BigBand M-CMTS for DOCSIS 3.0
BigBand Networks offers the most economical method for cable operators to provide subscribers with dramatically higher broadband speeds. The BigBand Modular-CMTS is the ideal way to accommodate emerging trends such as delivery of video over DOCSIS®, while fending off the threat posed by telecom carriers intending to offer television services. The BigBand platform, in conjunction with DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding, enables a feasible business model for providing bandwidth far beyond what is possible with traditional solutions.
The BigBand M-CMTS solution uses DOCSIS 3.0 downstream channel bonding to offer broadband speeds in excess of 100 Mbps, at costs close to those traditionally associated with single digit access speeds. Best of all, the BigBand M-CMTS can be the perfect bridge between current CMTS platforms and future DOCSIS 3.0 capabilities.
A modular CMTS has disaggregated functionality for best-of breed performance, splitting DOCSIS MAC processing from RF QAM signaling. Improvements in economics are achieved because disaggregation enables less expensive QAM platforms to be utilized. Consequently, cable operators can increase access speeds and lower capital expenses.
The BigBand Cuda, already deployed in multiple networks worldwide, is at the core of the BigBand M-CMTS. The BigBand Cuda is a multi-service future-proof platform differentiated from other CMTS products by its carrier-class robustness and outstanding RF performance. The innovative design of the Cuda allows it to be seamlessly upgraded to a full M-CMTS architecture. The platform's DOCSIS 2.0 cards, for example, require no hardware changes to support DOCSIS 3.0 downstream channel bonding.
BigBand Networks' long-established edge QAM platforms provide RF signaling functionality, the other key building block of an M-CMTS. Up to 24 QAM channels are supported in highly modular platforms that feature hot-swappable QAM modules, a hot-swappable six fan assembly and interchangeable power supplies.
Unique to the BigBand M-CMTS is the ability to provide higher access speeds to subscribers without requiring them to replace legacy modems, while also simultaneously supporting channel bonding.
Another way that the BigBand M-CMTS demonstrates its flexibility is by allowing a cable operator to configure the ratio of upstream to downstream paths. The broad array of ratios available on the BigBand M-CMTS spans 2 x 8 through 8 x 8, enabling an operator to maximize utilization of network infrastructures.
Unique M-CMTS Architecture
The BigBand M-CMTS is the best way for a cable operator to evolve seamlessly from current DOCSIS 2.0 CMTS capabilities to a full DOCSIS 3.0 implementation. For example, the DOCSIS 2.0 cards used on the current BigBand Cuda already support many DOCSIS 3.0 functions, including downstream channel bonding. This allows an operator to deploy the BigBand Cuda now to meet current networks needs, with assurances that the platform can be field-upgraded to satisfy future requirements.
Existing 2 x 8 DOCSIS cards on the BigBand Cuda each support two MAC domains. In an M-CMTS environment the same cards support 4 x 40Mbps per MAC domain, for a total of 320Mbps per card. Although capacity is quadrupled, the cost per bit of delivering video, voice and data services is reduced to a fraction of current costs.
The BigBand Edge QAM, a uniquely modular platform originally designed for switched services such as VOD (video on demand) and switched broadcast provides RF modulation functionality. Up to 24 channels are supported in this compact chassis.
The BigBand M-CMTS employs the DEPI (Downstream External PHY Interface) protocol to enable communications between the BigBand Cuda and BigBand Edge QAM. Standard Gigabit Ethernet provides both a data path for DOCSIS frames and a control path for management. Synchronization between the two platforms is maintained using DTI (DOCSIS Timing Interface) signaling from a DOCSIS timing generator.
Towards DOCSIS 3.0 and Beyond
Disaggregation of QAMs in an M-CMTS environment also introduces the opportunity for different services to be allocated to edge resources based in real-time capacity requirements. For example if, at a given moment, many more viewers want to watch a movie on-demand than want to swap home videos, QAMs allocated to other services can be reassigned to VOD traffic. UEQs (universal edge QAMs) will enable capacity to be dynamically re-assigned to the services that need it most.
