What you will learn:
You'll learn how DOCSIS protocols enable broadband services over cable infrastructure, how video and on-demand services are delivered alongside broadband, and how DOCSIS 3.1 technology achieves gigabit speeds over coax. The course also addresses the upgrade paths available to cable operators seeking to increase capacity and reduce latency.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- describe the electrical and physical characteristics of coaxial cable.
- describe the role of the components and the structure of hybrid fibre coax (HFC) systems, and the services HFC systems provide.
- explain how digital compression techniques reduce the bandwidth required by a TV service with reference to the role of MPEG standards.
- describe how digital TV programmes are carried by MPEG transport streams with reference to the roles of programme association and programme map tables.
- describe how information for electronic programme guides and conditional access systems is carried over a digital video broadcasting-cable (DVB-C) system.
- describe the role of the components of, and the protocols employed by, a broadband service conforming to DOCSIS specifications.
- compare the facilities and capabilities of the various DOCSIS and EuroDOCSIS versions.
- describe how upstream transmission opportunities are granted to a cable modem with reference to the role of the various DOCSIS MAC messages.
- explain the relevance of the contention ratio on the data transfer rates available to broadband customers.
- describe how the performance of hybrid fibre coax (HFC) systems can be improved with reference to channel bonding, use of higher order modulation and increased RF bandwidth.
- describe how the service provided to broadband customers can be improved by implementing optical node splitting.
- explain the benefits of employing a switched video service.
- explain how a DOCSIS 3.1 system provides a broadband service with higher data transfer rates.
Course prerequisites:
A basic understanding of digital transmission techniques and data communications. It is suggested that the PTT e-learning courses "Transmission fundamentals" and "Data communication principles" are completed before attempting this course.
Approximate study time: 4 hours
Delivery platform requirements:
To access the course, a computer/tablet running a browser such as Chrome, Safari, Edge etc. is required. The device should have an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024x768.