Averna said Intel has selected its DP-1000 DOCSIS Protocol Analyzer to test its DOCSIS 3.1-based cable modem chipsets ahead of format certification testing at CableLabs.
Averna said the DP-1000 captures and filters MAC-layer data in real-time to verify RF parameters, validate MAC-level communication, troubleshoot interoperability issues, and improve performance. The DP-1000 tests input frequency in the range of 100 MHz to 1.8 GHz in the downstream, and 5 MHz to 200 MHz in the upstream direction, the company added.
Averna’s system is optimized for D3.1-basded modems, which will be hybrids that support both DOCSIS 3.0- and DOCSIS 3.1-based data traffic.
CableLabs announced in August that it had “opened the door” to vendors that are seeking to certify and qualify products for DOCSIS 3.1, an emerging multi-gigabit platform for hybrid/fiber coax (HFC) networks. Intel, Broadcom and STMicroelectronics are the known vendors that are developing chipsets for DOCSIS 3.1-powered modems.
New test and measurement tools and systems were emphasized at a recent CableLabs-run DOCSIS 3.1 interop that featured a wide range of modem and cable modem termination system suppliers.
No products have been certified for DOCSIS 3.1, but deployments are expected to get underway in 2016, and ramp up in 2017.
"Intel was seeking a solution to test its new chipset for D3.1 as well as D3.0, validate CableLabs specifications for the MAC-layer and parts of the PHY-layer, as well as evaluate CMTS interoperability," said Alex Pelland, director of broadband test strategy at Averna, in a statement.
