CommScope Announces General Availability of STARLINE ESD 1.8 GHz Amplifiers

CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM), a network connectivity solutions company, has officially launched its STARLINE® 1.8 GHz Extended Spectrum DOCSIS® (ESD) amplifiers. These amplifiers, first introduced in October, provide significant advancements for DOCSIS 3.1 networks and offer a clear path to DOCSIS 4.0.

The new STARLINE amplifiers include the BLE® 180 Line Extender and MB180 MiniBridger® models, designed to enhance network reliability and boost data rates. They support ultra-high split operation with downstream frequencies up to 1794 MHz and upstream frequencies up to 684 MHz. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for MSOs looking to optimize their existing DOCSIS 3.1 networks and plan for future DOCSIS 4.0 deployments.

Guy Sucharczuk, SVP & President of Access Network Solutions at CommScope, commented, “Our STARLINE 1.8 GHz ESD amplifiers are engineered to help MSOs upgrade their networks in preparation for next-generation DOCSIS 4.0 architectures while fully leveraging their current network assets.” He added, “Deploying these amplifiers in mid-split or high-split 1.2 GHz networks now allows MSOs to enhance DOCSIS 3.1 performance and plan for future upgrades cost-effectively.”

The STARLINE ESD amplifiers feature plug-in upgradable capabilities for 1.2 GHz operation, which simplifies the upgrade process by eliminating the need for additional equipment and service interruptions. They are also designed for easy upgrading from legacy 870 MHz, 1 GHz, and 1.2 GHz STARLINE amplifiers to 1.8 GHz operation with affordable upgrade kits. The amplifiers include a smart setup feature activated via a downloadable app for easy field configuration, and pluggable frequency split filters that allow for quick adjustments in the operating frequency.

CommScope is currently shipping these amplifiers to major customers and is also developing Full Duplex DOCSIS (FDX) amplifiers using the STARLINE form factor. This development provides MSOs with multiple pathways to DOCSIS 4.0. Additionally, DOCSIS 4.0 ESD and FDX models of the NC4 and OM4 Series optical nodes are in the works.