FAQ
What speeds can be achieved through a cable modem connected to the miniCMTS?
An EuroDOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with bonding 16x4 (16x DS QAM256, 4xUS QAM64 + 6.4MHz) can sustain speeds up to 700 Mbps in Downstream and 90 Mbps in Upstream. These speeds require certain quality of the coaxial network, measured primarily as signal to noise ratio (SNR).
What physical interfaces does a miniCMTS provide?
All types of 1st miniCMTS generation are equipped with Ethernet and RF ports.
Gigabit Ethernet interfaces are:
- 1 or 2 RJ45 ports for both management and payload traffic,
- 1x SFP slot.
RF ports for Downstream and Upstream signals are either separated or common depending on the HW version. Some HW versions contain also integrated combiner to join the existing TV signal.
Details can be found in the Datasheet, which is available at the miniCMTS description pages.
2nd miniCMTS generation includes 10G SFP+ port instead of the previous 1G SFP port.
Is it possible to change number of Upstream and Downstream channels?
No, there is a fixed number of 32 or 16 Downstreams and 10 or 4 (or 2) Upstreams available in each miniCMTS.
Based on actual needs only limited channel count can be enabled.
Extra channels can be added by adding another miniCMTS.
How is miniCMTS managed?
Integrated WebGUI is provided by each miniCMTS device. It allows to set and monitor all important parameters. WebGUI monitoring shows primarily real-time values; historical data is available only for selected parameters.
Let us pinpoint the “Upstream spectrum” monitoring tool, which shows the real-time signal spectrum in the Upstream frequency range.
SNMP is another key monitoring tool, typically used for long-time monitoring run from external monitoring system. MiniCMTS implements key OIDs standardized for DOCSIS as well as some extra enterprise-specific OIDs.
Are there any necessary modifications in a coaxial network to support CMTS?
Typically the forward path or downstream is already tuned and working in existing coaxial networks to carry TV channels. For the DOCSIS - enough space must be allocated in the forward path. Channels available for DOCSIS should be adjacent, in one frequency block. A single 8MHz downstream channel can carry 50 Mbps of customer traffic (modulation QAM256). Up to 16 channels can be assigned to the DOCSIS downstream per miniCMTS.
Return path or Upstream must be also prepared for CMTS operation. This may require network tuning and also some RF network elements to be replaced or added.
Wall sockets installed in customer premises may require replacement too or the easier way is to install extra “optimizer” on top of the existing socket.
It is essential to assure good signal quality in both directions, which means primarily signal levels verification/tuning and proper cables/network shielding. Fortunately it is much easier to tune small CATV networks which the Lica miniCMTS targets, compared to the large centralized CATV networks.
Are any external elements required to support the Lica miniCMTS?
Cable modems provisioning process requires external DHCP and TFTP servers.
For small installations servers integrated inside miniCMTS can be used.
For typical installation we recommend to use external servers.
Is miniCMTS equipped with a router?
No, miniCMTS is an L2 bridging device. External L3 router is typically required to provide routing and NAT (IPv4 Address Translation). Operators can usually provide a router with ease, because that is a general device. Lica can also provide router e.g. as a part of a turn-key solution.
What is the energy consumption of the miniCMTS device and what cooling methods are available?
The device power consumption of the LMC-2IU is 36 W and for the LMC-1RU and LMC2-1RU 44 W applies.
The LMC-1RU utilizes active cooling, it means a fan is installed – this version is designed for 19” rack installation. Other CMTS types are cooled passively, no fans installed.
What miniCMTS HW versions do You sell?
We sell several miniCMTS versions.
For actual offer and version details please see the pages http://www.minicmts.com/.