New entrants into the home broadband market – think Google Fiber, as well as various government-driven initiatives – are putting the pressure on cable and multiple-system operators. One new avenue for competition is adoption of DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which enables competition against more costly fiber-based providers, while extending the useful life of copper infrastructure.
Given that market scenario, Viavi Solutions brought to market a DOCSIS 3.1-compliant cable television signal analysis meter meant to enable field technicians to accelerate large scale DOCSIS 3.1 roll outs.
CableLabs in January gave the green light for DOCSIS 3.1 technology to go mainstream, certifying the product for retail. Companies ranging from modem makers to service providers have jumped on board.
CableLabs President and CEO Phil McKinney says the development of the new DOCSIS standard has been faster than expected.
“This represents the most rapid development and implementation cycle for a broadband technology development program ever delivered by CableLabs,” McKinney said. “Development of the initial DOCSIS 3.1 specifications to product certification has occurred in half the time of previous DOCSIS specifications.”
This means a large-scale deployment could happen faster than initially expected as well. Cable giant Comcast is already testing the standard in Philadelphia to see how it fits in with the company’s existing hybrid fiber-coaxial network, hoping the technology will help them establish a multi-gigabit network without having to lay more fiber.
Viavi’s OneExpertTM CATV Signal Analysis Meter features an embedded DOCSIS 3.1 modem, an interface designed to automates testing, support for test and provisioning of DOCSIS 3.1, fiber-to-the-home and Wi-Fi, and compatibility with the StrataSync cloud management platform.
“Communications service providers across the board have made great strides in advancing broadband in the last mile, with Viavi providing support for multiple technologies,” said Rob Flask, director of product line management at Viavi Solutions. “If DOCSIS 3.1 is to successfully transition from trial to operation in 2016, installation instruments and management systems need to be ready to go today, and we’re pleased to announce that we have met that challenge.”
