Performance evaluation platform for xDSL deployment in a complex multi-segment environment

This paper presents a highly flexible simulation platform catering to the easy and rapid evaluation of existing and future digital subscriber line (DSL) deployments as well as DSL modem performance prediction using practical modem implementations in a complex multi-segment environment. The paper outlines the methodology employed to architect and develop the core software, followed by a description of the performance prediction hooks for a variety of current and future DSL modem technologies. The graphical user interface (GUI) abstracting the core software for the user is described in terms of the various configuration options and the quick and easy graphical design of typical and complex deployment scenarios. The proposed simulator's calculations, notably theoretical SNR margin, maximum theoretical capacity and reach, plus performance evaluation using user-designed modem models, are also outlined. To support the accuracy of the new simulator, results for some example scenarios are presented and compared against other available simulators.