Product introduction coincides with first order of 1.8GHz amplifiers placed by major North American cable operator

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 13, 2022 – ATX Networks, a global leader in broadband access and media distribution solutions, will debut the GigaXtend^™ GMC 1.8GHz family of next-generation HFC amplifiers at next week’s SCTE tradeshow and exhibition.

Visitors to ATX’s booth (9019) will have the opportunity for a hands-on, up-close look at the company’s line-up of next-generation amps, which includes the GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz Line Extender, GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz High Gain Dual (HGD) System Amplifier, GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz High Gain Balanced Triple (HGBT) System Amplifier and the GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz Booster Amplifier.

“The unveiling of our 1.8GHz HFC amp portfolio has been a work in progress since we introduced the GigaXtend GMC family of 1.2GHz outside plant actives, the only authorized successor to the venerable GainMaker^® product line, in 2020,” said Mike Whitley, Vice President of Access Network Products at ATX. “This important milestone is a culmination of all the work that went into the success of that product introduction, along with months of close collaboration with customers, component suppliers and standards bodies, to ensure that the transition to 1.8GHz and DOCSIS^® 4.0 is as seamless and cost-efficient as possible.”

Backward compatible with much of the installed base of GainMaker actives, ATX’s GigaXtend GMC amplifiers reduce costs and operational complexing by eliminating the need to retrain technicians or installers, redesign cabinets containing current amps or conduct extensive testing or verification that’s often required with the introduction of new equipment into the network.

In addition to extending spectrum to 1.8GHz, ATX’s new family of DOCSIS 4.0-compatible HFC amplifiers delivers new levels of intelligence and time-saving enhancements, such as all-electronic level and slope controls, auto-alignment and improved level-stability control. ATX designed the new 1.8GHz amplifiers to drop into existing GainMaker and GigaXtend footprints, enabling MSOs to maintain existing spacing and minimize the need to relocate or add new amplifiers to the existing plant.

A large North American MSO placed an order for GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz Line Extenders and Systems Amplifiers earlier this month in preparation for the migration of its HFC network to DOCSIS 4.0. Several other Tier-1 MSOs have also indicated intentions to begin deploying 1.8GHz amplifier in 2023.

Increased customer demand and competitive threats from fiber-based service providers have put pressure on cable operators to extend the speed and capacity of their HFC networks. ATX’s GigaXtend GMC amplifiers assist MSOs in evolving their outside plants seamlessly and in lockstep with customer demand and competitive threats. GigaXtend 1.2GHz amps, which enable cable operators to maximize the capabilities of DOCSIS 3.1 through mid- and high- band splits, are seamlessly upgradable to the DOCSIS 4.0 compatible GigaXtend family of 1.8GHz amplifiers. Extending spectrum to 1.8GHz will empower MSOs to deliver multigigabit symmetrical broadband services.

GigaXtend GMC 1.8GHz amplifiers’ modular design allow MSOs to upgrade their outside plant through module upgrades or entire station replacements. GigaXtend 1.8GHz Line Extenders and System Amplifiers are available in the original GainMaker housing. System Amplifiers are also available in a new, wider housing that offers increased thermal dissipation, allowing for future enhancements. Both housings enable technicians to replace entire system amps without the need for extension fittings.

“The HFC network is the highest-performing and most agile broadband network in the world,” added Whitley. “Our new family of 1.8GHz amplifiers provides cable operators with a critical and timely solution for taking their outside plants, as well as their businesses, to the next level.”

In a separate announcement, ATX unveiled an agreement to add USA-based contract manufacturing of its GigaXtend HFC amplifiers in 2023.

Additional solutions from ATX’s access network portfolio, including GigaXtend 2GHz taps and passives and the GigaWave^™ Digital Optical Transport solution, will also be showcased at Cable-Tec Expo 2022. Show attendees will also get a close-up look at the company’s Visium^™ Commercial Services Gateways, Visium Set-Back Box security adapter and ATX’s DVIS^™ II next-generation local channel insertion solution.

For more information, please visit www.atx.com

About ATX Networks

ATX Networks is a global leader in broadband access and media distribution solutions. ATX’s market-leading and award-winning solutions are based on Agile Innovation design principles, enabling communications service providers to futureproof and evolve their networks in lockstep with market demand. ATX partners with the world’s most innovative cable, satellite, fixed telecom, wireless and media broadcast service providers to improve people’s lives by enabling affordable and reliable broadband connectivity and media content for everyone, everywhere For further information, visit ATX at www.atx.com, and follow us on Twitter @ATXNetworksCorp.