Comcast today announced that technology partner CommScope has delivered the first prototype Full Duplex DOCSIS (FDX) amplifiers to the operator's advanced technology labs for system testing.
“In 2022, we demonstrated that our Xfinity 10G network is here for our customers—a brilliant network that delivers the next generation of connectivity to power the next generation of innovation,” said Elad Nafshi, EVP and chief network officer at Comcast Cable. “CommScope has been a key partner in our work and deploying their FDX amplifiers across our network is a critical next step.”
Comcast first tested FDX amplifiers technology in September 2022, demonstrating the equipment's ability to deliver symmetrical speeds across a complete network-to-home 10G loop, reflective of architecture that is inclusive of the vast majority of the Comcast network.
“We’re excited to harden this technology and begin rolling them out across our network, so that we can continue to deliver the best connectivity experience to our customers,” added Comcast Cable's Nafshi.
According to a press release, the prototype amplifiers will be used to understand and implement improvements ahead of the full deployment across Comcast’s network, which is expected to begin later in 2023.
The amplifiers are based on the widely deployed CommScope STARLINE MiniBridger platform which Comcast uses as a part of its network architecture.
“The CommScope engineering team has been relentlessly working on this program and is making great strides,” commented Guy Sucharczuk, SVP and president of Access Network Solutions (ANS), CommScope. “RF amplifiers are one of the key growth products within our ANS portfolio, as evidenced by our recent one million units shipped announcement. These million amplifiers shipped, in addition to the prior existing millions of CommScope amplifiers in the market, become candidates for upgrade to DOCSIS 4.0. We are excited to partner with Comcast to engineer this next generation of smart amplifiers.”
Over the past 24 months, Comcast notes it has been a leader in developing and implementing 10G technology, including several world firsts.
Recently, the company marked a major milestone in the nation’s largest and fastest multi-gigabit deployment, announcing that its latest Xfinity 10G Network upgrade will be launched to 10 million homes and businesses in February. These locations now will have the foundational network enhancements in place to begin deploying DOCSIS 4.0, setting the stage for the introduction of new symmetrical multi-gigabit internet options before the end of 2023 that will be delivered across Comcast’s existing networks with less cost.
The full deployment of these technical capabilities will reach more than 50 million homes and businesses by 2025. In addition to fast speeds, DOCSIS 4.0 technologies will deliver even greater reliability and capacity to power multiple data-intensive applications.