BigBand VOD: Flexibility, Reliability, and Ease of Operations
Flexible Network Deployments
BigBand makes it possible for operators to deliver VOD via either a spanning centralized or a distributed network topology (or any combination of the two) based on the robust capabilities of the BigBand BEQ (Broadband Edge QAM). The BEQ uses cost-effective GigE IP transport over CWDM or DWDM to deliver unprecedented amounts of video content, enabling operators to build network architectures that provide superior financial returns with future-proof migration versatility. For example, an inventory of less frequently-requested content, such as cult movies and niche programs, could be kept at large, centralized server farms to minimize storage costs, while popular content, such as recent blockbuster movies and current hit shows, could be distributed among hub locations in order to optimize delivery to subscribers. Inter-facility and intra-facility connectivity is similarly flexible, as the BigBand BEQ supports a variety of topologies, including bidirectional fiber rings, diversely-routed 1+1 linear systems, and mesh configurations. Switchover occurs in 50 ms or less in the event of service degradation or other failure mode.
Superior RF Performance
Best-in-class RF performance enables the BigBand BEQ to provide signal quality at levels higher than industry standards and far superior to other QAM devices. This simplifies combining and reduces the number of amplifiers required in the headend, which also leads to improved network availability. Additionally, the higher signal quality (as measured by modulation error ratio or MER) increases the probability that subscribers will enjoy high quality video and fast cable modem service, even in last-mile environments where the network may be impaired. Consequently, cable operators can expect fewer inquiries from subscribers concerned about picture quality or cable modem download speeds, and experience a proportional reduction in field service calls. The BigBand BEQ also features a superior processing power to power consumption ratio, which results in industry-leading low HVAC requirements.
Easy Installation and Operation
With its open, versatile architecture, BigBand VOD can be deployed quickly and managed centrally by any operator. During initialization the platform automatically discovers the network topology and all BEQ chasses, along with the number of QAM cards in each, thereby simplifying the installation and accelerating the time-to-revenue. The BigBand BEQ management software provides a user-friendly GUI with screens navigated via an intuitive tree hierarchy. Other features, such as local and remote platform configuration, alarm troubleshooting and rapid software upgrades, further simplify ongoing operation.
Future-Proof Deployments
The combination of extensibility and versatility in the BigBand BEQ platform enables operators to deliver advanced services today—and tomorrow. By dynamically allocating QAM resources, the BEQ keeps pace with trends in subscriber behavior and preferences. The BEQ cost-effectively supports delivery of broadcast services while concurrently proving the opportunity for dramatic bandwidth improvements through switched digital video with programming directed to service groups based on real-time demand. VOD and switched digital video deployments can evolve so that QAM resources and associated bandwidth are pooled for open allocation to either, depending on the relative demand for each service at any point in time. The platform also meets all CableLabs® Modular-CMTS specifications, including DTI (DOCSIS Timing Interface) and supports the E1/T1 standards-based BITs timing interface. The synergies achieved by a combination of BigBand BEQ and market-leading CMTS core platforms result in dramatic reductions in the cost of delivering DOCSIS services, providing an operator with the best current VOD solution and a future-proof platform for all video, voice and data services.