Arthur Skinner

Cable operators have been troubleshooting upstream and downstream spectrum issues the same way since they began offering service. The traditional method has involved the use of spectrum analysis equipment and multiple hours spent in the field searching for the source of the problem. Recent advancements in DOCSIS equipment allow software applications to collect the return-path and downstream spectrum and display it on a PC, tablet or smartphone from any location, without the need for expensive, proprietary equipment. In addition to reducing the need for costly equipment, these new capabilities can improve staff efficiency and subscriber satisfaction by decreasing mean-time-to-repair. Arthur Skinner presented a high-level view of remote spectrum analysis and how it can significantly reduce capital expenditures and operating costs.

The shift from traditional testing equipment to software-based diagnostics tools has steadily gained momentum over the last 10 years. Traditional cable plant and network maintenance has always been very complicated and expensive. The amount of truck rolls and variety of hardware required to keep them running is daunting. You need a whole team of experts to install, configure, test, run, secure, and update everything.

When you multiply this effort across dozens of headends and thousands of subscribers, it’s easy to see why the biggest companies with the best IT departments have the advantages needed to keep their businesses thriving. Small and mid-sized operators don’t stand a chance operating the old way.

This session discussed the advantages of software-based diagnostics tools over traditional equipment. Key points will include:

• Business cases outlining how the tools have improved efficiency and the operator’s bottom line.
• Activities that are managed from central locations rather than at each customer’s home.
• How the latest innovations in broadband diagnostics are simplifying maintenance and support.
• Billing, diagnostics and provisioning, how they all work together.
• Centralized tools that can manage diagnostics for DOCSIS, DSL, FTTH and Wireless networks eliminating the need for multiple management setups.

WiFi has become a must-have technology for smaller operators as well as larger ones. But deploying Wi-Fi requires a major investment in equipment, technology and staff. Does deploying Wi-Fi make sense for smaller cable operators? What’s the best way for smaller operators to enter the market and what are the benefits and pitfalls?

This session covered why WiFi should be a major part of the smaller operator’s business strategy and the need for efficient management in order to optimize their Wi-Fi networks and monetize their investments.

Some questions to be covered:

What factors should smaller operators consider when deciding on a Wi-Fi strategy?

What benefits can smaller operators realize from deploying Wi-Fi?

What are the obstacles to overcome?