Extended Spectrum DOCSIS

Upgrade your network to Extended Spectrum (ESD) DOCSIS 4.0

  • Higher upstream capacity (10 Gbps down and 6 Gbps up)
  • Lower latency
  • Improved security
  • Supports symmetrical traffic

ESD utilises more spectrum in the network:

  • Downstream frequency range up to 1800 MHz, 3 GHz coming soon
  • Upstream frequency ranges up to 684 MHz
  • Flexible up/down frequency split supports growth. Highest split 684/834 MHz.
  • Upstream and downstream traffic is separate

ESD supports a more robust modulation scheme known as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), advanced forward error correction and advanced queue management. This results in a low latency and robust data transport supporting 8K QAM.

DOCSIS 4.0 ESD high split frequency range

What impact does ESD have on the network?

All network and in-home components need to be specified up to 1800 MHz (minimum) and a downstream frequency range of up to 684 MHz must also be supported. Flexible solutions are required such as the DBx range of nodes and network amplifiers with pluggable or switchable diplexers and amplifier modules. Alternatively, the direction neutral amplifier (DNA), diplex filter free 1.8 GHz amplifier is perfect in this scenario.

Potential issues?

DOCSIS 4.0 ESD is a robust protocol, but high quality components are crucial. Adjacent Device Interference could be a problem where ESD co-exists with a legacy platform. Some legacy outdoor taps and line passives incorporate bypass switches in the backbox, which can cause problems when new 1800 MHz faceplates are mounted, as some of the switches experience severe resonance in the 1300-1600 MHz range.