By Matthew Olfert, Shaw Communications Inc.
As Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS®) access networks evolve through multiple versions technology Borders have been created. Evolving Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) plant upgrades, utilizing different Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS), and cable modems also create Borders as well. The evolution of technology within a coax access network has maintained backwards compatibility. However, we do not have forward compatibility through these evolutions. An optimized access networks must find the best balance between maintaining legacy services and building for future offerings.
This paper will define technology borders, and key data elements used in optimization. In addition, it will discuss the CMTS feature impacts, optimization drivers, and calculation methods to optimize an access network. Using case studies are also included which go through examples of utilizing this optimization method. Finally, it will discuss the impacts DOCSIS 4.0 will have in the future to this methodology