In breakfast forums on back-to-back days in Philadelphia next week, Light Reading will delve into the forces driving the overhaul of the cable HFC network and the push toward wireline-wireless convergence.

Alan Breznick, Cable/Video Practice Leader, Light Reading

September 16, 2022

3 Min Read
LR tackles HFC network transformation, convergence at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo

With traffic growth over their broadband pipes still surging, cable operators are accelerating moves to upgrade their hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) networks with such transformative technologies as DOCSIS 4.0, network virtualization and distributed access architecture (DAA) as they seek to expand the capacity and boost the efficiency of their networks; roll out new products and services; and slash space, power needs and costs.

But this transformation to next-gen networks is far from a simple task. That's because technologists must overcome several major hurdles to bring DOCSIS 4.0, network virtualization and DAA to light.

Light Reading will tackle this thorny topic in a special SCTE Cable-Tec Expo breakfast forum on Tuesday, Sept. 20, exploring how the cable HFC architecture is swiftly evolving to meet the demands of the new decade. In particular, our team of experts will discuss the industry's latest DOCSIS, DAA and virtualization moves, the hurdles they are encountering, the solutions they are trying out and the lessons they are learning from the field.

At the same time, now that 5G mobile service has been rolled out throughout the globe, cable and wireless technologists are working together to craft a shared network infrastructure that can support DOCSIS, 5G, video and other applications at the network edge. Under the auspices of the CableLabs 10G Lab initiative, technologists are developing a broad converged platform that can support multiple network software stacks using a common management interface. Their goal is to enable operators to mix and match wireline and wireless services over the same core infrastructure.

How will this converged network infrastructure work? What kinds of convergence use cases are being planned? How far have cable and wireless technologists gotten in achieving their goals? What hurdles still remain in the way?

In a second-day SCTE Cable-Tec Expo breakfast forum on Wednesday, Sept. 21, we will delve into the opportunities and challenges that wireline-wireless network convergence presents for the cable industry. Leading cable and wireless technologists will explore the possibilities and pitfalls of delivering DOCSIS, 5G, video and other services over a shared network infrastructure, as well as the new converged services that could be enabled.

The speaking lineup for the Sept. 20 forum features leading tech executives from such major operators, vendors and other industry players as Comcast, Midco, GCI, ATX and Vecima. Specifically, the speakers are:

  • Rob Howald, Fellow, CONNECT, & VP, Network Architecture, Comcast

  • Pao Lo, VP, Network Engineering, Midco

  • Victor Esposito, VP, Engineering & Architecture, GCI

  • Jon Schnoor, Lead Architect, CableLabs

  • Colin Howlett, CTO, Vecima

  • Jay Lee, CTO & Chief Strategy Officer, Broadband Access, ATX

The speaking roster for the Sept. 21 forum features top tech executives from such leading companies as Charter Communications, GCI, CableLabs, Intel and Red Hat. Specifically, this group includes:

  • Manish Jindal, Group VP, Wireless, Charter Communications

  • Victor Esposito, VP, Engineering & Architecture, GCI

  • David Debrecht, VP, Wireless R&D, CableLabs

  • Rob Wilmoth, Chief Architect, Red Hat NA

  • Thuy Nguyen, Cable Segment Manager, Intel

So, don't miss out on this unique free opportunity. Please click here and click here to register for our two free breakfast forums at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo in Philadelphia next week. Our team is looking forward to seeing you there.

— Alan Breznick, Cable/Video Practice Leader, Light Reading

This post is sponsored by Light Reading Events.

About the Author(s)

Alan Breznick

Cable/Video Practice Leader, Light Reading

Alan Breznick is a business editor and research analyst who has tracked the cable, broadband and video markets like an over-bred bloodhound for more than 20 years.

As a senior analyst at Light Reading's research arm, Heavy Reading, for six years, Alan authored numerous reports, columns, white papers and case studies, moderated dozens of webinars, and organized and hosted more than 15 -- count 'em --regional conferences on cable, broadband and IPTV technology topics. And all this while maintaining a summer job as an ostrich wrangler.

Before that, he was the founding editor of Light Reading Cable, transforming a monthly newsletter into a daily website. Prior to joining Light Reading, Alan was a broadband analyst for Kinetic Strategies and a contributing analyst for One Touch Intelligence.

He is based in the Toronto area, though is New York born and bred. Just ask, and he will take you on a power-walking tour of Manhattan, pointing out the tourist hotspots and the places that make up his personal timeline: The bench where he smoked his first pipe; the alley where he won his first fist fight. That kind of thing.

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