Are you ready to maximize your connections and unlock opportunities for collaboration? Join us at CableLabs Winter Conference — an exclusive event bringing together industry experts and thought leaders to foster progressive dialogue and help shape the future of broadband.

This private, intimate gathering is a unique opportunity for our members and the NDA vendor community to expand knowledge, network with peers and discover the technology advancements transforming the industry.

CableLabs’ much anticipated and most requested event is back in Orlando, Florida, from March 25–28, 2024. Registration is open for members through March 20, and on-site registration will be available at the conference.

Voices of the Industry

Craig Moffett, industry analyst and Senior Managing Director of MoffettNathanson, will set the scene with his perspective on the current state of the industry as well as emerging trends and opportunities.

Later, industry executives Ron McKenzie of Rogers Communications, Elad Nafshi of Comcast Cable and Gary Koerper of Charter Communications will discuss the industry’s new and evolving Technology Vision in a strategic, forward-thinking session led by CableLabs’ SVP and CTO, Mark Bridges. This new vision will foster more robust, efficient and sustainable industry ecosystems.

Among the other featured Winter Conference speakers are Victor Esposito, CTO at Ritter Communications, who will discuss FTTH and PON strategies, and Dan Rice, Vice President of Access Network Engineering at Comcast Communications. He will participate in a panel exploring the most pressing topics around network platform evolution.

A Spotlight on Strategy

A series of all-new strategy sessions are planned for members to exchange ideas and practical insights on Thursday, March 28. A Broadband Usage and Demand Forecasting session, which will include breakfast that morning, will kick off the day — covering the evolution of network demand and its impact on future technology and capacity planning.

The breakfast will be followed by deep-dive sessions on seamless connectivity strategies using mmWave spectrum and Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite technologies, and the market dynamics and economics of FWA and FTTH. Members must be registered for Winter Conference to attend these strategy sessions.

Captivating Content

Winter Conference is packed with insights and inspiration. Just some of the additional conference session topics include:

AI and Autonomous Networks

• Learn about the transformative effects of ongoing AI endeavors and discuss how the industry can unite to create a more interconnected and intelligent network ecosystem.

FTTH and PON

• Discuss challenges to FTTH deployment, accelerating network deployment, and the modernization and virtualization of PON.
• Explore the future of PON — including emerging technologies such as 25G, 50G and 100G PON, quality-based access networks, seamless connectivity and reliability.

Seamless Connectivity

• Get a Wall Street expert’s view on how telcos are positioning themselves for seamless convergence.
• Explore the growth drivers and early use cases of Global Developer Services.

Wi-Fi

• Hear about the challenges of supporting the in-home Wi-Fi experience and strategies needed for quick and effective resolution of issues.
• Explore the strategic role of Wi-Fi in ensuring a high-quality, seamless in-home broadband experience, and gain insights into the latest developments.

And that’s not all! There’s so much more to discover and learn at Winter Conference.

Smaller Market Conference

At the Smaller Market Conference on Monday, March 25, small and mid-tier operators will have the opportunity to discuss the issues that are most important to them and their teams. This event is available for CableLabs members and NCTA guests. Registration for Smaller Market Conference is separate from Winter Conference, so please be sure to register for both if you are planning to attend.

Experience Winter Conference

Don’t miss the chance to take part in one of the highlights of the CableLabs events calendar. Expand your knowledge, build meaningful connections and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.

Visit the event website to register and plan your trip to CableLabs Winter Conference today.

Are you ready to dive into the latest advancements in the broadband industry? Join us at CableLabs Winter Conference, a gathering for leaders, change-makers and other experts from the industry to explore and help shape the future of broadband technology. 

Back by popular demand, this exclusive event — happening in Orlando, Florida, from March 25–28, 2024 — provides a unique opportunity for CableLabs members and exhibiting vendors to strengthen connections and engage in insightful discussions. We’re excited to announce that for the first time, the conference will also include a members-only strategy session, which will close out the event on Thursday, March 28. 

Registration is open for members, and vendors can apply to exhibit. Here’s what attendees can look forward to.

Today’s Advancements and Tomorrow’s Opportunities 

Featured speakers include Craig Moffett, industry analyst and Senior Managing Director of MoffettNathanson. Moffett will kick off the conference with his perspectives on the current state of the industry, emerging trends and opportunities that lie ahead. His expertise and insights will set the stage for an engaging and enlightening conference experience.

After his remarks, Winter Conference will continue with three days of intensive, expert-led sessions delving into a wide range of topics, including: 

Strategy (all-new Strategy Session for members only): We will discuss how network demand is evolving and its impact on technology strategy and capacity planning. We will also discuss how different products might impact consumer choices and the unique differentiation potential offered by fixed-mobile convergence. 

AI and autonomous networks: Panelists will provide a snapshot of ongoing AI endeavors, the impact of those initiatives, and how the industry can create a more interconnected and intelligent network ecosystem using the technology. 

FTTH and PON: Experts will discuss fiber to the home (FTTH) and passive optical networks (PON), focusing on challenges to FTTH deployment, accelerating network deployment, and the modernization and virtualization of PON. They will cover emerging technologies such as 25G, 50G and 100G PON.  

Seamless connectivity: Panelists will spotlight some leading efforts, including early use cases and growth drivers that are sparking transformation to reshape the interconnected future.

Plus much more!

Winter Conference is also an opportunity for our member companies to explore the latest product innovations. Exhibiting vendors will gain valuable opportunities to network with decision-makers in the industry while showcasing their products. The exhibition floor — open through March 27 — will feature technology demos and product showcases, allowing our operator members and exhibiting vendors to make valuable connections that will help them stay ahead of the curve and drive their businesses forward.

Smaller Market Conference

On the first day of Winter Conference, Monday, March 25, we invite small and mid-tier operators to join Smaller Market Conference to discuss the issues that are most important to them and their teams. This event is available for CableLabs members and NCTA guests. 

Attendees will have opportunities to connect with and hear from executives and leaders from across the spectrum of responsibilities, including business strategy, technology, engineering, marketing, operations and customer experience. Registration for this event is separate from Winter Conference, so if you are a member planning to attend, please be sure to register for both. 

Save the Date

One of CableLabs’ most requested events, Winter Conference is a unique opportunity to connect and exchange ideas with industry peers and leaders. Visit our website to register and secure your spot at this must-attend event. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of broadband technology and drive innovation in the industry.

See you at CableLabs Winter Conference!

The future of connectivity is being built today. As new solutions enter the market and industry leaders leverage emerging technologies and 10G breakthroughs, the cable industry is making a difference with powerful capabilities that reach into nearly every home. The best place to experience these advancements in one place is in person at SCTE® Cable-Tec Expo® 2023 — and it’s all happening this month in Denver, Colorado.

SCTE Cable-Tec Expo is the largest and most influential cable industry event in the Americas, bringing together the best creative minds and the latest in pioneering technologies. This year’s event, which will mark the Cable-Tec Expo’s 40th anniversary, takes place October 16–19.

We look forward to celebrating four decades of thought leadership, technology innovation, emerging applications and business insights with thousands of other industry professionals. Join CableLabs, along with subsidiaries Kyrio and SCTE, and other cable industry leaders and experts to see what’s next for the industry.

Experience Future-Ready Technology

In the Exhibit Hall, attendees can discover new solutions and products, experience emerging technologies, and network with industry leaders and peers. Stop by booth 2201 to talk with technologists and see demonstrations of leading-edge technology solutions from CableLabs, Kyrio and Gridmetrics. Here’s a look at what you can expect to learn about in our demos.

• Experiencing holograms with 10G: Come get a glimpse into what 10G will be able to deliver in this demonstration of a 65-inch light field display. Experience realistic, next-generation 3D holograms that don't require any special glasses or head-mounted displays, and interact with applications that enhance the ways we’ll live, work, learn and play in the future.
• Effortless home networking using meshed Wi-Fi: Learn how multiple, discrete home networks can be set up on the fly with per-device credentials and prioritization using an array of meshed Wi-Fi access points. We’ll show you how this can be achieved without cables and customer premises equipment (CPE) for households and customers that were previously difficult to serve.
• Streamlined Internet of Things connections: Still sharing your network password with every single Internet of Things (IoT) device? This demonstration will show you the future of networked IoT devices, using the new IoT standard, Matter. See how scanning a QR code gets a device on the network with its own unique credential, which is more secure and easier to manage.
• Harnessing the power of DOCSIS® 4.0 technology: Come talk with us about the next generation of DOCSIS networks and hybrid fiber coax (HFC) technology, from specifications to standards, to Interop·Labs events for DOCSIS 4.0 devices, to certification. We’ll have experts on hand to highlight the benefits of new DOCSIS 4.0 technologies, including security enhancements and the ability for MSOs to increase service tiers immediately by using DOCSIS 4.0 cable modems (CMs) on DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem termination systems (CMTSs).
• Unpacking the potential of NaaP: Get an overview of application layer convergence, also known as Network as a Platform (NaaP). NaaP has been a key focus to help facilitate broader ecosystem enablement, leveraging intent-based APIs that reside in the Network Exposure Layer (NEL). This demonstration will include an NaaP program overview, industry standards alignment activity, completed lab proofs of concept and demos highlighting current intent-based APIs.
• MIND’s mastery in discovering HFC elements: This demonstration will showcase the discovery of HFC network elements and topology from a starting point of “no available as-built maps.” MIND™ — or Methodology for Intelligent Network Discovery — leverages multiple sources of information and tools, including DOCSIS technologies, Proactive Network Maintenance (PNM), geodata, direct analysis and artificial intelligence, and discovers the HFC network elements, their identifying parameters, location and connectivity. This information can then be used for numerous applications, such as map generation and verification, fraud detection, what-if scenarios, 1.8/3+ GHz planning, device localization, on-demand network characterization, etc.
• Advanced protocol efficiency for reduced lag: Protocol advancements are helping to solve the problem of lag, but how do you know if those enhancements are working? Join Kyrio for demonstrations of PON testing capabilities for ONT/ONU and OLT interoperability and thermal testing, as well as low-latency testing.
• Validating supplier solutions for 5G and Open RAN testing: In this demo, Kyrio will illustrate 5G and Open RAN testing capabilities based on a testing strategy to validate supplier solutions within operator/carrier-grade deployment scenarios. Learn how Kyrio’s comprehensive testing solutions support product design, development and launch.
• ARC Hotspot’s seamless failover capabilities: Get a first-hand look at Kyrio’s revolutionary software-based broadband failover solution, ARC Hotspot. This technology automatically performs a failover from fixed broadband to a designated mobile hotspot when broadband goes down and facilitates automatic failback when the connection is restored.
• Effortless Wi-Fi-to-mobile transitions using ARC Mobile: Learn how Kyrio is solving the seamless connectivity problem with ARC Mobile. With no additional hardware requirements, ARC Mobile seamlessly and instantaneously switches traffic between Wi-Fi and mobile networks depending on real-time network conditions.
• Amplifying power distribution grid insights with Gridmetrics: S­­­ee a demonstration of Gridmetrics’ Power Event Notification System (PENS) and learn about an evolving roadmap supporting the real-time-all-the-time needs for the modernized power distribution grid.

Visit the CableLabs booth to learn more about these cutting-edge innovations and see them in action.

Spotlighting Cable Industry Achievements

Other highlights from the event will include the Fall Technical Forum, the L&D Experience, the Open RAN Technical Summit, plus additional tracks and summits focusing on policy, strategy and security.

On Wednesday, October 18, join a special session, “Accelerating FTTP Adoption: CableLabs Leaders Discuss Lowering the Barrier to PON Deployments.” Our team of experts will offer valuable insights into passive optical networking and address critical aspects of the technology, including interoperability, training, provisioning integration and proactive network maintenance.

The session is one of several presentations and panel discussions in the Exhibit Hall’s Innovation Theater. Experts and thought leaders will take the stage throughout Expo to discuss what’s on the horizon for the industry.

Also on October 18, the SCTE Awards & 40th Anniversary of Expo Celebration will spotlight industry achievements and honor leaders and innovators who are working to advance connectivity, 10G technology and more.

There’s still time to register for the technology event of the year! Make plans to attend, and chart your path to growth and transformation.

What are the cable industry’s latest optical and FTTP trends and technology developments? What does the future of fiber optics look like? How can operators and vendors get on the same wavelength to promote innovation and adoption? Connect with CableLabs vendor and member communities to discuss these questions and more at CableLabs Envision Vendor Forum 2023: FTTP & Optical.

Envision is a two-day virtual event that takes place May 3–4, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. MDT on both days. Join executives, senior technologists and strategists to hear from industry leaders on key technology, policy and security strategies for fiber optical infrastructure deployments. The last day to register is April 28, 2023 (registration link below).

“CableLabs is seeing strong interest by our member companies world-wide to increase investments in optical deployments. Our goal at this event is to initiate the strategic and technical dialogue between our member and vendor communities to fuel the development of innovative, reliable and interoperable solutions for the market. The lineup of industry influencers this year is incredible, and I look forward to hearing everyone’s views.” —Dr. Curtis Knittle, VP of Wired Technologies

This year’s sessions include:

Operator Wish Lists for Optical and FTTP

Wednesday, May 3, 9:10 - 9:55 a.m. MDT

Israel Madiedo, Director of Innovation and Technology at Izzi, and Robert Kuse, Director at Cox Business Network Engineering, will offer global perspectives on the pain points they’re experiencing as they plan and deploy optical and FTTP projects.

Accessing Coherent: Activating the Access Network

Wednesday, May 3, 9:55 - 10:25 a.m. MDT

Coherent technology is finally coming to the access network. Shawn Esser, Director of Product Management at Coherent, and Fernando Villareal, Chief Architect at Ciena, will discuss implementation, new and emerging products and the new service opportunities this development will enable.

Unlocking the Future of Tech: Exploring the World of Optical Innovations

Wednesday, May 3, 10:35 - 10:55 a.m. MDT

Dr. Steve Jia of CableLabs dives into the latest in coherent optical technology, distributed optical fiber sensing, quantum networking and more.

Hurricane Heroes: Comcast’s Recovery from Hurricane Ian

Wednesday, May 3, 10:55 - 11:20 a.m. MDT

Venk Mutalik, Comcast Fellow, shares how Comcast used P2P coherent optics to speed up recovery after Florida’s Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Operator Spotlight: PONtificating Fiber’s Future for the Next Decade

Thursday, May 4, 9:10 - 9:40 a.m. MDT

How do operators see PON evolving? What are the key factors that operators are considering now that will drive their deployments in the years to come? John Lee, NGA Architect at Vodafone, and Eric Svenson, CTO and VP of Engineering and Technical Operations at Armstrong, will address these key questions and many more.

Getting on the Same Wavelength: The Importance of Interoperability in PON Equipment

Thursday, May 4, 9:40 - 10:00 a.m. MDT

Hear operator and vendor perspectives from Dr. Pao Lo, VP of Network Engineering at Midco, and Ryan Nicometo, Senior VP and GM of Video Broadband Solutions at Vecima Networks, about the importance of interoperability for PON equipment. What impact can the industry expect? How should interoperability best be approached?

Spotlight: CableLabs Optical Program Highlights

Thursday, May 4, 10:10 - 10:25 a.m. MDT

CableLabs shares its roadmap for evolving optical technologies for the industry. This discussion will include updates on current and upcoming activities and available resources. Learn about the key research tracks and their leaders, as well as how to best engage or follow the activities.

INSIGHTS: Cable & PON from the Vendor Perspective

Thursday, May 4, 10:25 - 11:05 a.m. MDT

What can the cable community do to increase the velocity of PON adoption? Join industry experts from Calix, Ciena and Nokia to discuss the challenges of selling into and supporting the cable industry as operators move toward FTTx.

Across the Spectrum: An Analyst’s View

Thursday, May 4, 11:05 - 11:20 a.m. MDT

Close out the day with the latest perspective on the optical market. Hear Jaimie Lenderman, Principal Analyst and Research Manager at Omdia, give highlights on trends and anticipated growth for the next decade.

Register now and join us as we dive deep into industry challenges, technology hurdles for operators, and thought-leading vendor perspectives to accelerate innovation and adoption. We hope to see you there!

Registration closes April 28, 2023. This event is closed to the press, media and analysts.

It’s hard to believe we’re less than two weeks away from catching up—in person—with CableLabs members at our inaugural Expo•nential Member Forum. This jam-packed day of interactive sessions will cover current and emerging technologies, the implications of those technologies and strategies for success. It happens Monday, September 19, in Philadelphia, just ahead of SCTE® Cable-Tec Expo 2022®.

Exploring Today, Tomorrow and Beyond—from Current Trends to Quantum Security

If you’re a CableLabs member, Expo•nential is your chance to connect with peers, colleagues and industry experts and focus on what matters most. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Hurry! September 9 is the last day to register for Expo•nential.

It’s not too late to claim your seat at Expo•nential. We’ve extended in-person and virtual registration through Friday, September 9. Register now so you don’t miss out! Please note that you must register for the CableLabs Member Forum and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo separately. Complimentary, full-access passes to Cable-Tec Expo are available for CableLabs members.

2. At Expo•nential, you’ll encounter countless industry perspectives.

Once registered for Expo•nential, you'll be in good company. Join industry thought leaders, peers and colleagues for a rich series of sessions exploring topics on the theme of the day—Today, Tomorrow and Beyond.

• Opening session with Craig Moffett: We’ll launch the day with analyst Craig Moffett of research firm MoffettNathanson. He’ll share his insights on the industry and set the scene for a day of discussion and exploration.
• Breakout sessions—Today and Tomorrow: Then, we’ll break down the market trends of the day, discuss what options are available for operators today and share updates on current technologies. Breakout sessions will continue into the afternoon with conversations about innovations that are on the near horizon. We'll also discuss how various technologies can work in unison to power the 10G network of the future.
• General session—Beyond: Finally, attendees will reconvene for a general session on the "Beyond." We'll explore the innovations of tomorrow that are already being shaped by the technologies of today.

3. Expo•nential will cover a lot of ground—all in a single day.

These Expo•nential sessions will cover everything from current trends to future needs and many technologies in between. They have been carefully crafted for members to exchange insights and connect with industry experts.

• Insights on Broadband Usage & Its Future Growth
• Comparative Network Economics & Last Mile Strategies: Technology Strategy
• DOCSIS® 4.0 Technology: Successful Network Evolution
• Passive Optical Networking: The Other 10G Technology
• The Future of Converged Networks
• The Road to 10G: Cloud Native Architectures for a Converged Tomorrow
• Fiber Access Network Technologies & Use Cases
• A Link to Tomorrow: Wi-Fi 6e/7/Home Networking
• 10G Your Way to Light Fields
• Quantum Key Distribution: The Future of Secured Networks

4. There's even more in store at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. 

After Expo•nential, let’s keep the conversation going at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. Back in person for the first time since 2019, Cable-Tec Expo is the industry’s largest learning and networking event. SCTE is a subsidiary of CableLabs.

View the full schedule of CableLabs demos and speakers, but here are just a few highlights for CableLabs at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo:

• Tuesday, September 20: Join Phil McKinney, president and CEO of CableLabs, and Mark Dzuban, president and CEO of SCTE, as they welcome Cable-Tec Expo attendees and introduce speakers for the opening general session.
• Wednesday, September 21: Make plans to attend the Fireside Chat with McKinney and Cate McNaught, of Corning Optical Communications. In this session, CableLabs will announce the winners of the 10G Challenge. You’ll also have a chance to meet the winning innovators and view demos of their technologies at the 10G Challenge kiosk on 10G Avenue on the showroom floor.
• Throughout Cable-Tec Expo: The CableLabs booth (#5001 on the showroom floor) will host experts from CableLabs and Kyrio for demos of their latest innovations. Kyrio is also a CableLabs subsidiary.

5. Both Expo•nential and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo are conveniently located in downtown Philadelphia.

If you’re already planning to attend one of these events, why not make the most of it? Expo•nential takes place just two blocks away from Cable-Tec Expo in downtown Philadelphia. This makes it easy for you to take advantage of all four days of networking, learning, connection and collaboration.

View all the details for Expo•nential CableLabs Member Forum and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. Register now for this opportunity to collaborate with other CableLabs members, connect with industry thought leaders and much more.

We’ll see you soon in Philadelphia!

Thanks to the innovations of the cable broadband industry, countless businesses and individuals have benefited from virtual experiences and online collaboration over the past two-plus years. But nothing compares to the synergy that can be achieved through in-person connection. That’s why we’re counting down the days to Expo•nential, a CableLabs member forum that will take place Monday, September 19, in Philadelphia, just ahead of SCTE® Cable-Tec Expo®.

At Expo•nential, members will have the opportunity to connect with CableLabs experts, hear from thought leaders and exchange insights in a series of thoughtfully designed sessions. Topics will range from passive optical networking (PON) solutions and the road to 10G to light field experiences and quantum networking. During this full day of interactive discussions open exclusively to CableLabs members, we’ll explore various industry perspectives on “Today, Tomorrow and Beyond,” the theme of the first-time event. You can find the agenda and session details here, then stay tuned as we add speakers to the lineup! Expo•nential sessions include:

• Broadband Usage & Its Future Growth
• Network Economics & Last-Mile Strategies
• DOCSIS® Technology: Maximizing ROI
• Passive Optical Networking: The Other 10G Technology
• The Future of Converged Networks
• The Road to 10G: Cloud-Native Architectures
• Fiber Access Network Technologies & Use Cases
• Wi-Fi: A Link to Tomorrow
• Light Field & Immersive Experiences
• Quantum Network: Entanglement-as-a-Service

SCTE Cable-Tec Expo

After Expo•nential, join us at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2022, the industry’s largest and most influential learning and networking event in the Americas. The event kicks off the evening of Monday, September 19, and runs through Thursday, September 22. CableLabs members have complimentary registration for a full-access pass to SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. Join us for the General Session, Technical Workshops, Exhibit Hall and much, much more by registering here. The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) became a CableLabs subsidiary in 2021.

In person for the first time since 2019, SCTE Cable-Tec Expo will bring together industry experts and vendors for more than three days of connection through learning, innovation and business solutions. “Creating Infinite Possibilities” is the theme of this year’s event, which will feature dozens of sessions across 13 categories:

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Cloud & Virtualization
• Converged Networks
• DevOps & Agile
• Energy Management
• Internet of Things
• Operational Transformation
• Security & Privacy
• Software Development, Automation and Tooling
• Video Services
• Wireless Access Network
• Wireline Access Network
• Workplace

At Expo 2022, don’t forget to stop by our booth to meet our technologists and see demonstrations of new and emerging innovations from CableLabs and Kyrio, a subsidiary of CableLabs that focuses on network equipment testing and software services.

Also, winners from CableLabs’ first-ever 10G Challenge will have an opportunity to showcase their innovations during SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. Industry expert judges Corning, Intel, Mayo Clinic and Zoom are reviewing entries now. On top of a chance to gain industry exposure at Expo 2022, winning entries will receive up to $100,000 in cash prizes.

Register for Expo•nential Today

Start making plans to attend the upcoming CableLabs’ Expo•nential member forum and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2022. We always look forward to seeing our members in person, but—for those who can’t make it to Philadelphia—Expo•nential will be available virtually too.

Please register for each event separately.

This year’s CableLabs 2022 Envision Vendor Forum aligns with one of our industry’s biggest goals for the near future: mobile + fixed convergence. Specifically, we’ll focus on the wireless, mobile and converged aspects of network infrastructure that will allow us to build truly seamless and ubiquitous platforms to power next-generation products and services. This short and highly consumable virtual event will occur April 19–20 and is absolutely free. Be sure to register today and become a part of the convergence conversation.

What’s On the Agenda?

Ever since the term “convergence” started popping up in technology circles, CableLabs has been focused on facilitating meaningful and productive discussions about how to make this goal a reality. Considering that there are so many approaches to convergence, the insight of our industry’s vendors and wireless specialists is instrumental to forging a path forward. This year at Envision, we’re planning to exchange ideas and share progress through a combination of panel discussions and presentations by key industry thought leaders who are working on next-generation 5G/Open Radio Access Network (ORAN), 10G, Wi-Fi 6, 3GPP and other wireless and mobility infrastructure products. We’ll also discuss future initiatives and challenges, as well as technology policies, security considerations and emerging operating models.

We’re also sticking to last year’s flexible virtual format, which removes many logistical barriers and allows all registered participants to pose questions directly to subject matter experts. Our main objective is to help you and other CableLabs members and subsidiaries get up to speed on the latest developments in the wireless area of the convergence initiative and align your business goals with the larger picture.

Who’s Invited?

This event is best suited for decision-makers—including executives, senior technologists and strategists on both the cable operator and the vendor side—who are leading the development and implementation of next-generation wireless services in their respective areas.

CableLabs 2022 Envision Vendor Forum is closed to outside press, media and analysts.

The Details

When: April 19–20, 2022, 9:00–11:30 a.m. MDT on both days.

Where: Virtual

How much: FREE. Each person must register separately with their company email by April 17, 2022.

The 15th annual Cable Next-Gen Technologies & Strategies conference is kicking off today, and we are excited to connect with our colleagues throughout the cable industry to discuss opportunities and challenges in a post-pandemic era.

We believe it is important that stakeholders throughout the cable industry hear about the latest and greatest trends and developments in cable, broadband, wireless and related technologies so that they can be leveraged to keep ahead of the curve.

The free two-day online event is where industry experts will gather to discuss technologies and platforms shaping the cable space, examining how operators can adapt to the rapidly changing market while maintaining the seamless delivery of existing services that customers have come to demand.

This year’s conference will cover a myriad of timely topics, including the following:

• DOCSIS 4.0
• 10G
• Distributed Access Architecture (DAA)
• Next-gen PON
• Network virtualization
• Fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) builds
• 5G
• Mobile spectrum
• Wi-Fi 6
• Smart homes
• Power grids
• Edge computing
• Consumer tech trends

The incredible roster of invited speakers includes leaders and technical experts from Comcast, Charter Communications, Cox Communications, SCTE, the Consumer Technology Association and many others. More so, six speakers from CableLabs will join the conversation to discuss the role that broadband technology is currently playing and will continue to play in the future. Let’s take a look at what attendees can expect to hear from CableLabs at Cable Next-Gen 2022.

Prepping for DOCSIS 4.0 — Tuesday, March 15 1:15–2:30 p.m.

During this panel discussion, panelists — including Doug Jones, principal architect at CableLabs — will dive deep into how cable operators and vendors are preparing for the future. DOCSIS 4.0 technology provides optionality for boosting bandwidth capacity and delivering multi-gig speeds. This session will delve into where the industry stands with prep, including lab and field trials, equipment development and spectrum upgrades.

Wising Up with Wi-Fi 6 — Tuesday, March 15 1:15–2:30 p.m.

This panel discussion will see John Bahr, principal architect, wireless R&D at CableLabs, join industry experts from Altice USA, Incognito, Plume and Schurz Broadband Group to explore how cable operators can play a bigger role in managing today's smart homes. Connected smart home products are surging in growth, which means consumer demand for more bandwidth is exploding and the congestion of the home Wi-Fi network is mounting. This session will tackle how operators can leverage their in-home networks to create and support promising new smart home services and boost their average revenue per user by deploying Wi-Fi 6, AI, cloud and other new technologies and tools.

Enabling Mobile for Cable Operators — Tuesday, March 15 2:45–3:00 p.m.

What will be required for the cable industry to thrive in the mobile ecosystem? We believe it is a number of things such as access to spectrum, network architectures that leverage existing HFC infrastructure and common frameworks for convergence. Join David Debrecht, vice president of wireless technologies at CableLabs, as he touches on these aspects; and don’t miss hearing more during the panel discussion “Finding Cable’s Mobile Mojo.”

Delivering the DAA Difference — Tuesday, March 15 3:00–3:45 p.m.

With the cable industry increasingly adopting distributed access architecture (DAA) technology to move key functions and equipment from the cable headend to the HFC access network, a question has arisen: How much difference is the new technology making? This panel — which includes Jon Schnoor, lead engineer, wired technologies at CableLabs — will look at cable's growing DAA deployments and the lessons learned in the field thus far. Are Remote PHY and Remote MAC/PHY enabling more advanced services and more efficient operations? Has CableLabs' Flexible MAC Architecture (FMA) specification leveled the playing field between the two main DAA variants? This discussion will highlight best practices for getting the most out of DAA, DOCSIS technology and the rest.

Finding Cable's Mobile Mojo — Tuesday, March 15 3:00–3:45 p.m.

As a key part of their product bundles, cable operators are increasingly embracing mobile service. With the Federal Communications Commission recently auctioning Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), C-band and mid-band spectrum licenses for 5G services, operators are curious how to use their new wireless holdings to expand their reach, converge their networks and deliver new services like fixed-wireless access. This panel discussion, which includes David Debrecht, will assess the opportunities and challenges that 5G and wireless/wireline convergence present the cable sector — and how they factor into the industry's mobile and broadband plans.

Good Optics: Pumping PON's Power — Wednesday, March 16 11:55 a.m.–12:40 p.m.

What role will PON play in cable’s future? PON's role is now growing well beyond FTTH, but DOCSIS will not disappear any time soon. With operators steadily putting more fiber in their HFC plant, PON’s support for enterprises, xHaul transport and smart cities makes the network system a solid alternative transmission method for the cable industry. Featuring Curtis Knittle, CableLabs’ director of optical technologies, this panel discussion will evaluate PON’s role in the future of cable, how cable companies should evaluate PON’s next-gen capabilities, the operational advantages of PON versus coaxial cable and much more.

Making Access More Coherent — Wednesday, March 16 2:15–2:30 p.m.

Optical technologies have come a long way in the past 20+ years, allowing service providers to offer ultra-high capacities suitable for meeting current subscriber demands. Are we nearing a leveling-off point, or will capacities continue to increase? How will the access network evolve over the next 20 years? Join Dr. Curtis Knittle, vice president of wired technologies at CableLabs, to hear more about the future of optical access.

Getting Edgy with Edge Computing — Wednesday, March 16 2:45–3:30 p.m.

Edge computing is one of the technology industry’s hottest buzzwords. Today, companies of all shapes and sizes are trying to bring powerful internet functionality as close to users at the edge of their service networks as possible. Consequently, cable operators and tech vendors are now exploring the potential value edge computing can deliver as they aim to develop and deliver next-generation, low-latency connectivity services. Randy Levensalor, principal architect at CableLabs, will join this panel discussion to discuss where the cable space stands in the pursuit of edge computing, the challenges that still need to be overcome and the industry’s emerging edge compute plans.

To better understand these key topics and how cable will succeed in the post-pandemic world, join us online for the annual Cable Next-Gen Technologies & Strategies conference. Preregister for Cable Next-Gen, we’ll see you there!

The 2022 Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC)—the hub of the optical industry and the premier event in fiber communications and networking—will take place March 6–10, 2022, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. This year, the event will be presented in a hybrid format that offers both in-person and virtual sessions.

For over 40 years, OFC has been the world’s largest conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals. The event has drawn attendees from all corners of the globe to focus on the latest market trends, technology advances and groundbreaking innovations. The program is truly comprehensive—from near- and long-term research to the latest deployments, from fiber/components to comprehensive systems and networks, and from five-day technical sessions to one-stop-shop exhibitions.

Optical fiber communication technologies are critical to cable operators’ success in supporting broadband, wireless and enterprise connectivity services. Cable operators have long invested in deploying more fiber deeper into their networks.

At CableLabs, our Optical Center of Excellence continues to be at the forefront of developing innovative approaches for high-performance fiber connectivity in cable operators’ networks, including point-to-point and point-to-multipoint transport applications from the network core, in aggregation, at the edge, and to homes. These innovations demonstrate long-term evolution toward a converged network, a roadmap to extend the life of cable’s infrastructure while continuing to lower the cost per bit, and methodologies for provisioning optical connectivity faster and more reliably.

Below is a list of CableLabs optical experts who will address a broad range of industry trends and technologies at the 2022 OFC conference.

We also have a collaborative project with the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) that will demonstrate a novel C-band wavelength selective switch well equipped to handle the demands of scaling access at the edge network. Please join us to discuss how these technologies will shape the future of our broadband network.

In addition to my participation in two of these sessions, I’m honored to have been elected Optica Fellow (formerly Optical Society of America) for outstanding contributions to the development of interoperable coherent optical systems and fiber-wireless converged technologies for broadband access networks. I will be recognized at the OFC Awards Ceremony & Luncheon. I hope to see you there!

The Future of Cable

At CableLabs, we’re committed to inventing new ways to keep people connected and improve their broadband experience. Now, with the 10G Platform initiative in the cable industry, there’s no doubt that optical fiber transport will play an increasingly important role in enabling the delivery of fast and affordable bandwidth for all services, with lower latencies, enhanced reliability and better security in a scalable manner. Over the past few years, CableLabs has successfully developed a series of specifications to enable the development of interoperable transceivers using P2P coherent optics that are access-optimized to address the increasing traffic-aggregation needs of cable and shorter-length distribution networks in terms of capacity, network topologies and deployment scenarios.

Currently, we’re working on a coherent passive optical network (CPON) project to develop a suite of specifications for next-generation 100G single-wavelength PON to enable service providers the ultimate cable connectivity platform and stay ahead of their convergence, business and residential needs. If you’d like to participate in the CPON working group activities, please submit your email request to workinggroups@cablelabs.com.

See you at the 2022 Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition!

Over the years, CableLabs Envision Vendor Forum has become a platform for collaboration between our industry’s leaders and innovators. More than just a meeting of the minds, it is an event where cable operators and industry vendors can compare common problems, align strategies and forge a path forward toward a better future—together. Our next Envision Vendor Forum, scheduled for September 23-24, will focus on Optical and Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) technologies. It is also completely virtual and free.

What’s on the Agenda

We’ll take a few hours each day to dive deeper into the future of optical and wired technologies, covering the next-generation Passive Optical Network (PON) architectures, DOCSIS® 4.0 technology, Coherent PON and other HFC solutions. We will discuss how these technologies dovetail into wired-wireless convergence, identify the challenges surrounding current and future government broadband policies, and share our CableLabs innovation roadmap—along with a timeline for upcoming specification releases—with our operator and vendor communities.

From a cable technology perspective, there is no single path that will work for every operator. Depending on each operator’s HFC architecture, vision and goals, there are multiple paths for delivering next-generation service offerings. Our goal at Envision is to help operators and vendors de-risk their planning activities by providing a community forum that proactively spotlights emerging technological paths and encourages community discussion devoid of the pressure from outside participation.

The virtual event will consist of panel discussions and presentations, with multiple opportunities to ask questions. 

Who’s Invited

CableLabs Envision Vendor Forum is best suited for decision-makers, including executives, senior technologists and strategists on both the cable operator and the vendor side, who are leading the development and implementation of next-generation technologies and services in their respective areas.

This event is closed to journalists and analysts.

The Details

When: September 23-24, 2021, 9:00-11:30 a.m. MDT on both days.

Where: Virtual

How much: FREE. Each person must register separately with their company email by September 20, 2021.