Many Networks, One Solution: SureWest Communications Leverages BigBand Platform Versatility for Live Video over HFC, DSL and FTTP Access Networks

Background

SureWest Communications (Nasdaq: SURW) is the 3rd largest ILEC (Independent Local Exchange Carrier) in California. Its family of companies represent an integrated network of highly reliable advanced communications products and services. Services provided include digital TV, fiber optics, PCS wireless, DSL, high-speed Internet access, data transport, local and long distance telephone service, and directories in the Sacramento region. SureWest serves over 150,000 subscribers over various copper, fiber and wireless telco plants.

Challenge

In July 2002, SureWest acquired certain assets of fiber overbuilder Western Integrated Networks (WINfirst). The acquisition gave SureWest a video network with thousands of subscribers passing tens of thousands of headend-connected homes. Upon completing the acquisition, SureWest set about extending its digital television services, with more than 260 live digital video and audio programs plus VOD offerings, to its large installed base of telco customers.

SureWest devised plans for a combination of ADSL/VDSL and FTTP (fiber-to-the- premises) technologies to offer bundled video, voice and data services. DSL would serve existing residential customers in the company's ILEC region, whereas FTTP would be utilized predominantly for developments in the greater Sacramento region that comprises the company's CLEC (Competitive Local Exchange Carrier) area.

Solution

SureWest performed rigorous evaluations and selected a combination of best-of-breed solutions for digital headend processing, middleware / client software, DSLAM (DSL access multiplexing), and set-top box for customer premises. BigBand Networks and its BMR® (Broadband Multimedia-Service Router) platform was awarded the digital headend business.

"After extensive testing of multiple alternatives, we selected BigBand Networks' platform solution to quickly deploy and expand our video service offerings," said Bill DeMuth, vice president and chief technology officer, SureWest. "The BigBand BMR is a key platform within the SureWest deployment, interoperating openly with components from other leading vendors, and scaling to meet the growing demand for our triple-play offering of video, voice and high speed data."

Selection criteria included ease of installation, scaling and use, versatile support for media and protocols, management intelligence, reliability and video quality. SureWest also prioritized working with innovative companies committed to constantly improving technical solutions for an ever-broadening array of multimedia services.

Benefits

Physical Installation - The BigBand BMR integrates both video bit-rate clamping and IP encapsulation in the same chassis with support for large program counts, well above 200. Installation of a single BMR1200 proved far simpler than multiple low-capacity "pizza box" alternatives for multiple elements of functionality.

Service Configuration – The BCM (Broadcast Control Management) software for grooming on the BMR displays program names on input, and allows drag-and-drop from input to output. Ability to assign both unicast and multicast IP addresses on a per service basis are also pluses for SureWest.

Interoperability – The BigBand BMR successfully interoperated with middleware, DSLAM, and set-top box vendors, tested by SureWest, and has integrated seamlessly since operation.

Video Quality – Robust and high quality digital video programming is provided by the BigBand BMR to SureWest subscribers at efficient rates of just a few megabits per second, which enables multiple programs to each home and provides service over a variety of network connection spans and topologies.

Reliability – Hot swappable input/output cards, alongside supply and fan level redundancy, are further distinctions of the BigBand BMR's chassis approach. The platform also enables configuration for input and output redundancy through failover mechanisms.
Monitoring and Management – The BCM provides GUI ease of use, powerful visual analytics and versatile associated sub-functions, with easily upgradeable support for emerging initiatives.

Ongoing Innovations – Since installation, SureWest has maintained a close and consultative relationship with BigBand Networks and the two companies are dedicated to continuing ongoing collaboration on initiatives such as HDTV introduction and lucrative local advertising insertion.