Harmonic Inc. (Nasdaq:HLIT) is demonstrating a family of Ethernet switching modules for its PWRBlazer node platform at the Western Cable Show in Los Angeles. These Ethernet switching modules are designed to enable operators to seamlessly evolve a hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) network into a fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network.
Harmonic's family of Ethernet modules have been developed to transport baseband IP traffic over cable networks. The CURBswitch and NODEswitch modules announced today are the latest additions to the PWRBlazer node module family and will provide Ethernet-over-FTTC/FTTH capability. The module family also includes Harmonic's NODEcmts, introduced earlier this year, which provides Ethernet over HFC capability. All Harmonic Ethernet node modules are designed as plug-in modules for Harmonic's PWRBlazer Scaleable Node Platform. Architectural migrations can therefore be realized by the swapping of intelligent node modules into the flexible PWRBlazer node platform.
Harmonic's CURBswitch and NODEswitch modules bring switching intelligence and functionality traditionally located in cable network headends deep into the network's architecture, within an environmentally hardened node. The NODEswitch module is located between the headend and the FTTC or FTTH CURBswitch modules. For operators that install twisted pair to the home, the FTTC CURBswitch will provide multiple 10/100BaseT, 10/100BaseFX connections in FTTC applications or MDUs. For operators that install fiber in the last mile of their network, the FTTH CURBswitch will provide up to twelve 100-Mbit/sec connections via either singlemode or multimode fiber. IP services may initially be offered over HFC using the NODEcmts, then FTTC/H CURBswitches can be added selectively and cost-effectively to provide additional services to high-bandwidth customers. The NODEcmts, NODEswitch, and CURBswitch modules will be able to co-exist in the same networks, providing exceptional flexibility.
The CURBswitch and NODEswitch modules are expected to be available in Q3, 2001.