GI and Cisco Unveil Dual-Return Cable Modem Solution

Strategic Insights -

General Instrument Corporation (GIC) and Cisco Systems, Inc. have collaborated to offer an advanced dual-return cable modem solution, allowing cable operators to use both radio frequency (RF) and telephone return paths with one integrated solution. This end-to-end system combines GI's SURFboard(R) SB2100D cable modem, Cisco's DOCSIS-qualified Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) and Cisco's AS5300 Universal Access Server. The combined GI and Cisco technologies provide a cost-effective solution for cable operators who want to offer DOCSIS-based modems now but have not yet activated an RF return path.

Key Takeaways:

  • The dual-return system enables cable operators to take advantage of both RF and telephone return paths using one integrated solution.
  • The SURFboard SB2100D modem provides 100% market coverage on "Day 1" by adding an analog telephone modem inside the cable modem.
  • The telephone return-path operates per the DOCSIS TRI specification for telephone-return cable modems.
  • The SB2100D can sense the required upstream path and switch automatically, with no user intervention.
  • The combined GI and Cisco technologies provide a cost-effective solution for the remaining 70% of cable plants that are not two-way ready.
  • The SURFboard dual-return modem provides an immediate solution that will also be usable once the plant upgrade is complete.
  • The industry is working to achieve interoperability of cable modems and associated networks, with DOCSIS specifying the interoperability of cable modems and networks manufactured by different suppliers.
  • The Cisco uBR product family provides a cost-effective, scalable interface between subscriber cable modems and the backbone data network.
  • The Cisco AS5300 universal access server delivers near line-speed performance for as many as 240 concurrent analog modem calls and ISDN B channels over a single dial-in telephone number.
  • GI's modems offer high-performance processors, superior RF design, operator-friendly diagnostics, and outstanding field reliability.

Statistics:

  • Only about 30% of the cable plants overall are two-way ready.
  • The dual-return solution covers 100% of the market on "Day 1".
  • The SURFboard SB2100D modem operates per the DOCSIS TRI specification for telephone-return cable modems.
  • The SB2100D can switch automatically between RF and telephone return paths.
  • The Cisco uBR product family provides a cost-effective solution with 70% market coverage.
  • The Cisco AS5300 universal access server supports up to 240 concurrent analog modem calls and ISDN B channels.

Sources:

  • General Instrument Corporation press release, dated April 28, 1997
  • Cisco Systems, Inc. press release, dated April 28, 1997
  • CableLabs, "DOCSIS: Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification" (March 1997)
  • Cisco Systems, Inc. website, http://www.cisco.com (accessed April 28, 1997)
  • General Instrument website, http://www.gi.com (accessed April 28, 1997)