Advanced Modem Cards Increase Capacity and Add Carrier-Class Streaming Media and Voice Telephony
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- November 18, 1998 -- Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced high-density modem cards for the Cisco family of Universal Broadband Routers (uBR). The MC16 modem cards are Data-over-Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)/International Telecommunications Union (ITU) J.112-based, and enable cable operators to easily provision digital services to as many as 100,000 homes passed using a single compact chassis.
"By working with cable operators worldwide, Cisco has developed a cost-effective, feature-packed solution that supports major cable system deployment using standards-based modems," said Paul Bosco, general manager of Cisco's Cable Products and Solutions Business Unit. "The MC16 modem cards will support DOCSIS 1.0 and 1.1 implementations while integrating Cisco's extensions for telephony, secure virtual private networks and streaming media applications."
The Cisco uBR product family provides cable operators with a cost-effective, scaleable interface between subscriber cable modems and the backbone data network, and enables them to deliver high-speed, broadband access to the Internet to customers. The uBR is based on the carrier-class stability and functionality of the industry leading Cisco IOS. software, maximizing the efficiency of the network bandwidth utilization, and in turn allowing cable operators to derive higher profits from the same scarce network resources.
The increased port density delivered by the MC16 modem cards allows cable operators to save equipment costs and conserve precious headend rack space while supporting more customers on a single platform. The Cisco uBR7246 provides a "single box" solution in headends or distribution hubs providing significant cost savings to the cable operator. With the MC16 modem cards, the uBR family can now scale to support 24 upstream channels in a single compact chassis with integrated carrier-class routing, built-in local LAN connectivity and optional wide area connectivity over multiple transport technologies. This allows the voice density to increase by a factor of 12 over that of the existing MC11 card. The Cisco uBR7223 offers similar functionality but in a more compact solution for small distribution hubs or headends.
The advanced MC16 modem cards and uBR platforms are designed for use with cable modems, Voice-over-IP (VoIP) devices, set-top boxes and interactive or enhanced television (ETV) services. With the MC16 modem cards, a mix of DOCSIS 1.0, DOCSIS 1.1 and telephony return modems can securely share a single channel with a set-top box, business services and voice appliances. Cisco's support for standards ensures an easy migration to DOCSIS 1.1 modems in the future.
The advanced MC16 modem cards and the highly scalable Cisco uBR7246 and uBR7223 will be demonstrated at several locations at this year's Western Cable Show, including Cisco's booth (#4477), the CableNet interoperability demonstration and the booths of Cisco's modem partners.
Availability
The MC16 modem card for the Cisco uBR7246 and uBR7223 will be available in December 1998.Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is theworldwide leader in networking for the Internet.Cisco, Cisco IOS, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
