Internode's Extreme SHDSL (Symmetric High-speed Digital Subscriber Line) services deliver both downstream and upstream Internet access at guaranteed speeds from five to 40 megabits per second (Mbps). This fully-symmetrical service is aimed at businesses that have outgrown the uplink capacity of their ADSL2+ Internet connection, but find optical fibre Ethernet alternatives too expensive. Even traditional leased line solutions, which offer limited speed and scalability, can be cost-prohibitive.

High-speed two-way Internet access is increasingly important for businesses that adopt next generation applications such as IP Telephony, Internet Virtual Private Networks, onsite web services and IP videoconferencing. With data uplink speeds limited to less than 2.5 Mbps, ADSL2+ services prevent organisations from extracting the full performance and benefit of these applications.

Initially, Extreme SHDSL is available across the entire Adelaide Central Business District. Internode is currently planning to deploy Extreme SHDSL in key business areas of other Australian cities. Ultimately, the Extreme SHDSL network will extend across the wider metropolitan area.

Internode Product Manager Jim Kellett said Extreme SHDSL was designed for medium-sized businesses. "Most small businesses find our Extreme ADSL2+ service suits their needs while many corporates choose fibre optic-based Internode Ethernet," he said. "Extreme SHDSL fills the gap in the mid-size market in terms of performance and value for money."

Extreme SHDSL is almost universally available within coverage areas because it is delivered using Unbundled Local Loop - the existing copper access network that is available in most business premises. By contrast, Ethernet speeds are usually associated with the high cost of installing and maintaining dedicated optical fibre systems. With better performance and more scalability than leased lines or previous SHDSL technologies, and higher speeds than ADSL2+, Extreme SHDSL is the perfect fit for a number of business requirements.

Internode Extreme SHDSL is based on the IEEE 802.3ah global standards, often called 'Ethernet over Copper' or 'Ethernet in the First Mile'. It represents a significant technology evolution utilising as many as eight bonded copper pairs, each running Extended Symmetrical High-speed Digital Subscriber Line (E-SHDSL) at more than 5 Mbps per pair. This means that a 10 Mbps Extreme SHDSL service transfers data at 10 Mbps in both directions 24x7. Internode Extreme SHDSL services start at 5 Mbps and scale all the way to 40 Mbps.

Prices range from $700 per month for a 5 Mbps service with a 25-gigabyte download quota to a completely unlimited 40 Mbps service for $4000 a month. More information is available from www.internode.on.net/extremeshdsl.