The document discusses intelligent networks and their benefits. An intelligent network uses automatic alignment to keep the network optimally configured. It can automatically block ingress noise and monitor signal quality locally and remotely. The network elements can be monitored and configured from a central management system. Benefits include easy and fast installation, minimal seasonal maintenance due to ongoing auto-alignment, improved fault detection and location, and reduced costs and downtimes. Key components of an intelligent network include a management software, headend platform, nodes, amplifiers, and a roadmap for new nodes. Remote monitoring and control of devices is enabled.

1. Focus on the essential! Intelligent networks
SCTE Summer Lecture Meeting – Bletchley Park
Pasi Järvenpää
3rd of July, 2013

2. Intelligent networks – why ?
...to maximise network uptime

3. Intelligent network concept – what it is?

4. Intelligent network concept – what it is?
• Auto alignment: At the touch of a button the
network elements are optimally aligned
• Automated on-going alignment keeps the network optimally aligned
• Automatic Ingress block: Ingress noise can automatically be blocked preventing
entire segments being affected. Management system is alerted and location is
shown where the noise is introduced
• Signal monitoring for upstream and downstream both locally and remotely
• Network management: Network elements can be monitored and configured via
central management system. All adjustment are electrically controlled in the
nodes/amps. Network element settings are automatically backed-up.

5. Benefits from Intelligent networks
• Very easy and fast installation, one button “fire and forget”. Means less time on
site with less trained engineers
• Regular seasonal maintenance is at a minimum with the on-going auto alignment
• NOC has the full network overview and can see network degradation in real-time
• Ingress is isolated to source area, significantly reducing amount of subscribers
affected and reducing the correction time
• Intermittent ingress is temporarily isolated without any costly truck roll
• Fault location is easy and engineers are sent to right location reducing OPEX and
correction time

6. Intelligent network components

7. Intelligent network components
• CATVisor management software
• HDO optical headend platform
• AC9000 2 x 4 node
• AC8800 1 x 2 optical node
• AC8700 1 x 1 optical node
• AC3000 single active output amplifier
• AC3200 dual active output amplifier
• ACE8 1 x 1 optical node 1.2 GHz – road map

8. Ten reasons for using network management
1. It gives the exact location of the devices with problems
2. It provides intuitive access to ingress control switches
3. It has an up-to-date inventory of active devices in the system
4. It knows the current system status (inside and outside plants)
5. It keeps track of system changes
6. It enables remote control of active devices
7. It stores backup copies of element configuration files
8. It knows the systems performance history
9. It keeps track of local service actions
10. It provides fast access to additional device information
11. In other words: It minimises network downtime
by providing accurate information!

9. Exact locations of devices and their interconnections
Spatial views model
the network the way
that best suits the
management tasks
Workspaces
enable optimal
management GUI
for each user

10. Remote control of active devices
• A remote control session can be opened to any active device
• The configuration can be checked and edited, if necessary
• External configuration tools can be opened for specific
purposes

11. Performance history graphs

12. Fast access to additional device information
• Cabinet design diagrams
• Cabinet photos
• Instructions
• Measurement protocols
• External management systems
• External GIS systems

13. Controlling the RF spectrum

14. Controlling the RF spectrum
14

15. Summary – Mission is to offer technology that...
Maximises service availability
• Reduces churn
Minimises OPEX
• Optimised network performance
• Reduce the number of site visits

16. Focus on the essential!