Comcast and Broadcom are designing and building the new chipset based upon CableLabs’ DOCSIS 4.0 specifications and aimed at enabling the first AI-powered access network.
The new chipset that embeds AI and machine learning (ML) within the nodes, amps and modems that comprise the last few miles of Comcast’s network. Benefits are expected to include:
- Making smarter network performance decisions using network diagnostics insights produced by both local and cloud AI.
- Enhanced monitoring and issue detection using bandwidth-efficient telemetry data.
- Transforming network maintenance of the network using real time issue localization plus predictive and self-healing network intelligence.
- Protecting network facilities and customers with improved cybersecurity intrusion detection.
- Assisting customers more effectively through local and cloud-based AI.
- Monitoring home IoT devices for connectivity disruptions.
Additionally, the new chipset will be the first in the world to incorporate DOCSIS 4.0 Full Duplex (FDX), Extended Spectrum (ESD) and the ability to run both simultaneously, enabling Internet service providers across the globe to deliver DOCSIS 4.0 services using a toolkit with technology options to meet their business needs.
“By enabling a toolkit that includes FDX, ESD or both simultaneously, this new Unified DOCSIS4 chipset incorporates the advantages of both technologies and will enable economies of scale as well as a common retail modem for the industry,” said Rich Nelson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Broadband Video Group, Broadcom. “The edge network and in-home capabilities of this chipset will improve network intelligence and reliability to create an improved broadband experience with enhanced privacy protection and cyber security for the consumer.”
