Liberty Global taps CommScope for multigigabit DOCSIS upgrades

Liberty Global has selected CommScope to upgrade its DOCSIS fixed access networks in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland with virtualised Distributed Access Architecture (DAA) solutions.

The project involves implementing CommScope's cloud-native vCCAP Evo platform and deploying the new DC2182 DOCSIS 4.0 node. These upgrades are expected to enable Liberty Global to offer multigigabit speeds of up to 8 Gbps, while also improving energy efficiency and preparing the infrastructure for Extended Spectrum DOCSIS (ESD) capabilities.

The upgrades apply to the DOCSIS fixed access networks of Liberty Global's affiliates, including VodafoneZiggo in the Netherlands, Telenet (Wyre) in Belgium, and Sunrise in Switzerland. The introduction of the vCCAP Evo solution aims to supplement existing chassis-based CMTS/CCAP cores, allowing Liberty Global to address evolving density and throughput requirements more cost-effectively.

Virtualised network operations

CommScope stated that the vCCAP Evo platform will allow Liberty Global to rapidly adopt new headend technologies and be flexible in supporting enhanced multigigabit service tiers. The modernisation is designed to enable the operator to keep pace with the growing demands of residential and business customers, while maintaining cost discipline and efficiency.

Colin Buechner, Managing Director Fixed Network at Liberty Global, highlighted the collaborative aspect of the project and the anticipated performance improvements for subscribers.

Network upgrades are always complex," commented Colin Buechner, managing director Fixed Network, Liberty Global. "But CommScope went the extra mile for us and worked closely with our architecture, engineering and operations teams to develop a DOCSIS 4.0 network platform that would meet or exceed our specifications. With the vCCAP Evo solution we can now introduce multigigabit network speeds of up to at least 8 Gbps to our subscribers while cost effectively enhancing user experiences in a highly competitive market. Better yet, the network upgrades will require less power to run than our current deployments, so the new deployments will be more environmentally friendly than legacy technologies.

The system upgrades also include major deployments of CommScope's new DC2182 DOCSIS 4.0 1.8GHz cabinet-style DAA node. This node comes equipped with the RD1710-U2 Remote PHY Device (RPD), supporting DOCSIS 4.0 capabilities in a compact form. The new equipment is designed to prepare operators' outside plant infrastructure for further increases in spectrum and support for ESD capability.

DAA platforms for efficiency

CommScope explained that the Distributed Access Architecture approach offers improvements in spectral efficiencies, as well as expanded wavelength capacities for the networks. These technological advancements are expected to provide operational benefits compared to legacy technology deployments, such as reduced energy consumption and more scalable network configurations.

Guy Sucharczuk, SVP & President, Access Network Solutions at CommScope, stated his views on the collaboration and the future of network upgrades using this architecture.

We're thrilled that Liberty Global has selected CommScope's solutions and expertise to support their network upgrade deployment. We are uniquely positioned to tailor our solutions around our customers' needs; in this case it has been a pleasure to work through a plan with Liberty Global," stated Guy Sucharczuk, SVP & president, Access Network Solutions, CommScope. "We've always taken an agnostic approach to evolving access network technologies; therefore, we can support any technology deployment a customer chooses. Companies like Liberty Global can confidently leverage our team's deep technical expertise and extensive product knowledge to evolve or even remake their networks quickly and economically.

The new DC2182 node is said to be highly optimised for European applications and is part of a broader push to improve both speed and reliability across Liberty Global's regional operations. The move reflects the company's plans to stay ahead of increasing data consumption and the need for greater bandwidth for customers in the years ahead.

The DAA deployment will also facilitate a transition to Extended Spectrum DOCSIS, providing the ability to serve changing customer requirements through a flexible and modular network structure.

Liberty Global and CommScope have indicated that these upgrades will be rolled out in phases, with the intent to eventually cover all relevant affiliates and provide a consistent level of performance and reliability across the targeted markets.