Defining the Evolution

Universal Digital Return Platform

Its the Only Way to Go!

Universal Approach Accommodates Return Path Upgrades With No Hardware Changes

Todays high-speed data applications are pushing the limits of the legacy analog return path. The rollout of DOCSIS 3.0 services and growth of voice will demand a pristine return that can also accommodate ever-growing bandwidth consumption. Aurora Networks fifth-generation Universal Digital Return Platform delivers the necessary performance improvements and upstream capacity increases that are beyond the reach of analog solutions. With more digital return links deployed than any other vendor, Aurora Networks has leveraged its experience and economies of scale to make significant improvements to its Universal Digital Return Platform. The new backward-compatible platform supports all existing return splits and beyond, to 100 MHz an industry first. It is upgradeable another industry first, and is now a cost equivalent to or cheaper than the best analog return with higher performance, supporting up to 1024-QAM.

Multiple Return Bandwidths Supported

Aurora Networks understands that not all cable systems are alike nor are they static. It has designed its Universal Digital Return Platform to be backward compatible and to support todays band-splits as well as tomorrows. This flexibility simplifies the transition to a higher split return that may be necessary to accommodate more bandwidth-intensive applications beyond DOCSIS 3.0 services. Supported node return bandwidths include: 5-42 MHz 5-45 MHz 5-55 MHz 5-65 MHz 5-85 MHz 5-100 MHz

Universal Digital Return Platform Innovations

Increased upstream

throughput from a segmented node to > 3 Gbps

The Change Achieved by a Simple Software Upgrade!

In keeping with its philosophy of designing future-proof solutions, Aurora Networks has taken a modular approach to digital return. Both its node-based Universal Digital Transceivers and its headend-based Digital Receivers use a common platform for all band-splits. Aurora then personalizes the base units with software that supports the required band-split as well as other features such as 1-fer versus 2-fer, data transmission speed and operational modes. This personalization means cable operators get a cost-effective digital return solution tailored to their specific network requirements with the same hardware modules! Should a cable operators return path requirements change the software in both the transceiver and receiver can be upgraded while the base modules are reused. This approach results in capex savings and helps cable operators evolve their networks to meet changing requirements.

Significant cost reduction 5 MHz to 100 MHz return Support for 1024-QAM
and EPoC

Software only upgradeable modules

1-fer and 2-fer

technology supporting up to 80 reverse segments on one fiber

Simplified Segmentation Supports Future Growth

The new Universal Digital Return Platform also supports efficient upstream segmentation, especially important in fiber-constrained environments. Options include: 1-fer one RF return channel digitized on one wavelength 2-fer two discrete RF return channels digitized and multiplexed on one wavelength Select between the two modes with just a push of a button As subscriber consumption of high-speed data services increases upstream capacity can become constrained. Cable operators can easily segment their digital return with Aurora Networks Universal Digital Return Platform. By using the 2-fer mode cable operators can put twice as much upstream data on the same fiber. Should further segmentation be needed, operators can add a second dual-channel transceiver to provide four discrete return paths from a single NC4000 node location. This efficient, universal approach to digital return upgrades means that cable operators can: Cost-effectively tailor their return path to todays network requirements Easily accommodate growing bandwidth demands through segmentation Eventually migrate to a 5 to 100 MHz return in the future and achieve > 3 Gbps of throughput from a segmented node, with DOCSIS 3.0 and EPoC services

Universal Digital Return Platform Advantages

Increased performance
regardless of link length

Thermal stability Plug-and-play installation Reduced maintenance

costs

Backward compatible
with legacy digital return platform

Built-in status monitoring

Benefits of Aurora Networks Universal Digital Return Platform

Its no secret that much of the current growth in the cable industry is driven by data-centric applications. Services like high-speed data and IP video are consuming ever-increasing amounts of network resources. The demand for higher modulation schemes from 64-QAM, to 256-QAM and eventually 1024-QAM combined with the need to support DOCSIS 3.0s channel bonding, requires that upstream performance improve or networks will fail and subscribers will churn.

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Improved Upstream Performance

Aurora Networks digital return solves the performance challenges surrounding analog RF upstream links. With digital return, performance does not degrade regardless of link length nor does it change with fluctuations in channel loading or temperature changes. Digital return also offers: Greatest dynamic range Higher levels of ingress resistance, even for full return path loading Very high return link budget that can support route redundancy Increased reach, up to 200 km without regeneration (but with optical amplification if needed)

Simplified Operations
Digital return systems are also easier to install, maintain, and monitor. Installation is plug-and-play, with all node return paths set up the same given the constant gain from the node input to the return receiver output. Additional benefits include: No need for return path generators and link setup and balancing Simplified alternate routing design and setup Integrated status monitoring that eliminates transponder cost Reduced ongoing maintenance costs, resulting from set-it-and-forget-it platform

Flexibility for the Future

Aurora Networks Universal Digital Return Platform also has the advantage of supporting todays 64-QAM upstream channels as well as future rollouts of 256-QAM or even 1024QAM; something that will crush analog transmitters. Cable operators can gain further upstream capacity enhancements by segmenting the return with Aurora Networks 1-fer, 2-fer and dual solutions, making the Universal Digital Return Platform truly future-proof and the best choice in upstream technology options.
2012 Aurora Networks. In an effort to continue improving product reliability and features, Aurora Networks reserves the right to change specifications without notice. Please contact Aurora Networks for the most current product information.
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