re: what broadband architects and cable system operators talk about..
[From the SCTE List (Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers)]
Subject: Powering & VoIP & DOCSIS (including retail model)
For those looking for the cable interface bundling code (IOS 12.07XR) on the external web site, I was mistaken. It is expected to be released on Monday Dec 6,1999.
>>How about powering this device? Does it support network powering? local powering?<<
DOCSIS standard modems are just that: Standards based, and supplied by multiple vendors. I believe that General Instruments, ADC, and Samsung are building outdoor type line (plant powered) NIU devices, with all the power saving bells & whistles, etc.
>>If you think yours is a complicated question just wait until the consumers go out and buy a DOCSIS modem at their friendly Radio Shack and plug in the voice port for telephone...<<
In such a retail environment, nothing works until the user has authenticated themeselves to the billing system operated by the cable provider. The operator must supply the phone numbers and configuration to the cable modem.
Just as there is a "fine print agreement" everytime you download Netscape, the operator can provide unlimited "fine print" relating to use of a "second line service" for retail purchased / consumer installed voice ports.
>>And the soon to be DOCSIS modem that plugs into a desktop ( just watch how long it takes Dell to package this.) and the phone plugs into the computer... are the operators expected to power the computer ???<<
No, this is second line service. As long as the PC still runs an OS that crashes, it will remain as such.
>>There is little doubt in my mind that cable operators will have the same responsibility to maintain service as the telephone companies presently have in homes that have ONLY a portable phone..<<
For primary line service, MSOs are creating innovative powering structures within the HFC, and even rethinking the amplifier cascade concepts. I've seen presentations describing 60-100 homes passed per fiber node, with an all passive coax from the node. Add UPS & redundant fiber paths to that device, and 99.9995% is a realistic performance.
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The truth is that VOIP is already here and growing. I'm sure the guys
from many MSO's out there can echo this <Cox in So.Cal.?>. The technology exists to make the HFC system just as reliable as the teleco's. For example, we are now using redundant fiber<forward and return>for nodes, much smaller node sizes, UPS type power supplies...... For years we have designed our systems after the teleco's. Most of our new fiber gear is DC powered. Sound familiar? [A headend technician.] |
