ATX Networks, a global leader in broadband access and media distribution solutions, will conduct a live demonstration of its comprehensive and multi-layered monitoring and management solution for ATX’s GigaXtend™ 1.8GHz HFC actives at SCTE® TechExpo24, the annual industry conference and exhibition that runs September 24-26 in Atlanta, Ga.
The innovative system introduces advanced levels of intelligence and automation to the HFC network, streamlining MSOs’ existing operations while optimizing technician efficiency, improving network reliability and ultimately driving significant OpEx savings and customer satisfaction.
“The reliability, operational efficiency and subscriber experience benefits of being able to remotely send and receive information about the health of the HFC plant are numerous and game changing,” said Mike Whitley, VP of Access Networking Products at ATX. “As an active participant in CableLabs working groups currently developing standards for two-way transponders, ATX is excited to demonstrate our unique approach to implementing this critical technology into our next-generation amps at TechExpo 2024.”
The ability to communicate remotely with intelligent amplifiers through low-cost transponders expands the capabilities and utility of GigaXtend Orchestrator, ATX’s award-winning, software-based configuration and control platform. The addition of two-way communications capabilities to GigaXtend Orchestrator gives MSOs the ability to share and act upon amplifier telemetry information at three separate levels: directly from an amplifier, from a node location or from a cloud-connected network operations center (NOC) or other remote location.
By adding intelligence into outside plant actives through standards-based transponders, MSOs can remotely gather information to proactively address network issues before they impact subscribers, pinpoint performance issues through ingress detection to decrease the time it takes to find and correct network failures, capture a quick and accurate inventory of network assets and automate time-consuming maintenance tasks, such as firmware updates.
In addition to improving overall customer satisfaction, the major benefit of ATX’s enhanced monitoring and management solution is helping MSOs maximize their technical workforce. Given the current shortage of trained technicians — a situation likely to worsen as cable operators commence once-in-a-generation technology upgrades and compete for this increasingly scarce resource — MSOs will greatly benefit from reducing the time it takes technicians to perform operational procedures or eliminating truck rolls altogether.
ATX’s TechExpo network monitoring and management demonstration will include the GigaXtend 1.8GHz Amplifier, the GigaXtend GS7 1.8GHz Node and GigaXtend Orchestrator, which will communicate with the transponder-equipped amplifier directly through a Bluetooth adapter, or remotely through a device attached to the GigaXtend Node. Though not included in the TechExpo demonstration, the GigaXtend Orchestrator monitoring and management solution will also be capable of remotely interfacing with transponder-equipped GigaXtend amplifiers through third-party HFC nodes, as well as a virtual controller that can be accessed from a NOC or other location.
ATX transponders are embedded into processor boards that plug into GigaXtend amplifiers, making it easy for MSOs to upgrade existing GigaXtend amplifiers through a simple processor board swap. Embedding the transponder into the amplifier’s electronics reduces costs and power requirements, saves space and eliminates failures related to faulty connections.
“ATX’s GigaXtend Orchestrator management and monitoring solution offers MSOs the power and flexibility to completely reimagine their operational processes by enabling problem-solving and maintenance tasks to be performed electronically — directly at the amp or remotely from a serving area, NOC or other remote location,” added Whitley. “We are empowering our customers to significantly up their game when it comes to HFC network performance and reliability.”
ATX began shipping GigaXtend 1.8GHz amplifiers, which are manufactured in Holly, Michigan, earlier this year. General availability of the GigaXtend GS7 Node is scheduled for the fall, validating ATX’s commitment to helping MSOs extend previous HFC investments decades into the future.
ATX will also spotlight the advanced intelligence capabilities of its amps and nodes in a Tech Talk presentation that takes place on the TechExpo floor on Tuesday, Sept. 24th, from 2:00-2:20 PM. ATX CTO and GM of Access Networking Jay Lee and Mike Whitley will be joined by Charter Communications Distinguished Engineer Esteban Sandino for the presentation.
For more information, please visit www.atx.com.
About ATX Networks
ATX Networks is an innovation leader in broadband access, media distribution and sustainable energy storage. ATX’s market-leading and award-winning solutions are based on Agile Innovation design principles, enabling communications service providers to futureproof and evolve their networks in lockstep with market demand and in compliance with environmental standards. ATX partners with the world’s most innovative cable, satellite, fixed telecom, wireless and media broadcast service providers to improve people’s lives by enabling affordable and reliable broadband connectivity and media content for everyone, everywhere. For further information, visit ATX at www.atx.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.
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