Learn why more operators are accelerating the move to virtualized Cable Modem Termination Systems (vCMTS) and distributed access architecture (DAA).
Adoption and deployment of DAA enabled with a virtualized broadband platform are accelerating, marking a significant shift in how operators evolve their networks. What factors are driving this transformation and why now? A combination of economic pressures, competitive threats, and technological necessity are driving operators to quickly adopt and deploy more effective solutions.
Transformation drivers: reliability, speed and optionality
The broadband industry is at a critical turning point. Operators relying on legacy networks face significant risks—delaying transformation could leave them constrained by outdated infrastructure, making it increasingly difficult to stay competitive. To stay ahead, it's essential to embrace change now. Here are key factors driving the need for accelerated transformation:
Service reliability and churn in a competitive landscape
Operators face mounting pressure from fiber and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) providers, putting their market share at risk. Aging networks struggle to keep pace, unable to deliver competitive speed tiers or maintain service continuity, leading to poor reliability and negative customer perception. Today’s subscribers expect an always-on experience, and if they encounter inconsistent service or see a faster, more affordable option, they don't hesitate to switch.
Bringing networks up to speed and protecting investments
The escalating demand for higher internet speeds and enhanced service continuity is hindered by aging networks. As bandwidth-intensive applications, streaming, and remote work drive greater data consumption in the home, operators must enhance and increase speeds to remain competitive. Subscribers expect seamless, high-speed connectivity, and legacy networks will struggle to meet these growing demands.
Optionality for business and operational enablement
To stay competitive in a rapidly evolving broadband landscape, operators must leverage modern technologies that drive both business growth and operational efficiency today, while enabling readiness for future demand. Here are a few business reasons operators are migrating to DAA and vCMTS:
- fiber optionality
- lower CAPEX and OPEX
- flexibility and capacity to address current and future needs
- agility to scale effectively
- modern features for subscriber experience enrichment, operational and performance enhancements
- future readiness to combat End of Service (EOS) and end-of-life (EOL)
Industry momentum for DAA and vCMTS
Operators globally agree that DAA and vCMTS unlock a waterfall of benefits, and it's not just the big tier 1s.
Operators like Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC), Conway Corp., KBRO, IPKO Telecommunications, Bluestream fiber and over one hundred others have all deployed Harmonic's cOS virtualized broadband platform and its remote PHY devices in DAA.
Migrating iCMTS to vCMTS increases savings and speeds
We've seen momentum with the transition from integrated CMTS (iCMTS) to vCMTS, largely because legacy platforms just aren't able to provide the speed, reliability and optionality that operators need in a competitive fiber-forward environment. Also, the cost savings with vCMTS are significant, in some cases in the millions of dollars over time, and contribute to increased adoption. Here's what operators are saying.
Adopting DAA to amplify subscriber QoE
For many, a main compelling event to move to DAA is improved upstream capacity and more attractive speed offerings.
Upstream has become the capacity bottleneck for most operators and the relatively low upstream speeds is a disadvantage against FTTH operators. If operators are increasing their upstream capacity and speeds with a higher upstream HFC frequency split, they'll need to upgrade the active devices in their HFC network.
The active devices are their HFC nodes and amplifiers. If an operator is going to touch and upgrade HFC nodes, they get the best TCO and best performance by upgrading them to DAA at the same time. They get all the benefits of DAA including much better RF performance, significantly less space, power, and cooling requirements in their facilities, faster speeds, better management and visibility of their network, and who doesn't want that?
DOCSIS and fiber evolution made simple with optionality
A common transition path involves enhancing the capability of the existing DOCSIS 3.1 network first, with solutions like Harmonic's BoostD 3.1 that achieves 8G downstream and 1.5G upstream over DOCSIS 3.1 networks. Compounded with the benefits of DAA, operators can maximize the value of the existing network. But what then? Move to DOCSIS 4.0? Transition to fiber? Why not both?
Many operators increase their competitive advantage by being able to deliver multigigabit services over any wire, fiber and DOCSIS.
Harmonic's cOS platform empowers operators to deliver fiber and DOCSIS services over the same network, and in some cases, even from the same outdoor device. Enabling service providers to leverage any wire to bring multigigabit speeds, to any location, over any distance cost-effectively. With the added benefits of being field-hardened, feature-richness, and future readiness, it’s a no brainer. More and more operators are choosing to replace their legacy iCMTS systems and CCAPs with a modern and elegant virtualized solution.
Value creation and business benefits with DAA and vCMTS
Operators shifting to DAA and vCMTS, while modernizing their networks for future evolution and fiber integration, are experiencing tangible business benefits. By adopting virtualized solutions like Harmonic's cOS platform, operators gain access to higher speeds, fiber optionality, and increased reliability for service continuity—which are critical factors in today’s competitive broadband environment.
The growing momentum of operators transitioning to DAA reflects the broader industry trend: network evolution is no longer optional. Operators must invest in scalable, reliable, and high-performance solutions to maintain their market position and meet customer expectations. As seen with Blue Stream and other forward-thinking providers, the shift to DAA and vCMTS is not just about keeping up—it’s about leading the way.
Harmonic remains at the forefront of this transformation, empowering operators with innovative solutions that address both immediate and long-term needs. As more industry players make the move, the message is clear: the future of broadband is here, and those who embrace it now will be the ones shaping tomorrow’s connectivity landscape.