Cable operators Comcast and Charter Communications are both exploring new distributed access architecture (DAA) technologies which will allow them to flexibly deploy fiber using the same nodes and management systems they use for their cable assets. And Comcast took a huge step toward making that vision a reality, touting a virtual broadband network gateway (vBNG) trial with Harmonic and others which successfully connected a live fiber customer in Denver.
The trial included three major components: the aforementioned vBNG, a Remote-OLT (R-OLT) and Comcast’s virtualized cable modem technology system (vCMTS) platform, called Cable OS. The R-OLT lives in the node and allows operators to plug 10G EPON fiber connections into the same infrastructure used for cable drops. The vBNG is a virtualized network function which is deployed in the vCMTS.
It’s common knowledge that Comcast already has fiber deployed to end users in the network. So why is this a big deal?
Well, Comcast Cable EVP and Chief Network Officer Elad Nafshi told Fierce that previously, the operator deployed fiber using older Radio Frequency over Glass (RFOG) and OLT technology. The use of new vBNG and R-OLT technology connected to its vCMTS will allow it to consolidate management of its cable and fiber assets to one system.
“That seamless management system enables and empowers us to deliver multi-gig symmetrical services across our network regardless of the type of wire connecting our customers,” he explained.
Nafshi added Comcast decided to initiate a live customer trial of the R-OLT and vBNG technology because it felt both have matured enough to meet its performance and quality standards.
“The goal for a live subscriber trial is to validate the platform performance in real world conditions and to validate our operational readiness to install, service and support our customers. We are extremely pleased with the results of this to date,” he stated, adding the operator is now looking forward to scaling deployment of the technology.
Though Comcast didn’t provide an exact date, it said the trial took place at the end of 2022. Nafshi named Harmonic – which the operator is working with on its vCMTS – as one of “several companies” involved in the test.
The mention of Harmonic is notable given Comcast alone drove nearly half of the vendor’s revenue in Q4 2022. In addition to the vCMTS, Dell’Oro Group VP Jeff Heynen recently told Fierce Harmonic supplies Comcast with Remote-PHY hardware.
Fellow cable giant Charter has also said it plans to deploy R-OLT technology to roll out fiber on demand, but has not yet publicized any field trials.