DSLAM

Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer or DSLAM is a device which is used to apply
multiplexing operations to transform the signals received from Digital Subscriber Line or DSL
connections on a high-speed line. It is also known as a backbone line operation. These devices
are located in the telephone companies which provide the broadband facilities to thousands of
subscribers. Any combination of frame relay, Internet Protocol and asynchronous transfer mode
or ATM networks is used to backbone the signals on a high speed line.

Properties of DSLAM

The most basic function of DSLAM is to quickly establish connection between various
different locations. They are quite complex by design and will include three basic
functions as a multiplexer, data switch and modems.

As multiplexers, they are used to encode both phone and data signals from phone
exchange to an ISP. By using large number of resources, DSLAMs will be able to
perform such an operation for hundreds and thousands of connections at a time. As
data switches, they are used to establish internet connections to many customers at
once. A switch that is free on board is made available for making another connection.

DSLAM is made up of several different modems which are used to provide services to
the customers. They are necessary for making fine adjustments on the line to ensure
the best connection rate on bandwidth by eliminating disturbances such as echoes and
noise. 

Hardware

A DSL router or an ADSL modem is essential for customers to establish connection with
the closest DSLAM. A 48 volt DC supply is used as a power source. Twisted pair
telephone lines of the unshielded type are used to make the connections in a telephone
network with public switches. A single aggregation card consists of 24 ports on an
average. More number of customers can be connected to a DSLAM by using many
number of aggregation cards.

Chassis is built as per the standards and grade of a particular telephone company, but
they should be capable of withstanding trauma. They should also function as insulators
from anything that could damage the components of a DSLAM. A strong chassis is
required to keep the connection smooth and running regardless of any external physical
disturbances.

All the various connections within a DSLAM router is made possible by the use of
aggregation cards and large number of cables. Fiber optic cables are used to create
upstream links for data processing. For faster uplinks, SDSL connections are used
whereas for slower connections ADSL connections are used.

MSAN

Multi-service Access Node or MSAN is used to connect a telephone line to the central
network in a telephone exchange. MSAN installations are of two types. A MSAN device
installed in a telephone exchange constitutes an exchange based MSAN. A device
installed as a road side cabinet constitutes a cabinet based MSAN.

MSAN are essential for providing a host of services such as ISDN, broadband and the
telephone. They are also referred to as Multi-service Access Gateway or MSAG.