Comtrend Secures FCC Approval for New VDSL Gateway

As major manufacturers pivot away from copper-based technology, the Irvine-based company is positioning itself as a primary supplier for providers maintaining rural connectivity. The PBL-6201 gateway is designed to bridge the gap between legacy DSL systems and modern performance requirements. It integrates bonded VDSL2 with 35b profile support and Wi-Fi 6 AX6000 capabilities, featuring a 1W high-power output to boost in-home coverage. The hardware is backward compatible with single-line VDSL and ADSL, allowing technicians to standardize deployment across varied loop lengths and line types. Beyond raw connectivity, the gateway includes G.vector and G.inp support to mitigate crosstalk and impulse noise. Remote management via TR-069 and TR-181 protocols aims to reduce the frequency of costly on-site service calls. While the device addresses current DSL dependencies, it also anticipates future network transitions with a 2.5GbE WAN port, enabling its use in fiber-to-the-premises environments. John Castreje, General Manager at Comtrend North America, stated that the approval reinforces the company's commitment to supporting existing copper customers while integrating emerging technologies like 5G and Wi-Fi HaLow to expand revenue streams for regional providers.