Analytic model for cross-layer dependencies in VDSL2 access networks

Recent changes in user employment of Internet based services, new deployment technologies for mobile networks as well as an ongoing realisation of fixed and mobile converged networks e.g. the EU FP7 project COMBO, are significant examples of enablers for increasing demands on DSL links. Investigating cross-layer dependencies between all layers in the OSI reference model becomes increasingly important. In this paper we present an analytical model and experimental results for the relation between impulse noise on a VDSL2 link and the effect this have on the network layer packet loss. We show how the packet loss rate is dependent not only on the disturbance signal level and periodicity but also on the link utilisation.