Cox to accelerate Gigabit broadband plans via DOCSIS 3.1 in 2017

Cox Communications is getting ready to move forward with its DOCSIS 3.1 lab and field trials in 2016 with plans to begin formal deployments in 2017.

After products gain CableLabs certification, Ony Anglade, Cox's senior manager of access sustaining engineering, said it will begin rolling out DOCSIS 3.1-based CPE to customers in its footprint, according to a Multichannel News article.

A key focus of this deployment will be on leveraging its existing HFC-based network.

Anglade said that because these devices will support DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 IP traffic, the service provider will be able to roll out gigabit broadband services over its existing HFC plant "in widespread fashion."

Ultimately, the DOCSIS 3.1 standard-based CPE will be able to deliver up to 10/1 Gbps. Early versions will be capable of supporting nearly 5/1 Gbps.

The move to leverage DOCSIS 3.1-based gear will enable Cox to achieve its goal of delivering 1 Gbps services throughout its serving area. Ahead of DOCSIS 3.1, the service provider has been rolling out 1 Gbps service in select markets using FTTH technology, including Baton Rouge, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Phoenix, San Diego, and across Virginia.

When it initially debuted its 1 Gbps service last year, the cable MSO said it would leverage a mix of GPON-based FTTP technology and extend into the remaining area of the market using DOCSIS 3.1-enabled equipment when it becomes available.

For more:
- Multichannel News has this article

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