Broadband remote access servers or BRAS are used by internet service providers to deliver DSL, cable and wireless services to residential subscribers, as well as private line services for businesses. Subscribers to broadband services are prepared to pay more for the speed and connectivity it offers, but they expect reliable and high quality service. BRAS must be capable of authenticating users and of handling many thousands of simultaneous connections.

Highspeed Connections Growing Fast

Remote Broadband Access uses LAN type connections, so regular network user authentication is employed. BRAS can include features that enable automatic provision of services and that allow ISPs to collect subscriber usage data for billing purposes. Also called edge routers because of their location in the network hierarchy (as in access, edge, and core), BRAS converge multiple access protocols such as IP and ATM, into one or more core protocols.

The amazing growth of Broadband use means that BRAS need to be easily scaled to handle increased traffic. As users adopt more sophisticated applications such as VoIP (Internet Telephony), BRAS must be capable of providing so called three-play services--advanced voice, video and data. BRAS enable the use of existing network infrastructure to reduce the cost of providing advanced services.

Standards Are Needed

There are a number of manufacturers offering broadband remote access devices. This has given momentum to the need for these manufacturers to adopt standards that will ensure compatibility with future generations of network equipment and applications. Currently the Services Availability Forum (SAF) is working on specifications that will enable software applications to work across platforms.