How Can Distributed CCAP Architecture Help Build Better Networks?ĭistributing key DOCSIS network functions out of the headend and closer to subscribers’ homes comes with many benefits. Decoupled, these components can now be partially or fully moved from the headend into a fiber node closer to subscribers’ homes, resulting in increased network capacity, greater speeds, lower latency and so on. ![]() In 2015, CableLabs figured out how to split the key DOCSIS network functions into two components: a Media Access Control (MAC) layer that’s responsible for how devices in a network gain access to the network, and a Physical (PHY) layer, a physical component that’s responsible for the transmission and reception of data. The key functions responsible for the transmission of data and device access are placed at either end of the operator’s access network-the hub and the modem-like bookends. In the fiber node, the optical signal is converted to a radio frequency (RF) signal that travels via a coaxial cable to the cable modem in your home. In a traditional HFC network architecture, the operator’s hub-or headend-is connected via fiber to the fiber node in your geographical region. How Does Distributed CCAP Architecture Work? Let’s take a look at one particular embodiment of DAA, known as Distributed CCAP Architecture (DCA). Ultimately, it’s all about building a robust 10G network that not only supports the needs of today’s gig consumers but also anticipates tomorrow’s high-rate applications such as holodecks, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and more. Because all providers’ business objectives are different, CableLabs has designed several DAA approaches they can leverage. In a nutshell, CableLabs’ DAA technology solutions give cable operators the ability to cost-efficiently redesign their access networks in stages, when and how they see fit. In addition, closer is better because it reduces the amount of hardware at the headend and creates efficiencies in network speed, reliability, latency and security. This network evolution involves moving various key network functions that are traditionally located at the cable operator’s hub site (or headend) closer to customers’ homes-while also leveraging signal-quality improvements inherent with digital optics and the ubiquity of Ethernet. ![]() What Is Distributed Access Architecture?ĭAA isn’t a single technology but rather an umbrella term that describes the network architecture cable operators use to future-proof their access networks. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the functionality of the cable access network and how it can be distributed between various components to optimize network performance. In our previous posts about DOCSIS® and Coherent Optics technologies, we touched on some of the components of the cable hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) network, such as the headend and fiber nodes, but of course, there’s much more to it. This month, we’d like to share information about Distributed Access Architecture (DAA) and how cable operators are using it to build the 10G networks of the future.
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