CommScope Expands DAA Portfolio with 2x2 Remote PHY Module

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CommScope has added to its Distributed Access Architecture (DAA) portfolio, announcing the debut of the RD1322 2x2 Remote PHY module.

The new device is expected to begin service provider testing later this year. It installs directly into CommScope’s base NC4- and OM4-series fiber nodes.

Cable access equipment sales have been sluggish of late—they were down 38% in the first quarter, according to Dell’Oro Group—as operators mull how to move forward with DAA.

But CommScope, which closed on its $7.4 billion purchase of Arris earlier this year, believes sales will pick up in the second half of 2019, and it’s trying to match that market.

CommScope's RD1322 2x2 Remote PHY module.

CommScope's RD1322 2x2 Remote PHY module.

“Cable MSOs are beginning to wait for remote PHY architecture to mature, which is impacting spending along with the general reduction in capital spend,” CommScope CEO Eddie Edwards said during the company's Q1 earnings call. “With demand for bandwidth continuing to grow at an exponential rate. We expect this trend to reverse and for investment in network capacity to increase throughout the year.

CommScope’s DAA portfolio includes its RPD, Remote PON, R-PHY Shelf, Video Unified Edge (VUE), ICX Switch family, and hybrid E6000 I-CCAP/CCAP Core products. It also features a full suite of virtualized products, including the E6000 Virtual Core (vCore) and vManager framework of tools, including industry-leading monitoring, management, and traffic engineering functions.

“As global operators continue to invest in tomorrow’s 10G networks, the outside plant will represent a primary budget focus,” said Kevin Keefe, senior VP and segment leader of CommScope’s network and cloud division. “Our RD1322 2x2 RPD is the answer for operators looking to maximize their existing infrastructure to deliver tomorrow’s networks and services as quickly as possible.”

Added said Jeff Heynen, research director, broadband access and home networking, Dell’Oro Group: “CommScope has one of the largest footprints of optical nodes among major cable operators worldwide. As cable operators continue to distribute their access networks and increase both upstream and downstream bandwidth, the RD1322 2x2 RPD is an option, as operators choose from a variety of DAAs and pathways as they bridge to tomorrow’s networks.” 

Daniel Frankel
Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!