Telecom Lead America: Cisco is planning for trials of the new Performance Routing Engine (PRE5) and 3 Gigabit Shared Port Adapter (3GSPA) modules with global service provider customers in Q1 2013.
Cisco’s high-density line card and new processing engine for its Cisco uBR10012 Universal Broadband Router (uBR10K) and Cisco Cable Modem Termination System is part of its Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) migration plan.
CCAP is the new cable access architecture in the works that combines functions of two key technologies: the cable modem termination system (powers DOCSIS and other high-speed broadband services) and edge QAM (powers video services).
Cisco claims that combining the two functions helps service providers reduce rack space, save power, and accelerate the transition to an all-IP network that can simplify the delivery of video content to multiple screens.
Together, Cisco’s PRE5 and 3GSPA double the number of downstream channels available for the uBR10K, from a total of 576 to 1,152, without needing any additional rack space.
The new modules will allow cable service providers to make better use of their existing platform, while adopting an incremental deployment approach to using more ports, with a pay-as-you-grow business model.
Cisco’s CCAP solution uses the Cisco uBR10K CMTS and the RF Gateway-10 Universal Edge QAM. It offers industry-leading scalability, low cost per downstream, and more than a 35 percent reduction in rack space and power usage, while migrating cable operators toward a converged multiservice architecture.
In addition, Cisco’s PRE5 quadruples the chassis capacity to 40+ Gigabits per second (Gbps).
Up to eight 3GSPA line cards can be used per Cisco uBR10K CMTS. Each 3GSPA card can support up to 72 downstream licenses per port.
Similar to the previously announced 3G60 line card, Cisco is offering service providers a flexible per-port, pay-as-you-go licensing structure to meet their individual bandwidth growth.
Mark Palazzo, VP and general manager, Cable Access business unit, Cisco: “Multiservice convergence for DOCSIS and video networks requires significant operational preparation and readiness. We are doubling downstream capacity with the existing chassis by upgrading it with these two new modules. We are committed to helping our customers maximize their investment by not adding rack space or equipment — and with no training required.”
