ATX Networks has introduced the GigaXtend family of taps, power inserters, couplers and splitters, designed to position cable operators to extend their networks to 2 GHz and beyond. The GigaXtend portfolio will be on display at ANGA COM in Cologne, Germany, June 4-6.
GigaXtend technology is designed to support bandwidth of 2 GHz and will be faceplate-upgradable to more than 3 GHz. It is intended for all geographies and architectures, including centralized and Distributed Access Architectures (CAA/DAA), including N+X or N+0 HFC network configurations. While GigaXtend can be used in legacy Frequency Division Duplexed (FDD) systems at any diplex split, or any version of Full Duplex DOCSIS (FDX), the outside plant technology is specifically designed to support Extended Spectrum DOCSIS (ESD) in the future.
"The adoption of GigaXtend taps and passives enables any MSO to start reaping the benefits of more efficient and powerful architectures today, regardless of where they are in the evolution of their networks," said ATX CEO Charlie Vogt. "In addition to getting the most out of today's outside plant, GigaXtend is designed to enable MSOs to realize the full bandwidth potential of their HFC networks, extending the life of their existing networks by decades or longer. This will become especially relevant as Extended Spectrum DOCSIS becomes a reality."
GigaXtend is designed for minimized insertion loss to extend the reach of nodes and amplifiers for fiber deep (FD) node+0 initiatives. Alternately, the products can be used to reduce a node's RF output power, thereby reducing AC powering levels.
The new outside plant solution is also designed to support 10G symmetrical broadband access speed. GigaXtend is compatible with FDX architectures, but also offers a path for achieving similar symmetrical bandwidth speeds through Expended Spectrum DOCSIS. GigaXtend technology is designed to negate power and reach issues associated with adding new spectrum to existing infrastructures.
"Much of the design and strategy behind GigaXtend is about providing MSOs with added agility and flexibility," said Brad Nikkari, VP of access network products at ATX. "N+0 and FTTH remain viable technology paths for cable operators that will need to support the multi-gigabit demands of future consumers and businesses. But the introduction of GigaXtend means that these are not the only options. GigaXtend allows MSOs to maintain their broadband leadership positions, delivering multi-gigabit service offerings for decades to come using the same network they've spent the past 20 years building."
The GigaXtend family includes multiport taps, power inserters, couplers and splitters. The housings are environmentally hardened and are the typical size for a wide body tap. The 90-degree entry ports support strand, pedestal and wall-mount applications, but also have a patented screwless RF entry connection designed for quick installation without having to remove opposing port covers and tighten a screw.
General availability of the GigaXtend outside plant solutions is scheduled for later this year.