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Networking
ADVANCED NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY
More power to the bottom line
Next-generation services require high-amperage power protection
By David Schomaker, Senior Product
Manager, Connectivity Business
Unit, ADC Telecommunications
C
able television has changed. No
longer just a medium for delivering
television signals, it has evolved to de-
liver the most advanced multimedia services
in communications. Multiple system opera-
tors (MSOs) are building and rebuilding
their networks to compete with local
telecommunication companies for revenue-
generating high-speed data and primary line
services. As these next-generation services de-
mand higher levels of bandwidth, high-am-
perage power protection becomes increas-
ingly critical for network integrity.
Integrating new, current-hungry, high-
speed data network elements into a cable
network can cause havoc for cable televi-
sion operators. With manufacturers incor-
porating higher density electronics and
components into smaller-sized packages,
custom-configured power distribution plat-
forms are necessary to accommodate not
only the high amperages, but specific re-
quirements of various applications.
A well-conceived powering platform
will save money, resources, and customers,
especially when using cable modem ter-
mination systems (CMTS), laser transmit-
ters and receivers to deliver enhanced data
and carrier-class primary line telephone
services. Keeping customers happy and
reducing churn is critical for operators.
And an effective power distribution plat-
form can produce immediate results.
Power to the people
MSOs have traditionally used AC pow-
er at the headend, while their telephony
counterparts have used DC power. But as ca-
ble networks delve into the telephony realm,
operators are powering much of their re-
vamped network with DC power to preserve
services even during power outages.
Telephony is a lifeline service–subscribers de-
mand immediate, always-on services. When
99.999 percent service reliability is not only
expected, but also required, preemptive
troubleshooting is critical in maintaining
customer satisfaction.
Missing the sec-
ond half of a fa-
vorite television
program may be an-
noying for cable
viewers, but failing
to complete a 911
call can have grave
consequences for
telephony subscri-
bers. That is why ca-
ble operators now
take extra precau-
tions to protect and
distribute power in
their networks by
installing high-am-
perage protection
platforms.
In today’s busi-
ness environment,
every decision af-
fects the bottom line. Cable operators
must make prudent, proactive decisions.
The impact of power protection and dis-
tribution platforms on network integrity
can no longer be overlooked. A reliable
platform minimizes operational costs, pro-
tects vital, revenue-generating equipment,
and ensures the delivery of advanced mul-
timedia services to customers.
Pump up the amperage
Today’s critical cable network elements re-
quire power. Lots of it. Manufacturers are
packaging more complex components and
electronics into smaller network elements.
Asked to do more, do it in less space, and do
it more efficiently, operators are incorporat-
ing high-amperage power distribution plat-
forms into the headend to preserve rack
space, slow network expansion and optimize
the functionality of high-density equipment.
Cable telephony is potentially the most
lucrative piece in the converged triple play
of data, voice and
video services. A crit-
ical element to its ul-
timate success re-
sides in the perfor-
mance of CMTS
units. Designed to
handle the opera-
tional, management
and service demands
of today’s competi-
tive cable television
marketplace, this
technology serves
both high-speed data
and telephony traf-
fic. It is a perfect ex-
ample of a high-den-
sity network element
designed to meet to-
day’s high-band-
width requirements.
Cable operators
can increase their profitability by increas-
ing the number of throughput ports in a
CMTS. Many of the newest, most effective
CMTS units have twice the number of
ports from previous architectures. This
technological breakthrough has also dou-
bled the amount of power required.
Whether it’s the electronics, components or
the fans required to cool it, contemporary
CMTS units require a high-amperage pro-
tection and distribution platform to en-
sure continuous revenue growth.
Distributed power
Cable television operators are beginning
to deploy cable network solutions com-
prised of several technologies incorporated
Figure 1: Varying amp equipment.
into a single rack to accelerate the delivery
of high-value broadband services. This trend
has led to a greater reliance on flexible pow-
er distribution platforms. Most of these rack
solutions feature CMTS units and RF trans-
mitters and receivers that require amperage
protection. Even though routers, demarca-
tion points, lasers, amplifiers and transport
equipment may not be included in these
cable network solution racks, they still re-
quire DC power distribution and protection.
And all the network elements feature dis-
parate amperage allotments.
Some applications now require more than
70 amps of distributed DC current per net-
work element. Previously, a battery distribu-
tion fuse bay (BDFB) may have provided
this amperage directly to each network ele-
ment in the rack. This method wastes pre-
cious BDFB positions. Each run from the
BDFB creates another expense for opera-
tors. Running one cable from the BDFB to a
power distribution panel can save expenses.
The best power distribution platforms
now provide up to 200 amps in a single rack
unit and include various output amperage ca-
pabilities to ensure each network element is
fed sufficient current–at a cost commensurate
with the requirements. Most installations re-
quire both high and low amperage. Effective
power distribution platforms deliver various
amperages to accommodate the specific re-
quirements of each network element, helping
improve network integrity and efficiency.
Reliable power
Power is often treated as a commodity, at
least until disaster strikes. A power outage
can be devastating to a cable television op-
erator. Without power, key network ele-
ments become inoperable and service is
jeopardized. Subscribers are quick to jump
to another provider if they are dissatisfied
with the quality and reliability of their current
service. Cable television operators are sub-
sequently revamping existing headends and
hubs with DC-powered functionality in an at-
tempt to shore up and maintain reliability.
Each cable network is unique, but the
most reliable and cost-effective networks
use combinations of AC and DC power to
ensure compatibility with specific elements
and applications. AC powers television
programming hardware. Enhanced data
and telephony elements tend to rely on
DC power. There is no hard-and-fast
rule–operators often go with the method
that they are most comfortable with or the
one that delivers the best-perceived val-
ue. DC power costs more to deploy, but it
better accommodates the specific require-
ments of advanced services such as cable
telephony more effectively.
Many cable operators regard DC pow-
er as an investment that minimizes failure
points and speeds repair time. The more
time it takes to repair, upgrade and install
equipment, the more profit margins are
eroded. Personnel costs skyrocket and cus-
tomer satisfaction wanes. Designed to lim-
it failure points and improve redundancy,
a DC-powered network helps foster con-
tinuous service, resulting in lowered oper-
ational costs and increased revenue.
Heading to DC
DC power begins the same way AC
does, as an alternating current from a gen-
erator. It is then converted to DC at the
headend through the use of rectifiers.
Eventually DC power is fed to the prima-
ry power panel, which in turn feeds the bat-
tery distribution fuse bay (BDFB). If ex-
ternal power were to fail, the batteries con-
tinue to power network elements without
a service lapse. The rectifiers also keep the
battery banks charged in case of an AC
power failure at the initial feed destina-
tion. This built-in redundancy enables net-
work elements connected to multiple feeds
to preserve service integrity, even if a par-
ticular power source fails.
A higher power
The cable television industry is boom-
ing. And as it ramps up to meet subscriber
demands, its service offering is becoming
more complex, requiring increasing
amounts of power. Advanced services, new
technological innovations and revenue-
generating opportunities are readily avail-
able. But all can be lost with the flick of a
switch unless a reliable and flexible power
distribution platform protects the vital ca-
ble equipment in the headend.
With many CMTS units featuring twice
the throughput capacity of previous models;
laser, amplifier, transport and routing equip-
ment transitioning to DC power; and cable
television networks now delivering lifeline
telephony services–absolute reliability is
critical. Revenue-generating equipment must
be powered and protected to maintain and
grow continuous revenue streams.
Subscribers demand always-on service.
Successful cable operators provide it. ■
Networking
ADVANCED NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY
Figure 2: Power distribution scenarios.
E-mail: David_Schomaker@adc.com
Reprinted from CED, June 2002 by Reprint Services.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
For reorders call Reprint Services 651.582.3800. For subscription information call 303.470.4800.
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223801
. from a gen-
erator. It is then converted to DC at the
headend through the use of rectifiers.
Eventually DC power is fed to the prima-
ry power panel, which. have used DC power. But as ca-
ble networks delve into the telephony realm,
operators are powering much of their re-
vamped network with DC power to preserve
services
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