Atheros Powerline Technology Delivers Unprecedented Performance

Atheros (News - Alert) Communications, a provider of innovative technologies for wireless and wired communications, announced it delivered unprecedented performance for its Ethernet-over-Coax, or “EoC,” solution which helps in last mile broadband access.

With the help of Atheros’ AR7400 powerline chipset, cable operators can deliver two-way data services like broadband access, interactive TV and video-on-demand over existing coaxial infrastructures. This chipset provides PHY rates of about 700 Mbps and up to 350 Mbps of actual throughput over coaxial cables.

The AR7400 is designed in accordance to the new IEEE (News - Alert) 1901 draft standard for powerline networking and interoperates with a vast installed base of Home Plug AV products. China’s cable operators, Jiangsu Cable Networks or “JSCN” and Oriental Cable Networks or “OCN” have already adopted this standard into their EoC specifications. These cable operators will deploy Atheros’ EoC technology to strengthen up their existing infrastructure to support next-generation digital TV and broadband services.

The AR7400 is a fourth-generation HomePlug chipset that can deliver carrier-grade broadband transmission over coaxial and power lines. It supports next generation services within the existing infrastructure.

The chipset delivers better throughput and coverage over existing coaxial infrastructures as it is based on carrier certified HomePlug AV technology, which is the baseline technology for IEEE’s 1901 draft standard.

It is currently being integrated into customer premises equipment from leading Chinese device manufacturers like H3C and B-Star.

H3C has completed performance evaluation and interoperability tests of the new Atheros solution. H3C officials commented that the AR7400-based EoC products will soon be a pivotal tool for multi-system operators in meeting the growing demands of China’s NGB requirements.

The AR7400 EoC solution’s remote management feature helps operators configure and scale systems to suit building size, range and subscriber population. It supports more than 700 meter coverage through multiple splitters and required throughput speeds.

Todd Antes, vice president of marketing, Digital Home of Atheros Communications, said, “Service providers require standardized technologies that are field-proven and cost effective. Adoption by leading carriers not only validates the performance of our AMP products for EoC applications, but demonstrates the growing momentum behind IEEE 1901 as the technology of choice for wireline networking in the home”

In February at this year’s Mobile World Congress (News - Alert), Atheros Communications showcased its latest mobile technologies, connectivity features and applications, including the single-chip 802.11n AR6003, a mobile WLAN solution; AR1520, the company’s third-generation, single-chip GPS receiver; and the AR6133, Atheros’ smart combination of mobile 11n and Bluetooth 3.0 technologies for consumer electronics applications.