CableLabs has issued the specification for DOCSIS provisioning over EPON (DPoE), a key step in supporting MSOs as they continue to roll out sophisticated IP and Ethernet services to business customers.
The spec has two concerns. The core objective is to enable MSOs to use their existing DOCSIS-based provisioning systems to provide business services over Ethernet PON networks. It creates specific interfaces to optical networking units (ONUs) and also aims to ensure that ONUs from different vendors are interoperable.
Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks drove development of the spec. All three had chosen 1 gigabit EPON or 10 gigabit EPON for one or more applications, according to the spec.
Through DPoE technology, cable operators anticipate delivering IP and Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF)-based business and commercial services applications, CableLabs said.
An interoperability event based on these specifications was held last month and attracted 10 suppliers. The participants were Atheros, Broadcom, Cisco, Finisar, Hitachi, Huawei, MRV, PMC-Sierra, Sumitomo and ZTE.
The next in a planned series of interop tests is scheduled for April 11.