By Joe McGarvey, Marketing Director |

Normally, we love numbers. The cable industry lexicon wouldn’t be the same without them. It’s how we set milestones (10G) and measure progress (DOCSIS 4.0).

When it comes to shopping for your next HFC amplifier or node, though, it might be a good idea to consider concentrating on the advantages the latest generation of actives deliver, rather than the number that precedes the spectrum they allocate. That’s because some MSOs that need to upgrade their amplifiers to boost upstream bandwidth but have no current plans to move to DOCSIS 4.0 are getting distracted by the 1.8GHz label affixed to next-generation HFC amps and nodes.

“Why should I shell out for network equipment capable of spectrum allocations that I might never need?” is a common and logical question these days among MSOs that are exploring maxing out their HFC networks at DOCSIS 3.1 or even so-called DOCSIS 3.1 Extended technology, which can squeeze 4Gbps or more out of downstream channels.

1.2GHz Support

While ATX has a handful of answers to that question, the most compelling is that the advances in intelligence and performance between legacy 1.2GHz amplifiers and next-gen amplifiers, which are capable of operating in 1.2GHz or 1.8GHz mode, are so compelling that MSOs — even those with no plans to budge beyond DOCSIS 3.1 — can ultimately reduce CapEx and OpEx by going the next-gen route.

What makes the purchase of 1.8GHz-capable equipment especially attractive and the logical upgrade choice is the ability of next-gen amps and nodes, such as ATX’s GigaXtend GMC Amps and GigaXtend GS7 Nodes, to seamlessly operate in DOCSIS 3.1 architectures. Supporting DOCSIS 3.1 architectures and 1.2GHz spectrum with 1.8GHz-capable outside plant equipment essentially enables MSOs to upgrade their networks, or not, to DOCSIS 4.0 at a gradual pace and in lockstep with subscriber demand or competitive pressure.

A scenario facing many MSOs is that boosting the capacity of their upstream channel, either to a mid split or a high split, will require the purchase of new HFC amplifiers. By installing 1.8GHz-capable amps, rather than 1.2GHz devices, MSOs can provide the same service levels, while at the same time putting the equipment in place to support future capacity upgrades. Going the 1.8GHz-capable route also gives MSOs the ability to take advantage of the recent technology innovations referenced above.

The Smart Choice

And that’s where the real cost savings associated with adopting next-gen actives start to kick in. Next-gen actives, for example, are fortified with new intelligence and electronic controls that significantly speed installations while reducing errors. Technicians can now configure amplifiers and nodes in seconds by pushing a configuration file to the device through a mobile phone or tablet.

MSOs that opt for 1.8GHz actives over 1.2GHz devices will be able to reap the rewards of optimizing the time of skilled technicians, a resource that will be increasingly in demand as network upgrade projects flourish over the next several years. In addition, MSOs that move to 1.8GHz-capable actives will benefit financially from no longer needing to stock the accessories, such as pads and equalizers, that are required to configure 1.2GHz actives.

But there’s more than operational savings to be had from opting for 1.8GHz-capable equipment over 1.2GHz. ATX’s analysis indicates that purchasing 1.2GHz amplifiers could be more expensive than 1.8GHz-capable equipment in certain upgrade scenarios. This is because 1.8GHz-capable amps are field reconfigurable, making them easier and less expensive to upgrade than those requiring a bench upgrade.

MSOs that elect to move to a mid-split upgrade by purchasing a 1.2GHz amp, instead of 1.8GHz, for example, will initially reap modest savings per amplifier. However, that savings vanishes should the MSO later upgrade the same 1.2GHz amplifier to a high-split spectrum allocation. In fact, had the MSO purchased a 1.8GHz amp configured for a mid-split allocation at the start, the cable operator would enjoy a savings of roughly 30% when moving to a high-split configuration. The cost advantages of purchasing 1.8GHz-capable amps increase with each spectrum allocation upgrade.

Two-Way Intelligence

In addition, next-generation amps and nodes are only getting smarter. CableLabs is currently working on standards that will ease the installation of two-way transponders into next-gen actives. Built-in transponders open the opportunity for technicians to troubleshoot and even adjust actives remotely, potentially reducing truck rolls significantly. Cable operators that opt for 1.2GHz upgrades will still need to rely on traditional, hands-on methods of maintaining and troubleshooting their networks.

Nobody can predict the future, of course, which leads us to what might be the second most compelling reason to opt for next-gen amplifiers over legacy: peace of mind. While some MSOs, after doing the due diligence, might be convinced that 1.2GHz will be the high spectrum mark of their network and believe that the speed and capacity capabilities of DOCSIS 3.1 will do the long-term trick, conditions on the ground (or in the board room) can change.

It’s always difficult to put a price on derisking your network against regrettable spend. But by opting for 1.8GHz-capable equipment over 1.2GHz, MSOs can futureproof their networks while also cutting costs and improving operational efficiency — even if they never move to DOCSIS 4.0.

Looking for more evidence of the affordability and performance advantages of next-gen amps and nodes (as well as taps and passives) over those that max out at 1.2GHz? Download this short guidebook from ATX listing the top seven reasons your next outside plant purchase should be 1.8GHz capable.