Cisco developing next-gen cable modem termination system

Cable operators using Cisco (Nasdaq: CSCO) gear may be able to support more IPTV-based services using a new cable modem termination the company is reportedly developing.

A Cisco CMTS from its uBR10000 Series. Cisco is developing a CMTS to support IPTV services.

Cisco's new CMTS would double its downstream capacity, while its upstream capacity would remain the same as its current CMTS product, Light Reading Cable reported.

Cisco's current CMTS, called 3G60, provides 72 downstream ports and 60 upstream ports. LRC said the new CMTS is being referred to as 6G60. Cisco declined to comment.

Cisco's new CMTS could help cable MSOs support more IPTV-based video services, and ease the transition to a pure IPTV-based architecture.

AT&T (NYSE: T) is the only U.S. pay TV provider using a pure IPTV-based architecture for its U-verse TV product. Converting to IPTV will require more capital spending from U.S. cable MSOs, but it will allow them to expand channel capacity, increase bandwidth speeds for cable modem services, and support more interactive and online video services.

For more:
- Light Reading Cable has this story

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