Cable-Tec Expo: Arris Paves Path to Remote PHY

Arris International said it has reached general availability for its second-generation of active modules for its flagship converged cable access platform (CCAP), the E6000, that puts operators on a path to support Remote PHY architectures.

Read More: Complete coverage of Cable-Tec Expo 2017

The Gen 2 modules consists of the Downstream Cable Access Module 2 (DCAM-2), the Upstream Cable Access Module 2 (UCAM-2), and the Router System Module 2 (RSM-2).

The approach enables MSOs to upgrade existing E6000 Integrated CCAP (I-CCAP) chassis to “unlock” Remote PHY capabilities, Arris said, noting that the Gen 2 modules allow operators to boost the number of service groups and related channels over time, without consuming more rack space. Arris is showing off the new wares at this week’s SCTE/ISBE Cable-Tec Expo in Denver.

"The E6000 Gen 2 modules realize the potential of next-generation services and make it easier for providers and customers to seamlessly transition to Gigabit broadband and IP video services,” Dan Whalen, president of Arris’s Network & Cloud, said in a statement. “This upgrade dramatically increases the capacity of our market-leading E6000 CER as consumer demand for streaming high-bandwidth content continues to grow.”

Comcast is among MSOs that are using the new modules.

"Comcast is leading the way in Gigabit services with our wide-scale deployment of DOCSIS 3.1. The Arris Gen 2 modules support our objective of efficiently expanding these popular services," Dr. Robert Howald, VP, network architecture at Comcast, said. "The flexibility to be upgradeable to Distributed Access Architecture makes for a compelling addition to the E6000 platform."