Harmonic has announced the launch of its new SeaStar Optical Node, redefining broadband connectivity for lower-density multi-dwelling units (MDUs). The SeaStar node offers broadband operators an innovative solution that addresses one of the industry’s most challenging use cases: providing cost-effective, rapid deployment of fiber-grade connectivity in brownfield, lower-density MDU environments.
The groundbreaking node converts existing in-building coax cabling into a high-speed broadband conduit. The SeaStar node simplifies the delivery of multigigabit broadband connectivity by eliminating the need for costly, time-consuming rewiring and preventing service disruption for subscribers during upgrades. Powered by Harmonic’s industry-leading cOS virtualised broadband platform, the SeaStar node reduces capital expenses and enables revenue expansion for operators by accelerating the delivery of multigigabit broadband services to up to 16 MDUs from a single node.
“Our new SeaStar node tackles a longstanding broadband industry challenge — delivering multigigabit connectivity to MDUs without costly infrastructure changes, complex permits and service delays,” said Nimrod Ben-Natan, president and CEO of Harmonic. “With this transformative solution, broadband service providers can capture an untapped segment of the MDU market share to elevate their revenues.”
Simplifying Network Upgrades Through Innovative Design
The compact, low-power, hardened SeaStar node enables operators to upgrade their networks cost effectively by leveraging existing infrastructures to deliver speeds exceeding 8 Gbps downstream and 1.5 Gbps upstream. The centrally deployed SeaStar node supports up to 16 low-cost mini nodes installed at the MDUs via point-to-point fiber connections, which then connect directly to the MDU’s existing coax cabling.
The solution’s unique design enables operators to deliver premium broadband services to MDUs up to 5km away from a centralised point. The SeaStar node eliminates traditional issues with RFoG, such as optical beat interference (OBI), limited bandwidth and higher latency.
Driving the Evolution of Fiber Connectivity
Offering support for next-gen fiber technologies, the SeaStar node is a powerful, scalable, fiber-forward solution that meets evolving broadband connectivity demands. Leveraging the same point-to-point fiber already laid to the MDU, the SeaStar node enables PON coexistence to address select high-bandwidth use cases or for seamless future migration to fiber. As subscriber bandwidth demands grow, operators can simply add a 10G PON port by plugging in Harmonic’s Fin OLT directly into the SeaStar node or by utilizing an external OLT.
The solution offers a common management system through Harmonic’s cOS platform which also manages PON and DOCSIS services. This approach utilises a single pane of glass for operations to streamline workflows, reduce OPEX and boost operational efficiency.
Visit https://www.harmonicinc.com/broadband/seastar-mdus
