Technical Committee (TC) Integrated Broadband Cable Telecommunication Networks (CABLE) Activity Report 2022

Chair: Volker Leisse, CableLabs

Responsible for standardization related to integrated broadband cable telecommunication network technologies.

 

ETSI’s Integrated Broadband Cable Telecommunication Networks committee (TC CABLE) develops standards addressing the evolution of the capabilities of broadband cable networks. The committee cooperates with several other ETSI technical bodies, contributing its expertise on cable technologies and assessing potential impact on integrated broadband cable telecommunication networks and services. 

The committee’s work leverages close relationships with the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), CENELEC (especially TC209) and ITU-T (especially SG9). In parallel, TC CABLE works with the wider global cable community to foster innovation and competitiveness, making technology available industry-wide based on voluntary standards. 

The committee’s deliverables primarily relate to standards concerning:

  • Integrated broadband cable telecommunication network terminals, including cable CPE devices and network terminating devices;
  • Network infrastructure, including network topologies, HFC (hybrid fibre-coax) network distribution, data over cable systems, and frequency management;
  • Service, security, energy efficiency and sustainability aspects of integrated broadband cable telecommunication networks.

In 2022, the committee reached a milestone by completing the development of a new multi-part standard covering the sixth generation transmission systems for interactive cable television services - IP cable modem. Published in September, ES 203 811 is a multi-part standard based on the specifications for DOCSIS® 4.0 that enables multi-Gbps symmetrical services in the cable access network. Further work on the evolution of the broadband cable communication platform is expected to be initiated in 2023.

Driven by contributions from its members mainly from the cable operator community, progress was also made on further Work Items, notably:

  • A new Technical Specification (TS 103 128) on network performance measurement methods for broadband data services.
  • Revision to existing standard EN 305 200-2-4 on energy management; operational infrastructures; global KPIs Part 2: specific requirements; Sub-part 4: cable access networks.
  • A new multi-part Harmonised Standard (EN) on design KPIs for energy management of operational infrastructures in broadband cable networks, covering:
    • EN 305 200-4 on energy management; operational infrastructures; global KPIs Part 4: design assessments;
      • Sub-part 1: general approach
      • Sub-part 2: ICT sites in the core network
      • Sub-part 3: edge facilities
      • Sub-part 5: monitoring and operations support systems.
    • A new Technical Specification (TS 103 469) on performance characteristics of coaxial cables used for RF signal transmission in hybrid fibre-coax (HFC) telecommunication networks.
    • A new Technical Report (TR 103 785) on mapping of cable equipment and standards to support assessment of conformity with the European Commission’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED), the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive, and the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) covering safe operation of electrical equipment for consumer and professional use.
    • Revision to existing standard EN 305 174-6 on broadband deployment and energy management; Part 6: cable access network.

See the full list of TC CABLE Work Items currently in development here.

During the year, TC CABLE maintained its active interaction with other ETSI Technical Committees, notably TC ATTM, TC RRS and TC CYBER.