MTA – Media Terminal Adapter

By: Diane Shired, CTM

Meaning of MTA – "Media Terminal Adapter", is a hardware that interfaces with an IP network. It takes advantage of internet connectivity that is deployed through DSL, Cable Modem and other Ethernet connections. In other words, it replaces a Modem if you are using an ISDN digital connection and not a regular analog phone line. Because ISDN signal is in digital form and there is no need for a Modem which deal with analog signals. MTA is connected to the computer on the user’s end so that the data can go directly into the ISDN line.

MTA is important for VOIP capabilities. It can be implemented in two ways. First as an embedded MTA with in the DOCSIS Cable Modem or as a standalone MTA device that connects to a Cable Modem.

Other Related Definitions:

"Terayon Communication Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: TERN), a leading provider of broadband solutions, today introduced its Terayon TA 102 embedded Media Terminal Adapter (eMTA), which enables cable television operators to offer subscribers IP (Internet Protocol) telephony and high-speed data services. The TA 102 is the industry's first eMTA to utilize advanced physical layer technology to greatly increase scalability and ensure reliable service delivery. It is the first of a full line of MTA products planned by Terayon to address the needs of cable operators domestically and internationally." [ Terayon - Santa Clara, Calif ]

"Ambit's SMTAs (Standalone Media Terminal Adapters) feature one or two analog POTS (Plain Old Telephone Set) ports for connection to existing analog phones and fax machines. The products also include a Fast Ethernet switch and two physical Ethernet interfaces to support connection to a broadband DSL or cable modem and to a PC or home local area network (LAN).

Ambit's EMTAs (Embedded Media Terminal Adapters) further integrate either a DSL or cable modem transceiver, and utilize Broadcom's xChange VoIP firmware running on a third party DSP chip." [PRNewswire-FirstCall - IRVINE, Calif., June 11 ]

"The multimedia terminal adapter (MTA) is a vital ingredient for delivering the voice-over-IP (VoIP) capabilities provided under the PacketCable specifications. Under the PacketCable spec, the MTA can be implemented in two ways. On one side of the coin, developers can embed the MTA within the Docsis Cable Modem. On the other, designers can implement the MTA functions as a standalone device that connects to a standalone CM. Deciding between the embedded (eMTA) or standalone (sMTA) approach requires a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. In this article, we'll embark on that analysis focusing on software architecture and overall system performance. We'll also examine a set of performance enhancement mechanisms that may only be implemented in an eMTA." [Texas Instruments - By Mariano Schain and Manoj Sindhwani]

Related Links:

Broadcom - BCM1112 VoIP CPE Engine
Internet Draft - Multimedia Terminal Adapter Management Information Base
Physorg - VoIP Technology Enters the Next Generation

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