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The Cable Industry's Evolution in 2023: Key Developments and Future Outlook

While fiber optic technology garnered significant attention in 2023, thanks to substantial state and federal funding for fiber projects, the cable industry also experienced pivotal changes according to Fierce Telecom and Jeff Heynen of Dell’Oro Group. Here are their insights into cable's major turning points in 2023 and predictions for 2024.

Getting to know DOCSIS 4.0

DOCSIS 4.0 (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) is the latest iteration of the DOCSIS standard used for transferring data over coaxial cable systems. It's a significant advancement in cable technology, offering higher speeds, more bandwidth, lower latency and greater network efficiency. Here are some key aspects of DOCSIS 4.0:

1. Increased Bandwidth and Speeds: DOCSIS 4.0 significantly increases the maximum downstream and upstream bandwidth over cable networks. It supports up to 10 Gbps (Gigabits per second) downstream and up to 6 Gbps upstream, a substantial leap from the 1 Gbps downstream and 300 Mbps upstream limits of DOCSIS 3.1.
2. Full Duplex Communication: One of the standout features of DOCSIS 4.0 is its support for Full Duplex (FDX) communication. This allows for simultaneous upstream and downstream data transmission over the same spectrum, effectively doubling the capacity of the network. FDX achieves this by using echo cancellation and other techniques to separate the upstream and downstream signals.
3. Extended Spectrum: DOCSIS 4.0 extends the frequency spectrum used for data transmission. While DOCSIS 3.1 utilized a spectrum up to 1.2 GHz, DOCSIS 4.0 extends this to 1.8 GHz, allowing for more data channels and, consequently, higher throughput.
4. Improved Latency: The new standard aims to reduce latency, which is crucial for applications like online gaming, video conferencing, and real-time data analytics. Lower latency ensures a more responsive and seamless user experience.
5. Enhanced Network Efficiency: DOCSIS 4.0 introduces more efficient modulation and error correction schemes, improving the overall efficiency of data transmission. This means more data can be transmitted over the same amount of spectrum.
6. Backward Compatibility: DOCSIS 4.0 is designed to be backward compatible with earlier versions of the DOCSIS standard. This means that cable operators can upgrade their networks to DOCSIS 4.0 without needing to replace all existing customer hardware.
7. Support for New Services: The increased capacity and performance of DOCSIS 4.0 enable cable operators to offer new and enhanced services, such as multi-gigabit internet plans, more robust and reliable home networking solutions, and advanced business services.

Comcast's DOCSIS 4.0 Rollouts

Comcast fulfilled its promise to enter the market with DOCSIS 4.0 by the second half of 2023. In October, it launched a new line of symmetrical multi-gig services, offering speeds up to 2 Gbps. The rollouts began in Colorado Springs, followed by Atlanta and Philadelphia, with plans to extend DOCSIS 4.0 across its entire footprint. Heynen emphasized the significance of these deployments, particularly in Comcast’s node+0 footprint, which features a fiber-to-the-tap architecture and was naturally the first to receive DOCSIS 4.0.

The Full Duplex (FDX) DOCSIS 4.0 Approach

Comcast advocates for the full duplex (FDX) DOCSIS 4.0, utilizing noise cancellation to transmit upstream and downstream traffic over 1.2GHz of spectrum. This approach contrasts with other operators like Cox and Charter, who favor the extended spectrum (ESD) method, dividing the 1.8GHz spectrum into dedicated segments for different traffic flows. The upcoming deployment of DOCSIS 4.0 in Comcast's traditional, node + 6 environments, which include amplifier cascades, will be a crucial test of FDX's capabilities.

Mediacom Joins the DOCSIS 4.0 Movement

Following Comcast's lead, Mediacom, another FDX proponent, commenced the rollout of symmetrical gig and multi-gig services in Des Moines. This expansion marks another significant step in the adoption of DOCSIS 4.0 technology in the cable industry.

Extended DOCSIS 3.1: Bridging to DOCSIS 4.0

2023 also witnessed the rapid evolution of extended DOCSIS 3.1. This system, tested by CableLabs, allows operators to combine a 3.1 cable modem termination system (CMTS) with a DOCSIS 4.0 modem, achieving speeds of up to 8 Gbps. Heynen highlighted this as a strategic move for cable operators to extend the lifespan of DOCSIS 3.1 systems before transitioning to a complete DOCSIS 4.0 setup. The industry anticipates further developments in 2024, with upgrades to customer premises equipment (CPE) and existing converged cable access platforms (CCAPs) to harness additional OFDM channels and speed enhancements.

CommScope's Strategic Divestiture

In a significant industry move, CommScope agreed to sell its Home Networks division to Paris-based Vantiva in October. The division, focusing on CPE like broadband gateways and set-top boxes, was initially slated for a spinoff into a standalone entity, a plan that was postponed in 2022. The outcome of this transaction could have far-reaching implications across the cable industry.

Why It Matters

The cable industry in 2023 witnessed transformative developments, particularly with the rollout of DOCSIS 4.0 and the evolution of extended DOCSIS 3.1. As we move into 2024, the industry is poised for further advancements, with operators likely committing to extended DOCSIS 3.1 technology and other innovative solutions. These developments not only signify the industry's adaptability but also its commitment to meeting the ever-growing demand for high-speed, reliable internet services.