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Arris is doubling the upstream capacity of its flagship C4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem termination system with a 24-channel module that could theoretically let a cable operator offer upload speeds of more than 500 Megabits per second in the future.
The 24U Cable Access Module (CAM) supports different spectrum configurations, including 5-42 MHz, 5-65 MHz and 5-85 MHz for upstream services. Arris expects the 24U CAM to ship in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Earlier this spring, Arris initiated early deployments of a software upgrade for the C4 CMTS to double downstream capacity -- to deliver up to 343 Mbps with eight-channel bonding -- without the need for any wiring or hardware changes. The eXtended Downstream Cable Access Module (XD CAM) release 7.4 field upgrade is available for an additional license.
Arris plans to demo the C4's expanded upstream and downstream capacity at the Cable Show next week in Chicago.
"The new 24U CAM allows operators to double their upstream bandwidth without the need for a chassis replacement, thus continuing the Arris commitment to customer investment protection," Arris vice president of product management Todd Kessler said in a statement.
As with other Arris products, the 24U CAM provides integrated "hitless" RF sparing, which precludes the need for external wiring or added components. The 24U CAM also supports both IPv4 and IPv6, as well as the synchronous code-division multiple access (S-CDMA) modulation for reducing impulse noise.
Comcast and Time Warner Cable are the two largest customers of Suwanee, Ga.-based Arris.
