The 2022 SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, hosted by the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers, is set to return as an in-person event this September for the first time in three years. Antronix is ready to get back face-to-face with its customers to talk technology and what’s ahead for the cable broadband industry.
In this Q&A, SmartBrief chats with Neil Tang, president and CEO of Antronix about what he expects will create buzz at the show, including 10G, DOCSIS 4.0 and other technologies aimed at helping the industry advance. The conversation also puts a spotlight on what Antronix is planning to highlight during the event and delves into how operators are working to futureproof their networks.
SmartBrief: SCTE Cable-Tec Expo is going to be in-person this year for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. What are you looking forward to the most?
Tang: As you know, cable and telco operators, and the technology suppliers who support them, represent a huge industry, yet they are also part of a small, tight-knit community. I’m looking forward to seeing our customers in person and sharing all the work that we’ve done over the past couple of years.
SmartBrief: What are some of the technologies that you expect to see highlighted at the show?
Tang: We expect to see a full array of solutions on display at Expo: 10G, Extended Spectrum DOCSIS, DOCSIS 4.0, XPON and fiber deep configurations. The technologies are getting very creative, and it is an exciting time for our customers given there are so many ways to innovate their networks.
SmartBrief: We have talked about getting operators to DOCSIS 4.0 in the past, do you have any further insights from the field about timing for 2.0 GHz speeds?
Tang: Yes, as a matter of fact, we are seeing that operators who are rolling out equipment such as 2.0 GHz taps and line passives have a lot of questions about installation processes, best practices and especially about timing. Knowing that the CPE is still not available for their subscribers but they are still working to put the technology in place, operatoers are future proofing with these network buildouts.
SmartBrief: What will Antronix be highlighting at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo this year?
Tang: Antronix will be highlighting our 2.0 GHz multi-taps and line passives for the outside plant as well as premise solutions going out to 1.8 GHz. We will also be previewing a newly developed fiber hybrid solution that we believe will be quite interesting. And of course, we have some cool promotional items for visitors to our booth, No. 4043. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Philadelphia.