Antronix Merges Ethernet, DOCSIS, PON

Oct. 5, 2016
Antronix has launched Intercept eHFC, an optical Ethernet HFC network platform designed to increase data throughput in Node + 0 ...

Antronix has launched Intercept eHFC, an optical Ethernet HFC network platform designed to increase data throughput in Node + 0 architectures without requiring additional QAMs or OFDM channels. The end-to-end network solutions are intended to preserve legacy spectrum for native video and enhanced content, while complementing DOCSIS with symmetrical xPON capacity and data redundancy.

"We believe Intercept eHFC follows in the line of succession that includes the important innovations of DOCSIS 3.1 and remote PHY, and that it will be a natural complement to current approaches that seek to extend the viability of HFC architectures for decades to come," said Antronix President Neil Tang. "As technology providers, we face the inevitable challenge of using and effectively leveraging RF spectrum above 1,218 MHz in the coming years. With its unique chipset architecture and robust modulation platform, Intercept eHFC meets that challenge head on right now."

The Intercept chipset technology is designed to convert Ethernet to Ultra Wide Band RF at the fiber node, and leverages RF spectrum above 3 GHz for last leg data communications to support optical Ethernet or xPON links to provide multi-gigabit symmetrical data services. The data services will be programmable in the upstream and downstream. Intercept also merges eHFC data and DOCSIS data into a single home interface.

"We see this new platform as complementary approach to DOCSIS 3.1 investments that have propelled cable service providers beyond the previously thought realm of possibilities when it comes to cost effectively delivering Gigabit services - without taking the costly leap to FTTP or all IP delivery," said Tang.

Intercept eHFC components are designed to be compatible with DOCSIS 3.1 modems, and MoCA 1.0 and 2.0, without a CMTS upgrade. The Intercept line is expected to be commercially available in 2017.