Broadband access and media distribution platforms specialist ATX Networks recently announced it is providing GCI, Alaska’s largest broadband operator, with its GigaXtend XS family of 2 GHz taps and passives.
By deploying DOCSIS 4.0-compatible taps and passives today, ATX notes GCI is able to support its immediate goals of extending its current HFC network to 1.2 GHz, while eliminating the need to again replace passive devices in its outside plant, when the cable operator makes the transition to the FDD version of the DOCSIS 4.0 specifications, which support a frequency of 1.8 GHz.
“GCI is fully committed to providing Alaskans with the highest-performing and most affordable broadband services available anywhere,” commented Victor Esposito, VP of engineering and architecture at GCI. “Working with ATX to deploy taps and passives that will support multigigabit services, while significantly reducing operational costs by compressing two upgrade cycles into one, assists us in reaching both of those goals.”
ATX notes that GCI, headquartered in Alaska, has emerged as one of the most forward-looking cable operators in North America, publicly committing to putting its HFC network on a path to deliver 10 Gbps services to subscribers. GCI has been providing communication and technology services to some of the most remote and geographically challenging communities in the U.S. for more than 40 years. Its network - a mix of fiber, microwave, and satellite technology - reaches 97% of Alaska’s population.
ATX contends its GigaXtend XS 2GHz taps and passives, with platform support beyond 3 GHz, were the first commercially available and deployed Extended Spectrum passives in the cable industry. The devices, which were recently featured in a CableLabs-sponsored DOCSIS 4.0 FDD lab test demonstrating downstream speeds of nearly 9 Gbps, enable cable operators to fully realize the speed and bandwidth potential of DOCSIS 4.0.
ATX contends its GigaXtend XS technology is a critical enabler of GCI’s ability to eventually deliver services on its HFC network that fulfill the promise of the CableLabs 10G initiative.
“GCI understands the performance and operational benefits of futureproofing its network for the eventual delivery of multigigabit symmetrical services,” concluded Jay Lee, chief technology officer at ATX. “ATX is pleased and proud to be supporting GCI’s mission to bring world-class digital connectivity to some of the most remote communities in North America.”
GCI said it started taking delivery of the ATX GigaXtend XS taps and passives, including an extensive portfolio of couplers, splitters and power inserters, in early June, with initial installations scheduled for this summer.