The Internet of Things (IoT) promises to remain a hot topic of conversation in 2017, and its impact on network technology and deployment decisions undoubtedly will prove significant. CommScope Senior Director, Service Provider Solutions Mark Alrutz talked recently with BTR about what to expect in the coming year for MSOs behind the scenes as they deal with the anticipated demands of IoT.
Operators will continue to implement DOCSIS 3.1, but there also is ongoing work on reducing node size. Different companies are taking different approaches, whether it be to focusing on only areas with high congestion or a more methodical reduction of passings per node across a footprint, Alrutz said.
"We are seeing a lot of effort with the MSOs to make the experience better for the customer," Alrutz said.
The march will continue toward more fiber to the home. While subscribers will be pleased with the speeds they receive as a result of DOCSIS 3.1 and full duplex DOCSIS, the benefits of fiber networks and passive networks are pretty well documented, Alrutz said. These include a reduction in necessary maintenance.
"The advantage the MSO has is the ability to make smart moves with fiber today in terms of where they place it and how much they place to give them a springboard to the future…It can be part of an upgrade and deep node exercise that is going on," Alrutz said.
Operators also have the desire to be a network manager for the home network as part of the customer experience piece.
"You can have the greatest service in the world, but if a subscriber's iPad won't stream Netflix or whatever Xfinity program they want, then it is not a good experience," Alrutz says.
With WiFi being a huge component, he expects to see a lot going on with WiFi hotspots and external WiFi locations this year.
Business service expansion also is on the horizon, Alrutz said. "Housing starts may or may not be there. We have seen ups and downs in recent years. When that is the case, and residential growth is slower, business services give the MSO the opportunity to see some substantial revenue."
Operators have continued to push fiber deeper and sometimes right into businesses. This gives them the ability to offer very competitive high speed data services, better quality of service and service level agreements to match any offering, Alrutz said.
"We will continue to see aggressive building by MSOs toward businesses both small and large…The fiber network is being laid. Certainly in metro areas, (operators) are capable of providing the type of services that a business customer would demand," Alrutz said.
