ADTRAN (News - Alert) has just launched a new business Ethernet solution to extend the reach of Ethernet and expand opportunities to deploy VoIP and data over voice grade wiring.

The new ActivReach extends service reach over three times beyond the limits of standard business Ethernet and helps deliver high-speed voice, data and Power over Ethernet (PoE) all from a single device.

The solution also supports all grades of wiring. With this Ethernet solution, businesses can now add up to 100Mbps of data to existing voice-grade wiring and more than triple service reach up to 365 meters.

ActivReach finds immediate application in ADTRAN's new NetVanta 1535P Gigabit Ethernet switch which offers businesses and service providers with maximum flexibility in designing networks across long distances of CAT3, CAT5 and CAT6 cable.

The new capabilities in ActivReach allow businesses to utilize their existing voice-grade wiring infrastructure to access IP-based voice, hosted services, cloud-based unified communications (UC) and deliver data networking speeds at 100Mbps while transitioning their business towards a Gigabit future.

Voice-grade cable is not suitable for traditional Ethernet. Many businesses especially older office buildings, schools, hospitals and retail stores rely on CAT3 or voice-grade cabling infrastructure for their legacy phone systems, which limit their ability to take advantage of the latest IP voice and data network capabilities.

As a result, businesses have been forced to run new cable to enable Voice over IP (VoIP) and cutting-edge UC services. However, with new cabling upgrade costs running at hundreds of dollars per drop, this option becomes cost-prohibitive for many of these companies, the company said.

 "The NetVanta 1535P with ActivReach is currently the only solution that can realistically provide a path for a Gigabit future while removing the traditional limitations of existing voice-grade wiring," said Patrick Price, product manager for ADTRAN's Ethernet Switching product line, in a statement.

 "With ActivReach, businesses—regardless of their location, cabling infrastructure or IT budget—will now be able to leverage a cost-effective solution for both voice and desktop connectivity in a way they have not been able to do before," Price added.