Remote PHY (R-PHY) Architecture, a type of Distributed CCAP Architecture (DCA), is a relatively new architecture that is becoming increasingly popular due to the perpetually rising demand for fast and reliable networks, especially among triple-play customers.
Here at Radiant Communications Corporation, providers of quality telecommunications equipment, including MPEG 2 encoders, we’ve compiled some essential information about R-PHY architecture.
What is R-PHY Architecture?
R-PHY is one of two types of DCA (the other being MAC-PHY). By using pseudowires to emulate a connection between a CCAP Core and a set of Remote PHY Devices (RPD), network operators are able to reduce their cost by limiting the amount of physical equipment needed.
How does R-PHY Architecture reduce complexity?
This architecture allows the MAC functions, including signaling functions and downstream and upstream bandwidth scheduling, to remain in the headend. This setup is simpler than MAC-PHY, which reduces the likelihood of operational failure. Fewer failures translates into happier customers, as well as reduced costs in repairs. Additionally, by keeping more complex functions centralized, it creates a simpler path toward virtualization in the future.
How does R-PHY work with existing network architecture?
One of the greatest advantages of R-PHY is that there are highly detailed specifications available, ensuring consistency between vendors and increasing interoperability, which ultimately makes things simpler for operators. The R-PHY architecture will also make it easier to accommodate higher bandwidth speeds in the future.
Why is there a need for higher bandwidth?
More users continue to demand greater bandwidth to accommodate the many intensive tasks that they perform, such as streaming HD video and music, gaming, and accessing cloud-based services. All of these tasks may consume copious amounts of bandwidth, leading to reduced performance and latency issues. While bandwidth speeds may have been measured in kilobytes merely a decade ago, many MSO’s today offer speeds of over 100MB. Although speeds of 1GB are typically only offered to businesses now, there is no doubt that this will eventually become available to the average consumer.
How does R-PHY facilitate the transition toward gigabyte services?
The R-PHY architecture allows MSO’s the gradually shift toward providing gigabyte services by shifting some of their equipment from the headend to the network node and allowing the network to run more efficiently. R-PHY may also improve signal quality and provide a greater degree of reliability.
To learn more about the equipment you need for your network, including fiber patch panels, MPEG 2 encoders, QAM insertion, and more, give us a call today.
