Cisco helps CATV make headway: Companies comply so they can play

Cisco Systems, which has lent a helping hand to cable modem makers in testing and developing interoperable cable systems for the past year, extended its reach to electronics manufacturer Sony Corp. and cable equipment vendor Com21.

"Our primary objective is to energize this market to stimulate the demand for Internet backbones, which is our business," said John Mattson, product marketing manager at Cisco.

Cisco has also pledged support for the data over cable service interface specifications (DOCSIS), the proposed standard from CableLabs. The specifications, which outline how cable modems and headend cable modem terminal shelves interface and how data is carried, will allow cable systems from different providers to interoperate.

"We're trying to get the heavyweights in the retail electronics space involved in making these DOCSIS-compliant products. That means more choice for consumers and providers," said Mattson. Cisco will announce product plans next month and has hinted at offering a cable access solution for the headend side of the network.

"It's a clear sign to consumers and the telephone industry that cable has gained the attention of the big business community," said Mike Schwartz, senior vice president of communications for CableLabs. Schwartz is confident that support from businesses such as Cisco and Microsoft will help speed the deployment of cable as a data transport. "I don't see the big companies hungering to build whatever it is you need to get DSL. Look at which market is attracting the big players now," he said.

CableLabs will offer a certification process for cable equipment vendors that comply with DOCSIS, officials said. The details on the specification are posted on CableLabs' Web site, www.cablemodem.com.

* Com21 Inc.

* Hayes Microcomputer Products

* Samsung Electronics Corp.

* Sony Corp.

* Thompson Consumer Electronics