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CableServ Helps MSOs Launch VoIP
[August 17, 2005]

CableServ Helps MSOs Launch VoIP


By TED GLANZER
TMCnet Communications and Broadband Columnist

This just in: this voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) thing has caught on, a proposition that has not been lost on cable operators. (Nuthin' but breaking news here at TMCnet.)

Indeed, recognizing competitive threats from direct satellite providers and telcos, multi system operators (MSOs or cable operators) responded by offering, among other things, VoIP to retain and attract new customers.

It is axiomatic that offering new services means that MSOs will be met with new challenges; and, man, VoIP telephony presents many.

First and foremost among the cable conundrums is how the CATV networks will handle the additional traffic.

Specifically, VoIP service needs bandwidth; without it, the MSOs' networks will lockup like summer traffic on the Long Island Expressway.

Stated another way, adding broadband to an MSO's existing pipeline would be like trying to fit a 10-pound sausage in a five-pound casing. It can be done, but the results won't be pretty.

Anyway, the need for additional bandwidth conjures the two words that strike fear in the hearts of all MSOs: network upgrade. Often, a network overhaul means (ugh) replacing existing infrastructure, which in turn brings nothing but bad news. It is cost prohibitive, it takes a lot of time to complete, and the return on investment is delayed considerably.



Enter CableServ and its CableServ Amplifier Upgrades portfolio, which offers an alternative to an equipment rebuild with a "drop-in" amplifier upgrade solution.

According to a CableServ press release, the advantages of its amplifier upgrades are readily apparent. Namely, cable operators avoid the headaches associated with a complete network overhaul.


In addition, according to the release, an amplifier upgrade provides the following technical benefits:

Utilizes existing 450 and 550 MHz amplifiers and increase the forward bandwidth to 550 or 625 MHz and increase 750 MHz amplifiers to 870 MHZ.

Provides increased operational gains so the amplifiers retain their current position in the network.

Does not require new connectors; infrequently requires increases in power supplies.

CableServ President Audley Alexander told TMCnet in an interview that the company's primary focus is to continue to add to the company's expanding portfolio.

Recently, CableServ announced the addition of its new CHAS 1GHz Amplifier Modules to its CableServ Headend Amplifier System (CHAS) at the Cable-Tec Expo trade show.

"Many MSOs are designing new headends specified to 1GHz, so CableServ is meeting this demand by adding 1GHz Amplifier Modules, said CableServs Manager of Headend Products Lotha James in a prepared statement.

According to the statement, CHAS is designed for use in the most critical areas of the headend that require excellent performance, reliability and redundancy.

Yet another VoIP problem that cable operators must address is how to handle power outages. VoIP telephony requires uninterrupted service, which means that MSOs must have reliable battery backup as well as power supply monitoring.

CableServ has those areas covered as well.

Indeed, the company announced at Cable-Tec its new CableServ -48 Power Supply for the SA Prisma I Optical Platform, which provides MSOs with the ability to convert to -48 volt powering. The product, according to the release, can be used as "a primary or backup power source, and is equipped with hot-swap capability, allowing the system to run completely uninterrupted in case a failed unit needs to be replaced."

Alexander told TMCnet that cable operators who launch VoIP must have the same level of reliability that telcos are offering. CableServ's Lotha James agreed.

"When implementing lifeline telephony, quality of service is paramount, necessitating that all equipment associated with passing telephony data signals are backed-up, said James, CableServ's manager of headend products in a prepared statement. Our solution gives MSOs peace of mind that their systems will continue to provide services even when the main power supply fails."

Finally, CableServ also announced at Cable-Tec the introduction of its SM-PS-I (Status Monitor Power Supply Interface), which enables MSOs to implement power supply monitoring without adding an additional drop line.

Specifically, according to CableServ's Web site, the solution is "designed to connect the system power supply and the DOCSIS Network Monitoring Device," permitting a single hard cable connection from the power supply enclosure to the network. The cable carries the AC power and the DOCSIS RF monitoring signals, thereby eliminating the need for a second cable and a separate inserter.

The solution, according to Alexander, saves time and money, particularly with underground applications.

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Ted Glanzer is assistant editor for TMCnet. For more articles by Ted Glanzer, please visit:

http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/columnists/columnist.aspx?id=100033&nm=Ted%20Gl
anzer

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