At the Flexible MAC Architecture (FMA) Plugfest in late November at CableLabs in Louisville, CO, Vecima Networks (TSX:VCM) showcased interoperable application programming interfaces (APIs) designed to support the upcoming FMA specification and focus on the interaction between the management platform, or FMA MAC Manager, and access infrastructure, or FMA Remote-MACPHY Devices (RMDs). RMDs bundle the traditional DOCSIS MAC and PHY functions into a single low power, field deployable device.
"Vecima is committed to an open and interoperable, standards-based API between the key components of the Flexible MAC Architecture," said Colin Howlett, vice president of architecture at Vecima. "Vecima has been a champion of bringing new software-defined technologies to the CableLabs standardization efforts. Our ongoing work to help define the next generation specifications will ensure multi-vendor interoperability and a flexible architecture that supports both Remote PHY and Remote MACPHY deployments."
Vecima demonstrated an RMD with DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems online and providing configuration information over the standardized FMA MMI (MAC Manager Interface) between the MAC Manager and RMD.
"The FMA MMI API, as defined by the FMA Working Group, realizes YANG models as JSON objects over a RESTCONF HTTPS interface. By embracing technologies from the innovative web and software-defined world, the Flexible MAC Architecture provides a foundation for the high reliability and high scale environment of DOCSIS access networks," said Doug Johnson, senior software architect at Vecima.
