Bandwidth-management-systems provider BigBand Networks and cable set-top-box maker Pace Micro Technology are joining forces to offer interoperable products based on channel-bonding technology included in the new Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification 3.0 scheme.
The two companies demonstrated the combined products -- aimed at boosting residential bandwidth speeds -- at the International Broadcasting Convention 2006 show in Amsterdam, Netherlands, last week.
Using a BigBand Cuda cable-modem-termination system and a prototype Pace box able to bond channels, the demo delivered downstream rates greater than 100 megabits per second.
Neither the CMTS nor the box is certified for DOCSIS 3.0 yet, but the demo showed that the two vendors are making progress toward incorporating channel-bonding capabilities into their product lines.
"With broadband operators seeking to provide higher access speeds, interest in DOCSIS 3.0 functionality is stronger than ever," said John Connelly, BigBand’s executive vice president of marketing and business development. "With this IBC demonstration, Pace and BigBand Networks are showing that the technology is real, the standard is maturing and commercial products are evolving."
