Systems requirements for cable modems in high-speed access networks

Cable modems play an important role in turning the hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks from pure broadcast video service to high-speed access networks. Many CATV companies and telephone companies are experimenting with high-speed data services over HFC. With today's technology, cable modems can easily run at a data rate of 10 Mbps or above. They allow subscribers fast access to on-line services and the Internet. A variety of cable modems have been developed and marketed by cable modem vendors. Selection of right cable modems for deployment in HFC access networks has become a nontrivial matter. Different HFC systems may require different types of cable modems. In this paper, we will review the development of HFC systems and discuss data networking using approaches that include connectionless data networking and connection-oriented data networking systems. The system requirements for cable modems in terms of throughput, robustness, ease of operation, protocol efficiency, reliability, network management, and cost are addressed.