Arris has introduced what it calls the first retail voice gateway equipped with RDK-B technology, a version of the Reference Design Kit (RDK) tailored for broadband devices, to be approved for use on Comcast’s network.
Arris said the RDK-B capability provides a common way to manage functions such as home networking interfaces, including WiFi, device management, and diagnostics.
The Reference Design Kit, a preintegrated software platform, is also used in certain video set-tops and gateways (RDK-V). The project is being managed by Comcast, Liberty Global and Charter Communications (via its acquisition of Time Warner Cable).
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Arris’s new product, the SURFboard SVG2482AC Voice Gateway, is a DOCSIS 3.0 device (24x8 channel bonding configuration) equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, two telephony ports, and 3x3 802.11ac WiFi radios. Arris is also selling an optional battery for backup so the gateway can place and receive voice calls during power outages.
Arris is selling the SVG2482AC at Amazon and via its own online store for $249.99
Arris competes in the DOCSIS retail modem and gateway market with companies such as Netgear, Linksys, TP-Link and Zoom Telephonics, which has rights to the Motorola brand.
Jeff Heynen, consulting director and senior research analyst in SNL Kagan’s Media & Communications unit, has recently estimated that retail sales make up 10% to 15% of the total DOCSIS CPE market.
RELATED: Retail Modem Market Small, but Active (subscription required)
