Overview   |    Specifications   |    Related Platforms and Software   |    Learn More

The BigBand BME® (Broadband Multimedia-Service Edge) is a modular platform for the edge processing of switched video services, such as VOD and switched broadcast. Up to 24 QAM channels, equivalent to a full Gigabit Ethernet payload, are terminated in the 1.5 RU chassis. It can hold six hot-swappable QAM cards, each with four QAMs, enabling capacity to be added incrementally.

• Space efficient termination of 24 QAM channels, a full GigE link, in a 1.5 RU chassis
• RF ports, supporting 2 or 1 QAM outputs each operate in 64 QAM and 256 QAM, along with 128 QAM in Annex A
• Modular platform holds up to 6 hot swappable QAM output cards, allowing capacity to be scaled as needed
• Supports all standard SFP modules for a large variety of GigE transport topologies and distances
• Redundant GigE path inputs on optical ports enable 50 ms redundancy switchover
• Fully compatible with pre-encryption and session-based encryption
• SNMP-based performance monitoring allows alarm traps to be sent to multiple management locations
• Supports both SD and HD VOD with up to 110 ms de-jittering

Sophisticated software makes it easy to configure and manage the BME platform. An intuitive GUI presents a wealth of insightful information, and simplifies operations. Seamless communication and performance monitoring across multiple platforms is achieved using SNMP, and allows third-party management of the BME.

During initialization the platform automatically discovers both network topology and the number of cards in each chassis.

A variety of features ensure the highest standards of service reliability. In addition to hot-swappable QAM cards and fan trays, the BME operates over a 0 - 50°C temperature range with auto-shutoff at 85°C. Diverse fiber routing with redundant optical GigE ports enables fast switchover in the event of a network failure, and striping of service groups across chassis is supported with 2:1 upconversion.

Fully compatible with pre- and session-based encryption, the BME integrates with all leading VOD servers. Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) connectors in multimode, singlemode, CWDM and DWDM versions provide optical GigE transport, and 10/100/1000BaseT ports support electrical connectivity.

The scalable, versatile BME is the ideal platform for offering on-demand and switched services today, and meeting subscriber demands for enhanced services in the future.