ATX Networks debuts 1.8GHz HFC amp range at Cable-Tec Expo 2022
ATX Networks will debut its GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz family of next-generation HFC amplifiers at next week’s SCTE Cable-Tec 2022 tradeshow and exhibition in Philadelphia.
Visitors to ATX’s booth #9019 will have the opportunity for a hands-on, up-close look at the global specialist in broadband access and media distribution solutions' line-up of next-generation amps, which includes the GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz Line Extender, GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz High Gain Dual (HGD) System Amplifier, GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz High Gain Balanced Triple (HGBT) System Amplifier and the GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz Booster Amplifier.
As noted by the company, "increased customer demand and competitive threats from fiber-based service providers have put pressure on cable operators to extend the speed and capacity of their HFC networks. ATX’s GigaXtend GMC amplifiers assist MSOs in evolving their outside plants seamlessly and in lockstep with customer demand and competitive threats."
An ATX press announcement notes that the GigaXtend 1.2GHz amps, which enable cable operators to maximize the capabilities of DOCSIS 3.1 through mid- and high-band splits, are seamlessly upgradable to the DOCSIS 4.0 compatible GigaXtend family of 1.8GHz amplifiers. Extending spectrum to 1.8GHz will empower MSOs to deliver multigigabit symmetrical broadband services, adds the company.
The GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz amplifiers’ modular design allows MSOs to upgrade their outside plant through module upgrades or entire station replacements. GigaXtend 1.8GHz Line Extenders and System Amplifiers are available in the original GainMaker housing. System Amplifiers are also available in a new, wider housing that offers increased thermal dissipation, allowing for future enhancements. Both housings enable technicians to replace entire system amps without the need for extension fittings.
Backward compatible with much of the installed base of GainMaker actives, ATX says its GigaXtend GMC amplifiers reduce costs and operational complexing by eliminating the need to retrain technicians or installers, redesign cabinets containing current amps or conduct extensive testing or verification that’s often required with the introduction of new equipment into the network.
In addition to extending spectrum to 1.8GHz, ATX further contends that its new family of DOCSIS 4.0-compatible HFC amplifiers "delivers new levels of intelligence and time-saving enhancements, such as all-electronic level and slope controls, auto-alignment and improved level-stability control. ATX designed the new 1.8GHz amplifiers to drop into existing GainMaker and GigaXtend footprints, enabling MSOs to maintain existing spacing and minimize the need to relocate or add new amplifiers to the existing plant," adds the press release.
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“The unveiling of our 1.8GHz HFC amp portfolio has been a work in progress since we introduced the GigaXtend GMC family of 1.2GHz outside plants actives, the only authorized successor to the venerable GainMaker product line, in 2020. This important milestone is a culmination of all the work that went into the success of that product introduction, along with months of close collaboration with customers, component suppliers and standards bodies, to ensure that the transition to 1.8GHz and DOCSIS 4.0 is as seamless and cost-efficient as possible. The HFC network is the highest-performing and most agile broadband network in the world. Our new family of 1.8GHz amplifiers provides cable operators with a critical and timely solution for taking their outside plants, as well as their businesses, to the next level.” -- Mike Whitley, Vice President of Access Network Products at ATXATX revealed that a large North American MSO placed an order for GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz Line Extenders and Systems Amplifiers earlier this month, in preparation for the migration of its HFC network to DOCSIS 4.0. Several other Tier-1 MSOs have also indicated intentions to begin deploying the 1.8Ghz amplifier in 2023, added the company.
Additional solutions from ATX’s access network portfolio, including GigaXtend 2GHz taps and passives and the GigaWave Digital Optical Transport solution, will also be showcased at the 2022 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. Show attendees will also get a close-up look at the company’s Visium Commercial Services Gateways, Visium Set-Back Box security adapter and ATX’s next-generation local channel insertion solution.