End-to-End DSL Architectures

Central Office/Exchange Equipment

Central office/exchange equipment includes the IP DSL switch, the successor to the first-generation DSLAM, and the Cisco 6400 UAC.

IP DSL Switch

This section focuses on the network interface second generation (NI-2) family of IP DSL switches. This family of Cisco devices is also called the Cisco 6000 series. Before the NI-2 module's advanced functionality, the Cisco 6000 series were exclusively called DSL Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs). The NI-2 module provides FCAPS functionality (fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security). This latest generation of DSLAMs allows Layer 3 intelligence for IP switching, as well as Layer 1 multiplexing.

In addition to management, the NI-2 card provides network uplink ...