Sunday, January 7, 2024

Maxlinear’s Puma 8 cable modem delivers 10G for MSOs

MaxLinear confirmed that its Puma 8 ESD/FDD DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem and gateway platform is capable of greater than 10Gbps data throughput as an Ultra DOCSIS 3.1 solution. 

For Multi Service Operators (MSOs), this provides a DOCSIS upgrade solution that requires minimal capital expenditure to achieve 10Gbps service over cable versus the cost of a full-scale DOCSIS 4.0 infrastructure overhaul. F

For MSOs who want to upgrade to DOCSIS 4.0 immediately, Puma 8 can be coupled with MaxLinear’s single-chip, low-power DOCSIS 4.0 Ultra High Split (UHS) Upstream Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) that together can achieve upstream speeds of up to 7Gbps based on 6 x OFDMA channels in the 108MHz to 684MHz band and 1 x OFDMA channel on the legacy 5MHz to 85MHz band.

MaxLinear notes that is single-chip low-power DOCSIS 4.0 Ultra High Split (UHS) Upstream Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) was developed specifically to work and interface seamlessly with Puma 8, providing an unmatched end-to-end solution. Its low-power design, with minimal external discrete passive components, contributes to energy efficiency, small board footprint and reduced operational costs for OEMs and operators.

The DOCSIS 4.0 UHS PGA’s ultra-high split upstream capability is pivotal for optimizing network performance as it enables a more efficient allocation of upstream frequency spectrum, facilitating increased upstream data capacity. This results in improved network responsiveness, reduced latency, and enhanced overall user experience, critical factors in meeting the growing demand for high-speed, low-latency connectivity.

MaxLinear’s new Puma 8 platform marks a significant leap forward in DOCSIS 4.0 technology,” said Will Torgerson, VP/GM Broadband Group. “Our platform is designed for exceptional performance and energy efficiency, achieving over 10Gbps data speeds that rival fiber. This positions our MSO partners to deliver ultra-fast broadband with smart capital expenditure, elevating the home connectivity experience for consumers today and into the future.”

Puma 8 presents significant cost advantage to MSOs, who are aiming to immediately provide customers with 10Gbps service via an Ultra DOCSIS 3.1 solution, with a cost-effective upgrade pathway to DOCSIS 4.0 in the future. By leveraging Puma 8 as an incremental upgrade to Ultra DOCSIS 3.1 within their existing traditional Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) network, operators can significantly enhance their network data-speed performance without incurring the substantial costs associated with full-scale infrastructure overhauls required for full-duplex DOCSIS 4.0. This cost-efficient approach allows MSOs to tap into the benefits of advanced DOCSIS 4.0 technology, achieving enhanced data speeds and network capabilities, while strategically managing capital expenditure. This CAPEX control provides yet another layer of flexibility, minimizing and/or deferring the need for costly extensive network infrastructure modifications while navigating the evolving, multi-faceted landscape of providing high-speed broadband data services.

  • At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, MaxLinear will demonstrate: a speed test of its new DOCSIS 4.0 platform, Puma 8; a performance test of its new ultra-high split upstream programmable gain amplifier (PGA); and a demonstration of the power efficiency of its Wi-Fi 7 platform.