Over 8000 attendees experienced a technology summit with exhibits and learning sessions. Across the four-day event, attendees from over sixty countries engaged in technical forms, over one hundred sessions following various tracks, and experienced the latest technology on the trade show floor. This was the fortieth CableTEC EXPO. As an attendee at some of the earlier EXPOs, I noticed that the industry has matured from a multi-channel video service to a true full-service network.

The modern network does not look like the earlier coaxial cable network. It has embraced the wide use of fiber and even PON to deliver faster speeds. R-PHY (Remote Physical), DAA (Distributed Access Architecture), and HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) are all terms heard throughout sessions. A robust fiber network is the underlying technology that supports all of these architectures. Each network with a DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Interface Specification) modem system delivers multi-gig services. DOCSIS 3.1 is capable of 10G/1G asymmetrical service, and DCOSIS 4.0 is capable of 10G/6G asymmetrical service. These speeds rival PON networks and will continue bringing new life into the cable operators’ networks. Work is underway to boost the upstream speed to 10G, delivering a fully symmetrical network. Both residential and businesses are served very well by the expanding network.

Access to fiber allows large business customers to have direct fiber connectivity without impacting the core HFC network, and fiber will power both the business and residential networks. At the SCTE CableTECH EXPO, there was plenty of discussion on how to meet the broadband needs of residential and businesses and network builds supporting the various government-subsidized access programs.

Other key topics included the continued improvements in network reliability and timely response to network issues. The network reliability problems from the past have been mainly eliminated with the continued deployment of fiber, decreasing service node sizes, and improving the focus on network maintenance and technical training. SCTE has been leading technology advancements among cable operators for 40-plus years and is poised to continue that leadership in partnership with CableLabs.

There was something for almost everyone, from outside plant and fulfillment contractors to inside plant services, including safety, regulatory, training, and more. Whether you want a solid overview or an in-depth session, attendance at CableTEC EXPO is a must.

The humble beginnings of the CATV industry have evolved into a formidable network that supports ultrafast data services that continue to expand to support 10G services. An outstanding fiber plant backed by a flexible coax network is a crucial driver of the advanced network serving millions. Supporting wired and Wi-Fi data services and potentially front haul for cellular services. Cable providers have continued to invest in the network to ensure a fast future.

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Timothy Yanda Senior Director of Engineering Approved Networks Tim is Senior Director of Engineering with Approved Networks and manages complex technical tasks, so projects stay on time and within budget. He has the knack for quickly assessing business challenges and turn technological issues into common sense solutions.