Vecima Networks and Charter Communications this week announced that they have demonstrated greater than 8.5 Gbps downstream and 6 Gbps upstream on hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) cable plant.
The demonstration was built using next-generation DOCSIS 4.0 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) for Remote MACPHY Device (RMD) and cable modem solutions, which conforms to CableLabs DOCSIS 4.0 FDD specifications.
This lab demonstration of DOCSIS 4.0 frequency division duplexing (FDD) end-to-end performance using just a single reference cable modem shows the massivecapacity available through incremental upgrades to existing HFC plant. The system utilizes the existing FDD mode of operation which has been used for over 20 years of DOCSIS deployment. It delivers a natural and evolutionary network upgrade leveraging existing skillsets. By building on the existing FDD approachand simply extending downstream and upstream to higher frequencies, the capacity of the network can be increased through the existing amplifiercascade.
Many MSOs are excited to see this demonstration of DOCSIS 4.0 with FDD. This technology, and the level of performance it will bring to the industry, promises to maintainthe ubiquitously deployed broadband advantage of existing HFC cable plants around the world.
Joe Godas, Senior Vice President, Network Engineering & Technology, Charter Communications
This provides proof that our network is capable of offering multi-gig speeds bi-directionally. Having this technology offersan option for future improvements and continuing to evolve our leading service for years to come.
Sumit Kumar, President and Chief Executive Officer at Vecima
The HFC plant remains a huge asset for cable operators, and our recent testing validates the performance and viability of DOCSIS 4.0 and the inherent multi-gig symmetrical capacityof the cable plant. Vecima is proud to play such an integral role in powering the world’s movement to the limitless broadband connectivity of the future.
