Volpe Firm: Recent Episodes
Brady Volpe
AI in Cable: What’s Real, What’s Next, and What’s Still Missing AI has become the cable industry’s favorite buzzword. It’s in the keynote titles, the vendor brochures, the analyst reports, and increasingly embedded in the tools we use every day. But after 30-plus years in this business, I’ve learned to ask a simple question:
The post AI in Broadband What’s Real, What’s Next, and What’s Still Missing appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Why did the cable industry choose 75-ohm coaxial cable — and not 50 ohms? The answer is rooted in physics, engineering tradeoffs, and decisions made decades ago that still define every HFC network running DOCSIS today. Brady Volpe and Ron Hranac break down one of the most fundamental design choices in cable network history: why
The post 75 ohm in coaxial cable appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Watch a brief recap of SCTE Tech Expo, John Downey and Brady Volpe break down the latest DOCSIS 4 innovations, Low Latency L4S for gamers, and the role of AI from Harmonic and OpenVault in transforming networks. Gamers will be thrilled to hear how L4S (Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable throughput) is shaping the
The post SCTE EXPO 2025 Recap appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Getting Smart with AI and PNM: The Operator’s New Edge Let’s not sugarcoat it—HFC networks, for all their engineered resilience, are still full of difficult-to-uncover problems. Under the surface, impairments like amplitude variation, ingress, and corrosion sneak in or often explode in. These impairments negatively impact throughput and cause avoidable truck rolls. Lately, though,
The post AI Accelerating DOCSIS Troubleshooting for Cable Operators appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Hey everyone—welcome back! You usually see me talking coax, DOCSIS, MER… but today we’re flipping the script: it’s fiber time. Join Brady Volpe and Andrii Vladyka, Vice President, Growth and Technologies at Harmonic, for a LIVE fiber lab demo like no other! In this session, we’re turning a virtual CMTS (vCMTS) into a PON
The post Turning My vCMTS into a PON OLT – Live Fiber Demo with multi-Gbps ONU Speed Test! appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Unlock the next evolution in cable networks with PTP-less vCMTS (virtual CMTS) and DAA (Distributed Access Architecture)! In this in-depth session, Brady Volpe (The Volpe Firm / OpenVault) sits down with Harmonic’s Andrii Valadka and Adam Levy—one of the primary inventors behind PTP-less technology—to break down how this innovation simplifies timing requirements, reduces costs,
The post PTPless vCMTS appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Join Brady Volpe on The Cable Climb as he interviews Mike Collins, Product Manager at VeEX, Inc., about his 40-year journey in the broadband industry. From his early days as a cable technician in the 1980s to developing cutting-edge test equipment for DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0 networks, Mike shares invaluable career lessons and insider
The post THE CABLE CLIMB Mike Collins appeared first on Volpe Firm.
The “Fun-house Mirrors” of a Cable Plant What’s an echo cavity, really? Clap your hands and you hear one echo if the sound hits one wall and bounces back. Now clap between two mirrors facing each other— the sound keeps ping-ponging. In a cable network, the signal (instead of sound) bounces between two bad spots
The post Echo Cavity in Cable Plant appeared first on Volpe Firm.
As broadband demand surges and sustainability targets tighten, the pressure is mounting on network operators and infrastructure providers to deliver more — more speed, more reliability, more capacity — with less waste and fewer emissions. In a world where a single outage can halt work, learning, or even emergency care, ensuring always-on service and consistent
The post More Speed, More Reliability, More Capacity – How AI and Sustainability Are Reshaping the Future of Broadband appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Join Brady Volpe and Ron Hranac as they take a technician-level look. Educate cable broadband technicians and engineers on how to effectively use a QAM analyzer to diagnose and resolve issues with SC-QAM (Single Carrier Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) channels in the HFC plant or CMTS environment. If you’re a cable tech, broadband engineer, or
The post SC-QAM appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Brady Volpe and DOCSIS expert John Downey recap the latest from ANGA COM 2025 in Germany. 🇩🇪 We discuss: • Why Europe is going 90% fiber and the impact on HFC • The powerful low latency DOCSIS demo from Harmonic and what it means for streaming and gaming • Charter’s acquisition of Cox and what
The post ANGACOM 2025 Recap: Fiber Domination, Low Latency DOCSIS, and Charter-Cox Merger Insights appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a lab curiosity for cable operators—it’s quietly rewriting the rules of DOCSIS operations. Following is an overview of my take on where artificial intelligence is delivering value today and how it will reshape high-speed data service as DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0 roll-outs continue across North America and beyond,
The post AI: for 10G Reliability appeared first on Volpe Firm.
How do you grow from climbing poles as an HFC line tech to designing next-gen DOCSIS and managed-Wi-Fi networks? In this episode of The Cable Climb, host Brady Volpe sits down with Billy Williams, Design Engineer – DOCSIS & Video Systems at Comporium, to trace a 25-year journey that proves field grit and continuous
The post THE CABLE CLIMB: Billy Williams appeared first on Volpe Firm.
We went deep into r/CableTechs, pulled the most‑asked DOCSIS questions, and tackled them on air—now you can watch the full replay! I’m Brady Volpe, joined by cable legend John Downey, breaking down everything from upstream ingress hunts and OFDM migraines to T3/T4 storms and mid‑split mysteries. 🔍 What you’ll learn Why RxMER bounces and how
The post Reddits Top DOCSIS Troubleshooting Questions Answered appeared first on Volpe Firm.
What does it take to climb from summer installer to President & CEO? In this episode of The Cable Climb, host Brady Volpe sits down with Andy Parrott, President & CEO of Vyve Broadband to unpack the hard-won lessons, setbacks, and milestones that powered his 30-year rise through the broadband ranks. Episode Highlights •
The post THE CABLE CLIMB: Andy Parrot appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Join Brady Volpe and Ron Hranac as they take a technician-level look into DOCSIS 3.1 downstream OFDM field measurements. Learn what to measure, how to measure it, and what those measurements really mean — from subcarrier spacing to RxMER and everything in between. If you’re a cable tech, broadband engineer, or just a DOCSIS
The post DOCSIS 3.1 OFDM Field Measurements appeared first on Volpe Firm.
The Cable Climb with Mike O’Dell: From technician to engineer in cable industry! Join host Brady Volpe as he interviews Mike O’Dell, a Distinguished Engineer at Comcast, to uncover how he started out in hands-on cable tech roles and climbed his way to the top. Learn what motivated Mike, the pivotal moments in his
The post THE CABLE CLIMB: Mike ODell appeared first on Volpe Firm.
THE CABLE CLIMB with Ron Hranac: From the Bucket Truck to the Boardroom! Join host Brady Volpe as he interviews Ron Hranac—an industry veteran who climbed the ladder (literally!) from bucket trucks to boardrooms. In this inspiring episode, Ron shares how he built his career in the cable broadband industry, revealing practical tips and
The post THE CABLE CLIMB: Ron Hranac appeared first on Volpe Firm.
SCTE 294 2024r1 EXPLAINED: Mastering Cable Upstream RF Troubleshooting for DOCSIS Pros In this episode, we take a deep dive into SCTE 294 2024r1, one of the most important industry references for cable professionals. Discover how to optimize your upstream RF spectrum by mastering topics like unity gain, sub-split vs. mid-split vs. high-split architectures, and
The post Mastering Cable Upstream RF Troubleshooting for DOCSIS Pros appeared first on Volpe Firm.
THE CABLE CLIMB: From the Bucket Truck to the Boardroom! Well where ever you want to be! Join us for "The Cable Climb"—a brand-new series featuring cable & broadband professionals who started from the ground up! From ladders and bucket trucks to leadership and innovation, these industry pros share their journeys, career tips, and
The post THE CABLE CLIMB: From the Bucket Truck to the Boardroom! appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In today’s evolving broadband landscape, DOCSIS technology continues to adapt to the demands of modern networks. During a recent podcast of Get Your Tech On, we explored how innovations like the profile management application (PMA) are shaping the way we think about impairments, plant efficiency, and network performance. My conversation with industry experts John
The post DOCSIS 3.1 Performance and Impairment Priority appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Join us for our livestream event part 2, Tips, Tricks and what not to do in your RF network. Ask Ron Anything! (RF related) In this episode, AMA Brady Volpe and Ron Hranac in this episode Ron and Brady will answer your burning RF questions. --- Ron's Bio: Ron Hranac, a 50 year veteran
The post RF network AMA appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Proactive Network Maintenance: Precision Impairment Location with OFDM & OFDMA Channel Estimation Are you ready to revolutionize your network maintenance approach? In this video, we explore how advanced OFDM and OFDMA channel estimation techniques are driving precision impairment location, setting a new standard in Proactive Network Maintenance (PNM). What You’ll Learn: • Precision Fault
The post Precision Impairment Location with OFDM & OFDMA Channel Estimation appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Great episode with a ton of questions. Watch or listen as Brady Volpe, Mike O'Dell and John Downey go in-depth Qualifying Network Performance and Impairment Priority. Brady Volpe, Founder of The Volpe Firm and CPO at OpenVault, and Mike O'Dell, Distinguished Engineer at Comcast, John Downey, DOCSIS Senior Industry Consultant In today’s broadband landscape,
The post Qualifying Network Performance and Impairment Priority appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Join us for our next livestream event, Tips, Tricks and what not to do in your RF network. Ask Ron Anything! (RF related) In this episode, AMA Brady Volpe and Ron Hranac in this episode Ron and Brady will answer your burning RF questions. --- Ron's Bio: Ron Hranac, a 50 year veteran of
The post Tips, Tricks and what not to do in your RF network appeared first on Volpe Firm.
We had a very busy episode with a lot of watcher questions. Watch or listen as Brady Volpe and John Downey go in-depth into the latest research on low-latency DOCSIS technology presented in "Latency Outcomes Across Access Network Architectures" at SCTE TechExpo! We'll be breaking down the key findings of 'Latency Measurement - Baselines',
The post Unleash Ultra-Fast Internet: Low Latency DOCSIS Explained appeared first on Volpe Firm.
As hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks have expanded to deliver more robust broadband services, ensuring network reliability and performance has become a top priority for cable operators. DOCSIS® has long been the foundational technology enabling efficient and high-speed data transmission over HFC networks. With each new iteration, DOCSIS has introduced technological improvements that enhance its capabilities,
The post DOCSIS 3.1 Supercharges RF Impairment Detection Like Never Before appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Join us for our next livestream event, understanding unity gain is an important concept that applies to the forward and reverse paths of most cable networks. Without it, network performance can be degraded. In this episode, Brady Volpe and Ron Hranac will walk you through the principles and practices of unity gain, what it
The post Understanding Unity Gain appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Brady Volpe and John Downey dive into the SCTE TechExpo24 paper, “HFC - The Gift That Keeps on Giving?” by Dr. L. Alberto Campos and CableLabs. Get ready for an exciting breakdown of the current state of HFC networks and architectures—this is one episode you won’t want to miss! We’re kicking things off with
The post How HFC Networks Keep Up with Today’s Broadband Demands: Amplifiers, Coax, and More! appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Welcome to another legendary episode of Get Your Tech On! Join Brady Volpe and John Downey as they break down all the hottest trends and innovations from SCTE TechExpo24. This episode dives into what’s new with DOCSIS 3.1, DOCSIS 4.0, and real-world demos showcasing 9.8 Gbps down and 3.7 Gbps up. We also explore
The post DOCSIS 3.1 & 4.0 Demos, AI Insights, and vCMTS Innovations from SCTE TechExpo24 appeared first on Volpe Firm.
The Future of DOCSIS Networks In an industry known for its reactive problem-solving prowess, shifting to a proactive approach in proactive network maintenance (PNM) could be transformative. Instead of constant firefighting, what if we could prevent those fires from starting in the first place? Proactive network maintenance is the key to this paradigm shift, leveraging
The post Embracing Proactive Network Maintenance with AI appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Hosted by Brady Volpe, Founder of VolpeFirm and Chief Product Officer at OpenVault, and featuring John Downey, DOCSIS Sr. Industry Consultant, this livestream will focuses on cable / broadband hot topics that will be featured at SCTE Cable Expo 2024. PNM Live and Your network is talking to you - Listen! https://volpefirm.com/blog-2/ Links / Upcoming
The post Upcoming Tech in Our 100th Episode and DOCSIS 3.1 appeared first on Volpe Firm.
RF with Ron and Brady - This topic is a little different than previous presentations, but is important considering the widespread use of very big and very small numbers in cable. Ours is a world of numbers, and in cable we tend to use a lot of really big and really small numbers. In reality,
The post Very big and very small numbers appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Hosted by Brady Volpe, Founder of VolpeFirm and Chief Product Officer at OpenVault, and featuring John Downey, DOCSIS Sr. Industry Consultant, this livestream will focuses on cable / broadband hot topics such as: 👉 Reddit Rants and Raves: We'll dive into recent user feedback on Starlink and Google Fiber, straight from Reddit. 👉 CommScope's Big
The post Broadband insights appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Some people say coax but Ron likes coaxial cable. Coaxial cable has been a key component in our networks dating back to the industry's early days. As such, it's easy to take coax for granted without really understanding just what it is. Here's your chance to learn more about coaxial cable, along with a high-level
The post Coaxial Cable Impedance, Attenuation and Beyond appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In our DOCSIS networks, accurately calculating uncorrectable codeword errors is essential for monitoring and maintaining network integrity. These errors, which cannot be corrected by the system’s error-correction algorithms, are known as uncorrectable codewords. The frequency and occurrence of uncorrectable codeword errors can signal physical or network impairments that adversely affect a subscriber’s quality of experience
The post The Error Era: Rethinking Codeword Calculation with OFDM and SC-QAM appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Upgrading Your HFC Plant For The Next 5 Years - the how, the why and the when - listen to uur latest episode of Get Your Tech On! Hosted by Brady Volpe, Founder of VolpeFirm and Chief Product Officer at OpenVault, and featuring John Downey, DOCSIS Sr. Industry Consultant, this livestream focuses on the technical
The post Upgrading Your HFC Plant For The Next 5 Years appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Join network maintenance experts Brady Volpe, Founder of VolpeFirm and CPO OpenVault, and Mike O'Dell, Distinguished Engineer at Comcast, as they reveal the 5 critical pillars of network maintenance. In this insightful livestream, you'll discover: 👉 Proactive strategies to prevent HFC network problems 👉 Effective plant maintenance techniques to minimize downtime 👉 Best practices for
The post Pillars of Network Maintenance appeared first on Volpe Firm.
The simple half-wave dipole antenna has played a role in the RF side of the cable industry for decades. Many are familiar with its use for signal leakage measurements. The half-wave dipole antenna also forms the basis for other types of antennas, such as Yagi-Uda and log periodic dipole array antennas used at many headends
The post The half-wave dipole antenna appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Embark on an enlightening journey with our latest episode of Get Your Tech On! Hosted by Brady Volpe, Founder of VolpeFirm and Chief Product Officer at OpenVault, and featuring John Downey, DOCSIS Industry Technical Expert, this livestream is a treasure trove for cable and telecom enthusiasts. In this captivating episode, we unravel the complexities of
The post DOCSIS 3.1 understanding capacity calculator appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Ready to level up your RF knowledge in the world of HFC plants? Our next episode is a must-watch just for you! Get pumped as our host extraordinaire, Brady Volpe, teams up with the renowned Ron Hranac for a knowledge-packed session. The presentation will cover the widespread myth of a so-called capacitance effect supposedly being
The post Myth of capacitance effect appeared first on Volpe Firm.
DOCSIS 3.1 extended with an eye on DOCSIS 4.0 :: Watch Brady Volpe – the founder of The Volpe Firm and the Chief Product Officer at OpenVault. By his side, the legendary John "Data Dynamo" Downey, a CMTS Guru whose knowledge of cable systems bends the very fabric of the internet. Together, they're diving deep
The post DOCSIS 3.1 Deep Dive: OFDM vs. SC-QAM, Upstream Bonding, and Troubleshooting Tips appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Estimating OFDM Capacity in DOCSIS 3.1 / 4.0 A Simplified Approach I am often asked how one estimates the data capacity on a OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) channel in DOCSIS 3.1 networks. The question is easy, the answer is not. In this article I provide the background behind estimating OFDM data channel capacity, at
The post OFDM Capacity in DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0 appeared first on Volpe Firm.
What is signal leakage field strength? Are you keen to expand your knowledge on RF leakage within HFC plants? Our upcoming episode is tailored just for you! We're excited to have our host Brady Volpe and our well know guest Ron Hranac lead an insightful session on Signal Leakage Field Strength. Ron is set to
The post What is Signal Leakage Field Strength? Back to Basics in HFC appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Join us in this insightful episode of Get Your Tech On, where we delve deep into the intricacies of DOCSIS 3.1. Hosted by Brady Volpe, founder of VolpeFirm and Chief Product Officer at OpenVault, and featuring John Downey, Industry Technical Expert on DOCSIS, this livestream is a must-watch for anyone in the cable and telecommunications
The post DOCSIS 3.1 Deep Dive: OFDM vs. SC-QAM, Upstream Bonding, and Troubleshooting Tips appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Beneath the Surface: Exploring Skin Effect and Depth in Coaxial Cables Welcome to another enlightening episode in our series where we dig deep into the technical phenomena that shape our understanding of cable systems. I'm Brady Volpe, and I'm thrilled to have Ron Hranac back with us, a seasoned expert whose insights into the cable
The post Beneath the Surface: Exploring Skin Effect and Depth in Coaxial Cables appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In the demanding realm of DOCSIS networks, being proactive has become a necessity, not a luxury. To ensure efficient operation of these networks, cable operators must embrace proactive network maintenance (PNM) tools. These resources not only offer the ability to anticipate and address network issues before they significantly affect service delivery, thus creating a more
The post The Reactive Power of DOCSIS PNM Tools appeared first on Volpe Firm.
DOCSIS 3.1 modems have ushered in a new era of high-speed connectivity. However, ensuring their consistent performance, especially in the face of network impairments, demands a robust strategy. This is where the synergy of the profile management application (PMA) and proactive network maintenance (PNM) becomes invaluable. The twin pillars of optimal network performance 1. The
The post PMA-PNM Connection in DOCSIS 3.1 appeared first on Volpe Firm.
What is RF? Join us as we venture into the world of "What is RF" RF (Radio Frequency) . I'm Brady Volpe, and alongside the incomparable Ron Hranac, we're set to guide you on this next phase of our signal journey. Diving into the Details: In the context of Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) networks, RF (Radio
The post What is RF? appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Step right into the electrifying next episode of "Get Your Tech On"! Get ready for a turbocharged livestream where we're diving headfirst into the magical world of DOCSIS 4.0 wizardry and the latest updates. Our fearless host, Brady Volpe, the tech maestro behind The Volpe Firm and now also Chief Product Sorcerer at OpenVault, is
The post DOCSIS 4 or stay with Docsis 3.1? appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Navigating the Ingress Labyrinth: Management, Mitigation, and Mastery (Part 2) on Youtube Join us as we venture further into the world of Ingress in this sequel to our illuminating episode. With the foundations of Ingress laid out in Part 1, this segment dives into the art and science of managing this elusive phenomenon. I'm Brady
The post Navigating the Ingress Labyrinth: Management, Mitigation, and Mastery (Part 2) appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Into the Ingress Abyss: Understanding Leaks, Causes, and Consequences (Part 1) Join us for another enlightening episode as we delve deep into the world of Ingress. I'm Brady Volpe, accompanied by the knowledgeable Ron Hranac, here to guide you through the complexities and curiosities of signal disruptions. What's on the agenda? Terminology Demystified: Get fluent
The post Into the Ingress Abyss: Understanding Leaks, Causes, and Consequences appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Welcome to another thrilling episode of "Get Your Tech On"! In this highly informative livestream, we delve into the realm of managing DOCSIS 3.1 channel bonding to ensure optimal performance in your HFC network. Join host Brady Volpe, founder of The Volpe Firm and Chief Product Officer of OpenVault, as he teams up with the
The post Managing DOCSIS 3.1 Channel Bonding: Ensuring Optimal Performance appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Distortion, Signal Leakage, Codewords and more - Did you know? Part Two picks off from our last episode of "Did You Know? DOCSIS: Back to Basics and Clearing Misconceptions," part of our enlightening Back to Basics series. I'm Brady Volpe, your host and guide for this journey into the intriguing world of DOCSIS. In this
The post Distortion, Signal Leakage, Codewords and more – Did you know? appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Welcome to another engaging episode of Get Your Tech On, titled "Your Questions, Our Answers: SNR (RxMER) and DOCSIS 3.1 Modems." In this episode, we delve into listener queries about DOCSIS technology, focusing on Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), RxMER, and the details of DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Our host, Brady Volpe, founder of NimbleThis and The Volpe
The post SNR (RxMER) and DOCSIS 3.1 Modems appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Welcome to "Did You Know? DOCSIS: Back to Basics and Clearing Misconceptions," part of our enlightening Back to Basics series. I'm Brady Volpe, your host and guide for this journey into the intriguing world of DOCSIS. In this episode, I'm joined by the esteemed Ron Hranac, who will be our guest presenter. Together, Ron and
The post Did You Know? DOCSIS: Back to Basics and Clearing Misconceptions appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Welcome, Brady Volpe and John Downey will dive into the world of UTSC (Upstream Triggered Spectrum Capture) for return path monitoring in a DAA world, how cable operators can harness these game-changing technologies. Join us as we discuss the latest updates on UTSC and PNM. Whether you're a cable operator looking to stay ahead of
The post UTSC appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Join cable industry veteran Ron Hranac and host Brady Volpe in this must-watch video on "Introduction to Carrier-to-Noise: Learning the Basics." This video is a comprehensive guide to understanding Carrier-to-Noise Ratio (CNR) and how it works in real-world applications. We'll cover everything from Thermal Noise to Noise Figure to Practical CNR measurements and much more.
The post Introduction to Carrier-to-Noise: Learning the Basics appeared first on Volpe Firm.
The cable industry hopes to deliver Internet so fast even your dog can't catch it As the demand for high-speed Internet races faster than a cheetah on roller skates, the cable industry faces the daunting task of keeping up with this need while also enhancing its service quality. In this article we'll look at the
The post DOCSIS 3.1 has a lot of potential appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Welcome back, tech enthusiasts! I'm your host Brady Volpe, founder of Nimble This and the Volpe Firm, and I'm thrilled to be here with another exciting episode of "Get Your Tech On." Today, we have a very special guest with us, Ron Hranac, who will be the main presenter on our topic, "Putting the Decibel
The post Putting the Decibel to Work appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Welcome to the future of lightning-fast internet connectivity! In this video, Brady Volpe and John Downey will dive into the exciting world of DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0, showcasing how cable operators can harness these game-changing technologies to provide unparalleled speeds and robust networks for their customers. We'll explore the key differences between the two
The post Cable Operators’ Mastering the DOCSIS 3.1 to 4.0 Transition for Next-Level Networks! appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Signal Level 101: Learning the Basics with Brady Volpe and Ron Hranac Welcome to our YouTube show where we are joined by two renowned experts, Brady Volpe and Ron Hranac, as we explore the fascinating world of signal level, current and voltage, and power! I am your host, Brady Volpe, and together with Ron Hranac,
The post Signal Level appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Welcome to the latest episode of "Did You Know" with Brady Volpe and special guest John Downey of Cisco. In this episode, we'll be discussing "Did you know? Balancing Amplifiers and Other Critical Broadband Concepts" some of the most important topics related to balancing amplifiers, cable & fiber, signals & spectrum analyzers, downstream signal levels,
The post Did You Know? Balancing Amplifiers and Other Critical Broadband Concepts appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Why should PNM be on your mind? Discover the power of PNM in this informative panel discussion with industry leaders Brady Volpe, Jason Rupe of CableLabs, and Larry Wolcott of Comcast. Learn why PNM should be top of mind for anyone in the tech industry and the numerous benefits it offers. Tune in now and
The post Why should PNM be on your mind? appeared first on Volpe Firm.
I recently posted a YouTube short (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n5ucjCb-iGA). ) about how staples in coaxial cable can cause micro-reflections and interfere with subscriber modems. The video was well-received, and I received a lot of feedback, including real-world experiences and questions about the implications of these issues. Let’s take a closer look at this subject. Staples in
The post Are Staples in Coax Cable Impacting My DOCSIS speed? appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this must-watch video, join Brady Volpe and Thuy Nguyen from tech giant Intel as they dive deep into the fascinating world of virtual CMTS (vCMTS) operations. They'll be discussing the critical aspects of vCMTS operations in a cable operator network and sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable
The post vCMTS Operations with Intel appeared first on Volpe Firm.
What is a dB? RF and Cable Basics :: Brady Volpe and Ron Hranac discuss RF and cable basics in a new series designed to help those who are interested in understanding RF and Cable TV technology a little better. In this first episode we cover what is a decibel (dB). This is a fundamental
The post What is a dB? appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Brady Volpe, John Downey, Jason Miller (Cisco) and Flavio Marcon (Effigis) discuss how OFDM Upstream Data Profile (OUDP) test burst in cable modems are used in the measurement of cable leakage tests in high-split cable plant. • What is leakage testing and why do we need it? • How is leakage testing done today •
The post OUDP Leakage Detection appeared first on Volpe Firm.
OFDMA Capacity Estimation, pre-eq, LTE & 5G Ingress and more! Your questions answered Brady Volpe and John Downey discuss OFDMA Capacity Estimation, pre-eq, LTE & 5G Ingress and more! In this episode we cover incoming questions from our listeners covering a wide variety of topics. Be sure to join and ask your own questions in
The post OFDMA Capacity Estimation appeared first on Volpe Firm.
At this year’s SCTE Cable-Tec Expo I had the opportunity to present a topic on the “Top-5 Things You Should Know About Operating a Virtual CMTS.” While there are more than five things one should know about vCMTSs, the general overview is a virtual CMTS (vCMTS) is nearly identical in performance to a legacy CMTS
The post The DOCSIS Virtual CMTSs appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Brady Volpe and John Downey discuss what you can expect to get out of DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem today. How many modems can transmit in a 6.4 MHz OFDMA channel? How much life is in the DOCSIS 3.1 modem for your network. Also a SCTE EXPO overview and wrap. What is Possible with a
The post What is Possible with a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem Today appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Catch Brady and John live on the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo show floor discussing the latest technologies they saw during the show including DOCSIS 3.1, DOCSIS 4.0, FDX amplifiers and even a discussion about Pi modems - what is that? Watch to find out.
The post DOCSIS 4.0, FDX and more from SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2022 Show floor appeared first on Volpe Firm.
As technology continues to evolve, DOCSIS Softwarization in a DAA and virtualized network is a necessity. What does this mean exactly? Join Brady Volpe with special guest Tadeusz Ciesielski, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Falcon V Systems as they discuss the evolving technology hurdles cable operators face as DOCSIS hardware becomes increasingly more
The post DOCSIS Softwarization in a DAA and Virtualized Network appeared first on Volpe Firm.
What is a cable modem’s OUDP? What’s an IUC? What’s a DBC? If you already know these initialisms that is awesome. If you don’t, that is fine too. DOCSIS 3.1 introduced OFDMA for more efficient upstream data transfer. In this article, I’ll cover how an impairment will cause the CMTS to change a single CM’s
The post Got a DBC to Change Your Cable Modem’s OUDP IUC? I thought so. appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Brady Volpe and John Downey discuss the theory of operation of return path signal levels in the return path. Why does the transmit power increase, rather than decrease like the downstream? How do two way splitters impact upstream and downstream signal levels? Why is the return always higher than the value the of tap
The post Understanding Cable Network RF Return Path Signal Levels and Balancing appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this episode Brady Volpe of Nimble This and The Volpe Firm, and John Downey (of Cisco) discuss portions of the document "Understanding Cable Network RF Spectrum Displays". This document, created by CableLabs and SCTE Working Group 7 (WG7) is a masterpiece of understanding full band capture (FBC) and the impairments found with FBC. We have
The post Full Band Capture Troubleshooting by Impairment Type appeared first on Volpe Firm.
OFDMA — It’s Trending What’s trending in cable? It’s OFDMA or orthogonal frequency division multiple access. OFDMA is the upstream counterpart to OFDM, which stands for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. Both are part of the DOCSIS 3.1 specification and are intended to increase speed over the DOCSIS network far beyond what can be achieved using
The post OFDMA — It’s Trending appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this episode Brady Volpe of Nimble This and The Volpe Firm, and John Downey (of Cisco) answer viewers questions about upstream SNR / Diplex filters / OFDMA / ICFR Want to know what might be interesting and useful to you? Join in on the discussion and ask questions in the chat in another power hour
The post Technology Questions Answered SNR, OFDMA and more appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this episode Brady Volpe of Nimble This and The Volpe Firm, and John Downey (of Cisco) talk the latest technologies and trends in the Cable industry, especially around DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0. We will be focused on key topics from Light Readings Next-Gen Technologies & Strategies. Want to know what might be interesting and useful
The post Cable Next Gen Highlights, DOCSIS 3.1, DOCSIS 4.0 Roadmap appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this episode Brady Volpe of Nimble This and The Volpe Firm, and John Downey (of Cisco) discuss Upstream Transmit Power with OFDMA and elaborate why a cable modem’s transmit power is extremely important. It not only determines if the cable modem will be able to come online and register with the CMTS (cable modem termination
The post Upstream Transmit Power with OFDMA appeared first on Volpe Firm.
A cable modem’s transmit power is extremely important. It not only determines if the cable modem will be able to come online and register with the CMTS (cable modem termination system) but obtaining the optimal transmit power will make or break the subscriber’s quality of experience (QoE). A DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem’s transmit power introduces
The post DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Transmit Power appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this episode Brady Volpe of Nimble This and The Volpe Firm, and John Downey (of Cisco) elaborate on how to use PNM tools to identify house amps, Cable Modems with filter issues, etc. So houses can be identified with incompatible filters for intended UpStream spectrum deployments. Want to know what might be interesting and
The post House amps, Cable Modems with filter issues appeared first on Volpe Firm.
The DOCSIS 3.1 PHY specification includes several PNM parameters and tests. One of the most useful downstream tests for OFDM is called receive modulation error ratio (RxMER) per subcarrier. RxMER per subcarrier provides an MER measurement for each subcarrier in the OFDM (downstream) or OFDMA (upstream) channel. This means if an OFDM channel has 7600
The post Why RxMER? appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this episode Brady Volpe of Nimble This and The Volpe Firm, discusses PTP clocks with subject matter experts Jim Olsen from Microchip and Rob Jodrie from Syncworks. This discussion includes a very high level break down of PTP profiles and why you should care? The evolution of PTP, Boundary clocks, best practices and things
The post PTP Clocks appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this episode Brady Volpe of Nimble This and The Volpe Firm, and John Downey of Cisco discuss the best of SCTE EXPO 2021 The discussion is on all things DOCSIS. Tips, suggestions and recommendations. Another power hour of cable. The best of SCTE EXPO 2021: SCTE EXPO 2021 wrap up Exceptional show, watch
The post SCTE EXPO 2021 Wrap-up appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this episode Brady Volpe of Nimble This and The Volpe Firm, and John Downey of Cisco discuss interpreting Full Band Capture (FBC) and RxMER which is the MER of the subcarriers in the OFDM channel. Cable is a technology business and we seem to always come up with new terms and new things
The post Interpreting Full Band Capture and RxMER appeared first on Volpe Firm.
DOCSIS is Green (full length). Shorter and cleaner version is seen in Broadband Library DOCSIS Going Green. The simplest solution is almost always the best. Through technological advancements we can do more with less. There are important discussions happening about green initiatives in our industry. Usually on the consumer electronics side. According to the NCTA “Cable operators,
The post DOCSIS is Green appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Cisco vCMTS? Brady Volpe founder of The Volpe Firm and Nimble This, John Downey and Jason Miller Technical Marketing Engineer of Cisco discuss Cisco's virtual CMTS (vCMTS). The topic came up during ANGACOMs 2021 presentation. I didn't know Cisco even had a vCMTS, did you? Well, let's find out what they are doing and if they
The post Cisco vCMTS appeared first on Volpe Firm.
In this episode Brady and John discuss what happens to an impaired DOCSIS Primary channel & ANGA COM highlights. When an impaired DOCSIS Primary channel occurs, do to one ore more impairment, how does it impact other DOCSIS channels? Primary being a type of "management" SC-QAM channel. Does it make a difference? We also
The post DOCSIS Primary Channel Impaired Downstream Troubleshooting appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Machine Learning and PNM Yes, it’s real and yes, it’s deployed and working! The day has arrived, Skynet is here! [1]. Fortunately, no to Skynet and in more good news our machines are in the cable plant and they are learning. They have been deployed into the cable world and they are finding the nasty
The post Machine Learning and PNM appeared first on Volpe Firm.
Recommendations to resolving DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems crashing with OFDMA Place OFDMA channels above 42 MHz: For those fortunate with 5-65 MHz or 5-85 MHz return paths, keeping four 6.4 MHz SC-QAM signals below 42 MHz and then loading one OFDMA channel above 42 MHz is ideal. Your SC-QAM channels should be fully optimized with dynamic
The post Recommendations to resolving DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems crashing with OFDMA appeared first on Volpe Firm.