infrastructure is capable of utilising both. Just because ntl has chosen not to use DSL so far, doesn't make it a "competitor's technology".

Also, if that data is correct, then ntl's network does seem to be far superior. As ADSL2+'s performance is very much dictated by the distance of copper, 95% of ntl's being under 1km, compared to 5% on BT, is going to be a big advantage.

[TheBigM]

This is an ingenious idea of NTL's really, looking at that presentation (unfortunately no mention of london upgrade but that is a story fro another thread). HDTV would take up huge amounts of bandwidth, bandwidth NTL does not have on its HFC unlike Sky and sattelite. From what I understand, NTL intend to use the extra bandwidth to transmit a channel as HDTV rather than using space on the HFC. It will only have to show the channel currently being viewed i.e. it will show a HD stream on demand and will change channel a la Homechoice. This may be a premium service rather than everyone using it and note this is for on-net customers as their copper pairs will be near enough, this won't be suitable for their LLU intentions where they use BT's copper and will likely only be capable of standard definition. A clever way of challenging Sky's HD rollout next year and should ont cost too much, requiring only DSL equipment in the exchanges/cabinets.

Once VDSL/2 rolls out this story may change and high speeds over DSL could see a challenger from BT/Homechoice or similar to cable.

MPEG4 or Windows Media Player compression encoders will give HDTV bitrates comparable to current MPEG2 SDTV pictures.

[TheBigM]

Interesting proppinupthebar, I did not know that. Then it is interesting what they think the expenditure of installing extra equipment to make DSL availabel on-net would be worth because even with 18mbps, the space over HFC will be far larger especially once analogue has gone.

It seems that this will make a move from just on-demand content as VOD is doing to true on-demand IPTV as I have ranted about a few times, maybe NTL do read these boards.

The thing with the copper pair is that it only feeds you, whereas the coax is a common feed to everyone. Therefore everyone is sharing the coax bandwidth, but the copper pair bandwidth is yours. This sort of feed I believe is known as Fibre to the Kerb (FTTK).

[andygrif]

Originally Posted by Kevin.Beaumont

Erm. That anybody else find the hilarious? Our cable network is so much superiour (but we're using ADSL2+, the competitors new technology).

There's nothing wrong with the network, only what's plugged in at each end of it.

In fact the nationwide network was so superior (at the time) it was one of the main reasons for CableTel buying ntl.

[SerenityMovie]

It's just really odd, mixed messages from NTL - I'm aware of the technicalities.

They're obviously having a look at pushing VOD over TV, but also going off in other directions. Probably sensible not to put all your eggs in one basket - but at the same time, why bother investing money in VOD and labelling it as a 'killer app' when you're looking at VOD over DSL?

[TheBigM]

At least it seems like NTL have been doing something on the inside instead of twiddling their thumbs, I think the change of management since the debt business has helped, I look forward to seeing new products/innovation and better use of their asset i.e. the network in the future rather than excuses and "coming soon" signs. Still a lot of work left to do in many areas including Videotron and VOD but it looks like they are doing it.

[omertron]

Originally Posted by Kevin.Beaumont

Probably sensible not to put all your eggs in one basket - but at the same time, why bother investing money in VOD and labelling it as a 'killer app' when you're looking at VOD over DSL?

I think that's the point, how many potential off-net customers are out there?

[TheBigM]

Actually this is on-net not off-net as they are talking about using their own copper pairs not BT's. Only 5% of BT's copper pairs are in the 1km range as opposed to 95% for NTL allowing the high speeds. Also NTL has fiber to the cabs (FTTK - fibre to the kerb) allowing enough bandwidth space to make it allowable, BT's LLU is not sufficient for this BT would have to do something called sub-loop unbundling which currently they are not. Interesting what they will do with it but I think the main important difference is the same coax feeds every household on your cab whereas the copper pairs are individual to you. This will be an interesting development to follow as they will surely utilise it, waste of a netowrk not to. They should at least let VIdeotron customers use at the 1,2,3Mb speeds until they can get BB over the HFC.

[zenith52]

95% of copper less than 1Km.. But how many Cabinets have room for a DSLAM? Not many from what I know.

Zen

[TheBigM]

In my area I have seen a few cabs kicked open. Most of it was empty, it had a power supply and feed coming out of the ground and a single board for feeding the coax with f-type connectors on the board. Note smaller ones probably now available through ongoing miniaturisation and the fact that the DSLAM would only have to provide to a few homes unlike the several thousand on each BT exchange. They have done a technical field trial so there must be room, how else could they be doing it.

[zenith52]

Yes they have done a field trial, but you would do that in an area that you have all the resources required.

If/when it is succesfull you can do your press release.

It doesn't mean you are able to roll it out everywhere due to other network issues.

Zen

[TheBigM]

What network issues, apart from certain temporary exceptions such as Videotron london, all the network areas should be capable of the same things. They simply need quality copper within a short distance and sufficient fibre feed. The copper will be there as needed for voice quality and the fibre will be there to feed existing TV and broadband, what problems are you anticipating, you need a problem to have a problem rather than just saying oh there mgiht be problems in order to pour cold wwater on these plans.

[zenith52]

Hey, I did not say there would definately be problems.

What I said is that at no point have NTL advised that they would be able to roll this out to all cabinets.

In order to roll this technology out NTL need to install a DSLAM in the street cabinets and possibly some other opitcal equipment to push the ATM/Ethernet back to the Hubsite/Headend.

I know that many street cabinets in both TW & NTL are stuffed to the brim with kit, especially in areas that have business and residential in the same location.

The councils are stopping them from putting up additional cabinets in some areas, so they may have space limitations.

Zen

[PraisetheBeeb]

To be fair though BT also have limitations, I seriously doubt whether more than 20% of the people on theIR network will ever be able to use ADSL2+ unless there is a serious investment plan ahead, I just dont know how BT can solve the BT Excchange distance problem without poping up next exchanges!

Doesnt seem a lot of hope seeing this anytime soon from either.

[TheBigM]

The situation is a lot worse for BT and other companies such as Thus, Colt, Easynet etc. this is because they only take their fibre backbone down to the exchange level which is too far away. Cable takes fibre down to the street cabs meaning distances are short. BT would have to install fibre to their street cabs which would cost huge amounts of money as they would have to do it nationally. Sub-loop unbundling doesn't seem likely for the time being so it looks like if done quickly and successfully, NTL and TW in marketing terms could beat their chest against even Sky who are planning HDTV in 2006.

[collingsr]

Originally Posted by zenith52

The councils are stopping them from putting up additional cabinets in some areas, so they may have space limitations.

Zen

I don't think that the councils can stop the cable companies from installing additional street cabinets. Street furniture under 2.5 cubic metres (I don't think that there are any street cabinets bigger than this used - certainly not by ntl, anyway) the companies only have to notify the local planning authority of the intent to install a new cabinet and give 28 days notice. The planning authority can submit conditions (i.e. in conservation areas), but they must not be unreasonable.

[zenith52]

The problem that councils are having now is that in some residential areas there a 2 or 3 cabinets in place and TW want to put up a 4th they are getting complaints from residents.

So they are now happier for Cable Co's to put up less, but bigger cabs.. Obviously though this causes outages and costs money..

Zen

[Ian Cleverly]

http://www.dmeurope.com/default.asp?ArticleID=6866

[TheSeeKer]

IMHO this is a better news article about NTL's ADSL+2 trials

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/03/22/ntl_adsl2/