Comparison of precoding schemes for digital subscriber lines

Precoding at the transmitter side is a practicable method for transmission over intersymbol interference channels. In contrast to decision-feedback equalization no error propagation occurs and coded modulation can be applied as for the intersymbol interference free channel. Tomlinson-Harashima (1971, 1972) precoding and flexible precoding are analyzed and compared. The dualities and differences are discussed. The focus of interest is the application of precoding to fast digital transmission over twisted pair lines, such as high-rate or asymmetric digital subscriber lines. It turns out that flexibility-which is not necessary in the specific application, digital subscriber lines-of flexible precoding is paid with a performance loss compared to Tomlinson-Harashima precoding