Consumer bandwidth demand continues to grow at a rapid rate every year. As a result, cable operators with devices based on DOCSIS^® need to prepare their networks for the future. They need to plan for reduced service group sizes and ultimately for double or quadruple (or greater) bandwidth speeds. The Cisco^® GS7000 1218-MHz 4-Way Segmentable Node enables them to implement these plans. This platform allows independent segmentation and redundancy for both forward and reverse paths in a reliable, easily configurable, technician-friendly package .

The forward path of the GS7000 1218-MHz node launch amplifier has additional gain to drop-into existing 870- and 1000-MHz networks. It can be initially deployed in nonsegmented mode with a single broadcast optical receiver distributing common RF services to either four output ports (all high level) or six output ports (two high level and four lower level). The forward path can also be fully segmented by using four independent optical receivers, with each feeding its own output port, or it can be left and right segmented by using two independent optical receivers, with each feeding half the node's output ports. Forward-path optical redundancy is also supported through the use of optional redundant optical receivers. The type of forward-path segmentation or redundancy is determined by the type of Cisco GS7000 forward configuration module installed.

The GS7000 node's reverse path is equally flexible. Reverse traffic can be segmented or combined and routed to a maximum of four distributed feedback (DFB) or coarse wavelength-division multiplexing (CWDM) reverse optical transmitters, or to the Cisco GS7000 Enhanced Digital Reverse (EDR) Transmitters as part of the EDR system. Reverse-path optical redundancy is supported through the use of optional redundant optical transmitters. The type of reverse-path segmentation or redundancy is determined by the type of GS7000 reverse configuration module installed.

All optical transmitters and optical receivers used in the GS7000 platform have new high-profile module covers that include both a self-contained fiber pigtail connector storage area and an integrated pull ring for easier module installation and removal. Additionally, the GS7000 optical receiver has a new low-current design that dissipates less power and incorporates a two-state interstage RF attenuator switch for performance optimization.