Understanding the technologies supporting today’s cable telecommunications businesses is critical to making informed business decisions, thus maximizing your organization’s potential. In addition to learning about the core hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network, you’ll also learn about the technologies used to deliver high-speed data, digital video, Video on Demand (VOD) and IP telephony.

This workshop is for nontechnical managers, including:

• executives
• marketing managers
• public and government affairs managers
• customer service managers, or anyone in a nontechnical management role who needs on-demand access to high-level knowledge of the technologies used in a typical HFC network

Modules

Module 1 – Humble Beginnings
Cable telecommunications as we know it today has evolved well beyond its original purpose. Learn why and how distribution of television signals began. Then follow the network as it develops, from the ability to carry a few analog signals to the “big pipe” known as the hybrid fiber-coax network (HFC), capable of carrying very large amounts of information.

Module 2 – Network Architecture
Coaxial cable used to be the conductor of choice for cable telecommunications, but it had its limits. Though coax continues to be at the core of today’s HFC network, it was the introduction of fiber-optic technology that enabled the network to deliver advanced services such as high-speed Internet, digital video, VOD, and telephony. This segment will explain how fiber optics works and why it can be called the great enabling technology.

Modules 3-5 – The Triple Play – Three Modules
Video, voice and data, the much-talked-about triple play, is the vision of many operators. How can a single network handle these seemingly different services? How does network intelligence allow for simultaneous delivery and prioritization based on service content? Learn about the technical differences and similarities behind each technology.

Module 6 – Home Networking
First, what does “home networking” mean? Is it limited to allowing two computers to communicate, or does it go far beyond this? Is there really an Internet-enabled toaster? Find out what the SmartHome buzz is all about. Learn about CableHome, what it is, how it works, and how the industry might use its capabilities to its advantage.

Module 7 – Holding It All Together—OSS and BSS
With the challenges associated with delivering the increasing number of services, how does an operator tie it all together? What needs to happen to ensure that customers receive the services they want and are billed only for the services that they use? The Operations Support Systems (OSS)/Business Support Systems (BSS) are the glue that holds everything together. Explore the purpose and complexities inherent in a well-designed OSS. Find out why the OSS/BSS is the cornerstone of delivering advanced services.

Module 8 – Mirror, Mirror
What does the future hold for cable telecommunications? Will Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) be the next evolution? Does wireless have a place in our networks? What else is over the horizon for cable telecommunications? We’ll answer these and other future-oriented questions in this, the final chapter of the seminar.