Internet Photonics introduces Gig-E gateways to extend cable networks

Internet Photonics has introduced video multiplexing and conversion gateways to extend legacy cable’s infrastructure for video-on-demand and other narrowband services by converting signals between legacy Digital Broadcast Video-Asynchronous Serial Interface (DVB-ASI) protocol and Gigabit Ethernet.

“We’re giving them a means to build a carrier-grade infrastructure at a fraction of the cost and they can support any kind of service over it,” said Gary Southwell, IPI’s marketing vice president.

The technology will also help boost cable’s move into high-speed data and IP telephony for enterprises and schools, Southwell said.

“They can build spurs off their network and that network’s cost is being borne by supporting video broadcasts in the back-need alongside wavelengths that are supporting access to the Internet,” he said.

An immediate use, he said, would be to provide services to schools that want you to handle video. “You can handle it in its native format with these products,” he said. “

Demand, Southwell said, is not overwhelming, especially in the current economic climate where cable operators are focusing on the specifics of building profitable businesses and pushing back network expansion into the business and educational space.

“I wouldn’t call it the back burner. It’s being prudently invested in on more of a success basis,” he said. “There are RFPs [requests for proposals] for equipment to build business services with the top 7 MSOs in North America today, but they’re selective.”

IPI, he said, has a working relationship with Cablevision Systems and has been certified with AT&T Broadband, although it is not on any AT&T networks.

Cable operators now must make sure that there are customers to take their products before they build the plant. IPI makes the decision to build easier by connecting new plant to legacy networks.

“They’re gateways that give me the ability to move people from what they have today towards this new, very-low-cost transport infrastructure,” Southwell said, which gives cable operators an advantage because “the telcos haven’t found a way to cost-effectively go and service” this customer base.