The Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) is a CableLabs -led effort that brings technical and operational unity to two projects: The Converged Multiservice Access Platform (CMAP), headed up by Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK); and Converged Edge Services Access Router (CESAR), headed up by Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC).

CCAP aims to reconcile key differences between CMAP and CESAR, including specifications for products that can serve cable systems with small or large service groups. CCAP also resolves differences in encryption, enabling vendors to integrate the encryption capabilities (CMAP's original preference) or keep it separate (CESAR's original preference).

The goal of CCAP remains the same: The development of a super-dense, power- and space-saving architecture that combines edge QAM and cable modem termination system (CMTS) functions and puts cable on a path toward service convergence and an IP video platform.

Read more about CCAP and its CMAP and CESAR origins:

• CMAP & CESAR Get the Urge to Converge
• Juniper Still Not in Love With CMAP
• Doing the Cisco Straddle
• CMAP Vs. CESAR: Cable Clash in the Making?
• CMAP Heads to CableLabs
• RGB Shelves CMAP Product Plans
• Comcast, Moto Invest in CMAP Startup
• TW Cable Hails CESAR, Not CMAP
• CMAP Heads to CableLabs
• Cable Bridging CMAP's Migration Gap