Harmonic this week announced that GCI, Alaska's largest telecommunications company, is using Harmonic's CableOS cloud-native core platform to facilitate future broadband services by virtualizing the provider's access network.
According to a statement, GCI is deploying the Harmonic CableOS system in a distributed access architecture (DAA) with virtualized CMTS software and the Ripple Remote-PHY (R-PHY) node that reduces its number of hub sites.
With its CableOS platform, Harmonic contends that GCI can better adapt to network requirements and bandwidth demands while overcoming the space, power and operational constraints of legacy hardware.
Featuring multi-access edge capabilities, Harmonic notes its CableOS Platform is also future-ready to support FTTH PON and HFC DOCSIS with a unified software, provisioning and management solution, offering GCI superior flexibility and bandwidth efficiency.
Gil Katz, senior vice president, cable access business operations at Harmonic, observed:
"The arctic climate and rugged terrain in Alaska can make infrastructure deployments challenging, and GCI needed a solution that would allow simpler network upgrades. With Harmonic's cloud-native virtualized access platform, GCI has set up a forward-looking foundation for the next generation of broadband, including 10G. We're proud to help GCI modernize its infrastructure and deliver Alaska's fastest internet in the most flexible and sustainable way possible."
GCI said it is also using Harmonic's CableOS central analytics with AI capabilities for real-time, data-driven proactive network monitoring and management. GCI said the CableOS Central solution is improving its network visibility, ensuring nonstop connectivity and exceptional quality of experience for its subscribers.
Harmonic's CableOS Platform powers 4.8 million cable modems for cable and fiber operators worldwide, including the largest operators in North America and Europe, and service providers in Latin America and Asia.
Complementing its virtualized CMTS and R-PHY systems, Harmonic also recently announced its MAC Anywhere approach to Flexible MAC Architecture (FMA) technology. This additive solution "allows both R-PHY and R-MACPHY to be deployed under the FMA framework with Harmonic's same field-proven, feature-rich software MAC," the company stated.