The analysis weighs upgrade options to achieve gigabit symmetric services

The era of DOCSIS®️ 4.0 networking has arrived, and the technology provides a cost-effective and competitive upgrade option for cable operators on their path to multi-gigabit symmetric services.

Given this, CableLabs has conducted a comprehensive analysis of the financial implications associated with the deployment and operation of various access network technologies. More specifically, our analysis examines the total cost of ownership (TCO) of different upgrade paths for low-split DOCSIS 3.1 access networks over Hybrid Fiber to Coaxial (HFC) – including both DOCSIS over HFC and Passive Optical Network (PON) over fiber-to-fiber upgrade options. Home (FTTH).

In short, we find advantages to both. The full results of our comprehensive analysis are described in the CableLabs strategy summary, which is available exclusively to CableLabs members. Members can register for an account here.

Powerful analysis

It is a good time for industry operators to consider different upgrade options, but it is essential for them to step back and look at the bigger picture when it comes to cost. Of course, it’s not as simple as calculating new construction and equipment costs, or just adding energy and maintenance costs.

Our calculations, which we have continually improved over the past several years, include all of these considerations and much more, making this analysis as comprehensive as possible — and more comprehensive than most general estimates.

Using real, anonymized data from CableLabs members, our powerful calculations create a single metric to effectively compare access network options.

Flexible model

Our analysis does not provide a one-size-fits-all answer for operators considering an upgrade, but it can help inform decisions when combined with financial goals, current network architecture and competitive landscape. This model will continue to evolve, and we will explore additional cost-related network upgrade issues in future strategy briefs.

Are you a CableLabs member and curious to see what our analysis will reveal about your company’s upgrade options? We invite you to contact us and let us customize our analysis to fit your company’s needs. Read our strategy summary, “An Economic Comparison of HFC and FTTH Access Networks,” and contact us to learn about our findings.

For more information on the revenue impacts of upgrade options, I recommend the Bandwidth Usage Reports, Market Monitoring, and Discrete Choices Modeling – all of which are available to CableLabs members.

Click the button below to sign up for a CableLabs account and access the strategy summary.

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