[November 15, 2011]

Aurora Networks Breaks New Ground with Launch of Universal Services Node QAM

Aurora Networks, Inc., announces today its latest next generation access solution for its node platform, the RQ4000-series "Remote QAM." This industry-first solution addresses both the capital and operational challenges cable operators face as they continue to increase narrowcast traffic to support the growing demand for more sophisticated video and data services. The company is unveiling this technology at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2011, Nov. 15-17, in Atlanta, Ga.

Aurora Networks combined its premier node expertise with the multiplexing and QAM modulation technology it acquired from GoBackTV (News - Alert) in May 2011 to create a game-changing approach. This solution enables cable operators to transition broadcast QAM and edge QAM functionality into the node.

The new node QAM plugs into an Aurora Networks optical node platform, configured either for Fiber Deep or traditional HFC (Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial). It supports up to 158 incremental QAM channels, while connecting to Aurora's headend-based Universal Services Multiplexer via digital optical transport. In the absence of legacy analog and broadcast QAM signals, it enables the operator to move the digital/RF interface all the way to the node. The Remote QAM module provides the higher QAM densities and operational improvements that are being sought by the Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) initiative.

What Aurora Networks Says

"Aurora Networks believes that the evolution of the node is essential to the future success of cable operators," said John Dahlquist, vice president, marketing, Aurora Networks. "The Remote QAM module is a natural extension of our product line - a unique next generation access solution that helps operators achieve scalability and flexibility with lower overhead costs. Our continued focus on evolving the node will help ensure that Aurora Networks' node platform remains cable's silver bullet and not a node-to-nowhere."

Node QAM Savings

• Lower costs for electricity, backup power, and cooling/heating in the headend
• Simplified maintenance resulting from less headend gear and "set it and forget it" digital transport links
• Flexible and simplified architecture, which eliminates the cost and effort of having to re-design the RF combining network or re-balance the HFC plant as subscriber services grow and shift

Node QAM Benefits

• Streamlined Deployment of New QAM Channels: By delivering content digitally to the node, new QAM channels can be added without adjusting the headend RF combining network or re-balancing the HFC plant. The flexibility of Aurora Networks' new module positions cable operators for the future. Operators can cost-effectively add QAM channels for whatever service is needed, on a node-by-node basis.
• Reduced Rack Space: As existing edge QAMs reach capacity, cable operators no longer need to deploy bulky, power-hungry headend gear to accommodate growth. Using the Remote QAM module, they can add QAM channels in those specific nodes seeing increases in any type of broadcast or narrowcast traffic.
• Dynamic QAM Channels: A unique feature of the Remote QAM technology is its ability to dynamically support any mix of digital services within the same QAM channel. Broadcast, high definition television (HDTV), switched digital video (SDV), video on demand (VoD), network personal video recorder (nPVR), cable IPTV (News - Alert), and DOCSIS® data traffic can all be carried, even within the same channel. This approach provides cable operators with greater flexibility, as they no longer have to dedicate QAM groups to specific traffic types. The solution is also more efficient as cable operators can fully load the QAM channels with mixed traffic, rather than having unused capacity in dedicated groups.
• Improved Signal Quality: QAM-RF signals are generated in the node, bypassing signal loss and noise from the headend RF combining network and HFC-related conversion and amplification.

Aurora Networks is located at booth no. 1668 in the main exhibition hall.

About Aurora Networks

Aurora Networks, the No. 1 optical transport solutions provider for cable operators, is evolving cable by focusing on innovative solutions that build future-proof networks to accommodate the cable subscriber services of today and tomorrow. Aurora Networks is the only pure-play optical transport solution provider that is focused solely on cable operators. Using its proven understanding of cable networks, Aurora Networks delivers unique solutions - such as its Fiber Deep architecture and digital return technology - to address specific issues of the cable industry. A technology leader driven by innovation and industry-firsts, Aurora Networks enables leading cable operators across the globe to compete with a cost-effective, optimized launch pad for next generation cable services. To learn more about Aurora Networks' core cable solutions, please call 408-235-7000 or visit www.aurora.com.

Aurora Networks and the Aurora Networks logo are registered trademarks of Aurora Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. DOCSIS is a mark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. Other marks are the property of their respective owners and are used here only for identification purposes.

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