Vecima Networks Inc. announced that Saskatchewan-based cable operator Access Communications Co-operative has selected Vecima’s Entra Remote PHY portfolio to bring faster, ultra-reliable broadband to customers in Saskatchewan. In the upcoming months, Access Communications will use the technology upgrade several of its communities to enable new high bandwidth data services.
Built on CableLabs standards to ensure maximum interoperability and independence, the Vecima Entra platform enables operators like Access Communications to deploy R-PHY enabled access nodes with existing third-party CCAP cores and in parallel to third-party access node products. This flexibility avoids vendor lock-in and allows operators to select best-in-breed components, contends Vecima.
“Coupling Vecima’s R-PHY node with our existing Harmonic core infrastructure gives us the flexibility to rapidly upgrade our network to enable advanced services,” said Jeffrey De Sarno, Chief Technology Officer at Access Communications. “As a not-for-profit co-operative, we strive to offer the latest technology while maximizing return on investment. Our partnership with Vecima allows us to achieve this goal.”
Vecima’s Entra Remote PHY node is billed as an ultra-high density, four-port Distributed Access Architecture (DAA) node capable of supporting up to two downstreams and four upstreams. Full spectrum DOCSIS 3.1 data channels and support for legacy video services are standard. Operators can segment their network into smaller service groups, either upon initial installation or at a later date, thus increasing subscriber data rates to Gigabit service or better. This flexibility allows for sustainable capacity planning and upgrades to alleviate bandwidth constraints, notes the company.
Additionally, Access Communications will leverage Vecima’s Entra Remote PHY Monitor (RPM) application to collect, store, and present operational data in a simplified, clear, and consistent way to ensure rapid deployment and ongoing support of the network, inclusive of both Vecima and third-party components.
“Vecima’s Entra portfolio enables a multi-vendor, next generation access strategy for forward looking operators like Access,” said Ryan Nicometo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video and Broadband Solutions at Vecima. “The network Access is building is leading the way in terms of both innovation and providing maximum value to subscribers.”
Further information about Vecima’s Entra solution is available at https://vecima.com/solutions/distributed-access/.