This paper will focus on infrastructure and architecture convergence and specifically, how the advent of 5G has created a great opportunity to leverage the existing DOCSIS network for two key purposes:
It will be shown how the flexibility of a software-based vCMTS makes it much easier to adapt the Cable access network for these new 5G use-cases and to evolve over time. This paper will explore the rationale outlined above as to why Cable MSOs should prioritize vCMTS deployment in preparation for 5G xhaul and FMC, while identifying some gaps that need to be addressed by the Cable industry to prepare for 5G mobile convergence.