atures, the ability to carry ATM as well as Ethernet payload, and channel bonding for extended reach or rate. An additional benefit of VDSL2 is that it is compatible with ADSL, ADSL2, and ADSL2+, whereas the original VDSL (VDSL1) is not. ADSL2+ backward compatibility makes VDSL2 deployment much more attractive for ser- vice providers and will speed the adoption of this technology. Given its improved data rates and reach, power features, and QoS features, VDSL2 also enables triple- and quadruple-play applications. A typical VDSL2 connection can support at least three DTV channels, 5Mbps Web surfing, and Voice over IP (VoIP). For all these reasons, VDSL2 is viewed as the ultimate DSL standard, being a natural evolution of ADSL2+, allowing continued exploitation of copper plants, and providing sufficient bandwidth for advanced applications. Rather than build- ing fiber all the way to the premises, VDSL2 will give telcos the ability to support multiple standard-definition and high-definition video streams via copper (using advanced compression). Adoption of VDSL2 appears to be moving quickly, with major activity worldwide. The first chipsets and systems are already available. The major business decision will be whether it is less expensive to extend fiber or to shorten copper loops for performance gains. Cable TV Networks Cable operators, also referred to as multiple-system operators (MSOs), are in major competition with telcos because the two industries are increasingly resembling each other, offering the same range of services and fighting for the same customers: Cable providers have gone into the business of supporting data and voice commu- nications (e.g., Internet access and VoIP), while telcos have begun to provide TV and interactive services (e.g., IPTV and VOD). Cable TV networks, which are most Chapter 12 Broadband Access Alternatives commonly deployed as hybrid fiber coax (HFC) arrangements, support a wide range of services, including traditional circuit-switched telephony and VoIP, Inter- net access, broad