Narad adds operating system layer to broadband access system

Narad Networks has added an operating system [OS] layer to its Narad Broadband Access Network [NBAN] that runs on top of existing hybrid fiber/coax [HFC] cable plant in the 860 MHz to 2.3 GHz range.

“We used an existing architecture to build a switched Ethernet infrastructure that sits right on the HFC plant,” said Mark Heslop, director of corporate marketing. “We’ve developed some very sophisticated Ethernet switches that operate at HFC frequencies above 860 MHz.”

The net result of this plant extension, which designed for commercial data applications, is “something that looks very similar to an enterprise LAN, but we’ve actually built it using the HFC infrastructure,” Heslop said.

That plant lets cable operators offer 100 megabit per second [M/bps] symmetrical data delivery to businesses, he said.

At the same time, Narad recognizes that “just providing raw bandwidth is going to be a losing proposition” and the company has looked at “software tools that could enable our customers, the cable operators, to easily and cost-effectively set up and provision services across that infrastructure,” Heslop said.

That is the Narad Services Operating System [NSOS] environment, a “concept to eliminate all the complexities--and there are some huge complexities in the network management world--and just bundle as an entire resource,” said Radu Craioveaunu, director of product management.

NSOS enables virtual private networking [VPN]; time division multiplexing services over IP [TDMoIP]; voice over IP [VoIP]; storage area networking [SAN] for networked attached storage, backup and video-on-demand; wholesale local access; video conferencing; application outsourcing; and DVD video-on-demand, the company said.

“We have eight beta customers lined up between Q4 and Q1 of next year,” said Craioveaunu. “This is a strategic part of our offering, because this enables all the services that can generate revenue to our customers.”

Although the service is aimed at commercial users, “there is a lot of buy-in from the residential guys because they own the cable plant,” said Craioveaunu.