Many “telcos” are offering more than just voice and data these days as IPTV starts to become more and more of a vertical market and DSL loops get shorter and shorter. With this come installing IP Set-Top Boxes (IPSTBs), and the problems they present.

If using ADSL over ATM, telcos may need to set up multiple PVCs for different services, such as data, VoIP, and IPTV. Fortunately, this is easily supported by both of ZyXEL’s latest DSL CPE offerings, the P-660HN and the VSG1435.

In addition, the VSG1435 supports VDSL over PTM and Ethernet WAN, both of which can handle multiple services through the use of WAN VLAN. VLAN-tagged packets are sent directly to the COE, ensuring the services are segregated and prioritized accordingly.

Regardless of the interface type, interfaces can be either routed or bridged, ensuring maximum compatibility with an ISP’s rollout plan and infrastructure. If the interface is routed, IGMP Snooping ensures that IGMP traffic is only sent out to subscriber ports, and not flooding the entire device.

On the LAN side of the device, STBs can present particular problems if VLAN-tagged traffic is required. Fortunately, on both the P660HN and the VSG1435, VLAN-tagged traffic can be sent to certain devices, or from certain ports that the ISP can designate as STB ports. This will ensure proper end-to-end connectivity of STBs, whether their broadband interfaces are running through NAT or bridged directly to the COE.

What if you don’t want customers using 3rd party STBs on your network? Fortunately, the VSG1435 supports STB Vendor ID identification, which only allows STBs from the ISP’s certified vendor to be used through the VSG1435.

Finally, the VSG1435 also includes an HPNA port, which can perform IP networking over coaxial cable, which is usually pre-installed in most homes for TV use. This can make using an HPNA 3.1 compliant IPSTB a breeze with the VSG1435.

ZyXEL has been in the modem and CPE business for over 20 years. We have a great deal of experience in creating devices that meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. If you want to know more about what these devices can do, contact your ZyXEL Key Accounts representative today.