Optical Headend Solutions for the Winter Surge

As people head back indoors this winter season, operators around the world are seeing the same peaks in network traffic that we saw in April and May when COVID-19 lockdowns began. Today, the new normal of working from home, video conferencing, gaming, and e-learning are all contributing to the rise in residential network traffic.

At this year’s Light Reading’s Cable Next-Gen virtual conference, new research indicated that the industry had experienced two years’ worth of bandwidth consumption growth (greater than 30%) in a period of just five months. Networks held up to the challenge, thanks in large part to their built-in headroom and accelerated network updates, but operators saw the writing on the wall and immediately looked for longer-term solutions.

CLICK TO TWEET: CommScope’s Gregory Heath explains how operators can expand the capacity of their upstream path using CommScope’s quad density receiver modules.

One of the most popular tools in the operator toolbox is node segmentation. According to a recent poll by the SCTE/ISBE, segmenting nodes is far and away the preferred choice for operators looking to increase network capacity. With network segmentation, operators can potentially quadruple capacity—overnight. The simplicity of putting transmitters and receivers at the headend and the node is appealing, and CommScope has the combination options and expertise make these solutions work for operators of all sizes.

Our broad portfolio of transmitter and receiver modules enable operators to upgrade their optical headend equipment chassis with modules that can achieve lower wattage, greater bandwidth, better signal performance, and up to four times the previous density. CommScope’s Quad Density Full Spectrum Optical Transmitters can reduce rack space requirements by 75% and lower power consumption by 50% per transmitter. 

Versatile CH3000 and CHP Headend Optic Platforms

Operators can also expand the capacity of their upstream path using CommScope’s quad density receiver modules, which provide similar density and power consumption benefits. These offer a drop-in upgrade path, enabling a high-density, multi-wavelength solution that utilizes existing fiber—no fiber construction or permits required. We understand that every network is unique, and our optical headend platforms support individual network evolution while leveraging what’s already installed today.

Using our Headend Optics Calculator tool, our seasoned sales team can provide a quick estimate of your headend rack and energy needs to find the perfect solution for your network. Reach out to us, and let us know what challenges you’re facing in your network. Our team is ready to provide the right solutions.