Motorola and Cox Break World Record in Data Transmission Rates

Multiple records set; demonstrates potential for greater bandwidth efficiency and additional revenue opportunities for broadband operators.

ATLANTA-CableLabs Winter Conference – Motorola Mobility Inc. (NYSE: MMI) announced the achievement of a new world record for return path data transmission by using breakthrough technology from Motorola on Cox Communications’ Las Vegas network infrastructure.

Using the ultra low noise, high performance Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 RX48 return path receiver module operating within a Motorola BSR 64000 CMTS Edge Router, the record of 356 Mbps for a 5-85 MHz return path was set by transmitting across twelve return path channels of which six channels employed 256QAM modulation. Typical HFC networks today have two or three upstream channels delivering an aggregate of 40-70 Mbps.

“The RX48 and these tests demonstrate that Cox’s HFC networks are much more future proof than many have believed,” Jay Rolls, senior vice president of technology, Cox Communications. “We also increasingly need to be able to segment our business and residential customers, visibility into which is provided by the 5-85 MHz return spectrum utilizing 256QAM. Our networks have the capability to support much higher data speeds than today without the need to replace any of the amplifiers, taps or cables.”

The test demonstrates how broadband operators can support more customers and more broadband rich services over existing networks, removing the need for inconvenient and costly new network construction. The new record also shows how the Motorola BSR 64000 CMTS Edge Router, with the RX48 can help lower the overall cost of DOCSIS for cable operators, while simultaneously opening new opportunities for business revenues.

In addition to establishing the world record at 5-85 MHz, a maximum transmission rate of 141 Mbps was also achieved over a 5-42 MHz return path using six return path channels. Three of these channels were able to operate using 256 QAM modulation, as opposed to 64 QAM maximum in use today, which is also believed to be a record. For the first time, cable operators can use the 5-42 return path to provide 100 Mbps dedicated to business customers and simultaneously provide residential customers with the return path bandwidth necessary to meet their growing needs.

All tests were conducted across Cox’s Las Vegas hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network employing multiple DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 2.0 modems. It feeds a three amplifier cascade followed by an HFC optical link consisting of a standard Motorola DFB return path laser transmitting over 7 dB of fiber to the optical receiver. The output of this receiver was linked to the RX48 card in the BSR 64000. Measurements were made in accordance with standard cable industry practices. At the CableLabs conference, Motorola and Cox demonstrated the new record of 400 Mbps on a 5-85 MHz return path, which broke the previous record of 356Mbps

“We are very pleased to show the results of Motorola Mobility’s investment in DOCSIS 3.0 innovation,” said Joe Cozzolino, senior vice president and general manager, network infrastructure, Motorola Mobility. “The RX48 has clearly demonstrated that we are moving once again to a position of CMTS leadership. We are grateful to Cox for jointly working with us to demonstrate the continued great future of HFC networks and proving our belief in this breakthrough technology.”

About the RX48:
The RX48 provides between 33% and 50% higher data rates possible in the return path than previously possible based on its low noise receiver and hardware based DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding capabilities. For example, with a 5-42 MHz return path connected to the RX48, it will be possible for the first time for cable operators to support 100 Mbps dedicated for business services in only three bonded return path channels instead of four, leaving three return path channels available for residential data services, all supported using only a single RX48 port in the CMTS.