CableLabs: innovation will future-proof cable networks

Ongoing innovation will enable cable operators to continue to use their HFC networks while staying ahead of the competition, according to Chris Lammers, chief operating officer of CableLabs.

Christoper Lammers

Speaking at Cable Congress in Dublin, Lammers said that the latest iteration of the cable broadband standard, DOCSIS 3.1, will deliver 10Gbps upstream and 1Gbps upstream, but the forthcoming Full Duplex DOCSIS will be able to deliver 10Gbps up and down “when it is needed”.

Beyond this, CableLabs is looking at HFC, fibre and wireless technologies to deliver more. The integration of wireless with fibre networks and integration with mobile networks are key priorities, said Lammers. He said half of CableLabs’ members were now either MVNOs or MNOs, rising to 100% in Europe.

Lammers said cable would be able to continue to “leverage the HFC network” as well as fibre and wireless networks.

The application of virtualisation, AI and machine learning are further areas that will be prioritised by CableLabs going forwards, said Lammers.

CableLabs is looking to identify US$1 billion worth of business opportunities from new innovation for the cable industry each year, said Lammers.