Overview | Features & Benefits | Learn More

BigBand Networks enables a cable operator to leverage its combination of DOCSIS® and rich media infrastructure to deliver video to a wide range of IP devices. BigBand DOCSIS Video provides the ability to expand high speed data networks to include offerings such as live TV programming, on-demand video content and P2P multimedia file swapping, and maximize revenues from content streamed over its network.

At the core of the BigBand Networks' solution is the Cuda®, an innovative CMTS (cable modem termination system) platform and the BMR® (Broadband Multimedia-Service Router), the recognized platform for network delivery of video services. Synergy between these platforms enables robust, reliable and cost-effective delivery of digital video to IP-based customer premise equipment, such as a PC.

DSG benefits include improved upstream capacity for video services and the use of open standards for more scalable and robust CPE signaling. These benefits, combined with PCMM (PacketCable™ Multimedia) features that leverage IP for quality of service guarantees, enables BigBand DOCSIS Video to achieve the same high quality content as standard video delivery methods.

BigBand DOCSIS Video provides a cable operator with the opportunity to adopt a "walled garden" model for video content streamed over its plant, enhancing the ARPU from its high speed data customers. BigBand Networks' solution includes advanced features such as the ability to prompt a subscriber to temporarily increase bandwidth while viewing content, not only increasing customer satisfaction but also providing added revenue on a pay-per-use basis. Active involvement with initiatives such as IPDR (Internet Protocol Detail Records) ensures accurate record keeping and full interoperability with a cable operator's OSS/BSS.

Multicasting enables live video content to be provided to a large number of subscribers using only a few ports on the Cuda platform. Without multicasting a network scales with the number of subscribers, but in a multicast environment scales with the number of unique video programs being viewed.

BigBand DOCSIS Video offers an operator the ability to broaden service offerings while providing a migration path to greater network convergence.

Higher Service Reliability

Several attributes enable the BigBand Cuda and BigBand BMR to meet requirements for highly reliable video delivery. In addition to distributing processing across multiple application modules, the innovative Cuda architecture supports N+1 redundancy of DOCSIS modules, and ensures complete separation between data traffic and the synchronization information needed to support switchover in a redundant configuration. GigE network interface modules, management modules and power supplies are deployed in a 1+1 redundant configuration. All modules and power supplies are hot swappable, and software upgrades are non-service-affecting. The BMR chassis supports N+1 redundancy of RF ports, 1+1 redundancy management modules, redundant fans, and load sharing power supplies. Hot-swappable I/O cards and power supplies, a passive backplane and other features support carrier-class availability.

Future Network Architectures

The long-held stereotype of TV for "lean back" consumption and the PC for "lean forward" is being challenged as subscribers push for greater mobility and diversity of services. By extending video delivery to DOCSIS infrastructure a cable operator has the opportunity to meet subscriber needs while leveraging high speed data assets. BigBand DOCSIS Video offers an operator a migration path to greater network convergence and the ability to broaden service offerings, such as the ability to deliver video to any IP device in a subscriber's home, display a caller's ID on the TV when the phone rings and enhance online gaming experiences.