Comcast and Broadcom to Develop the World’s First AI-Powered Access Network With Pioneering New Chipset

Highlights:

• Embedded Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Capabilities Will Transform Operations and Customer Experience Functions while Boosting Service Performance and Network Reliability
• Industry’s First Unified DOCSIS 4.0 Full Duplex and Extended Spectrum Chipset Will Provide Operators with Flexibility in their Transition to DOCSIS 4.0

Comcast and Broadcom today announced joint efforts to develop the world’s first AI-powered access network with a new chipset that embeds artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) within the nodes, amps and modems that comprise the last few miles of Comcast’s network. With these new capabilities broadly deployed throughout the network, Comcast will be able to transform its operations by automating more network functions and deliver an improved customer experience through better and more actionable intelligence.

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AI-Powered Access Network With Pioneering New Chipset (Photo: Business Wire)

Additionally, the new chipset will be the first in the world to incorporate DOCSIS 4.0 Full Duplex (FDX), Extended Spectrum (ESD) and the ability to run both simultaneously, enabling Internet service providers across the globe to deliver DOCSIS 4.0 services using a toolkit with technology options to meet their business needs. DOCSIS 4.0 is the next-generation network technology that will introduce symmetrical multi-gigabit Internet speeds, lower latency, and even better security and reliability to hundreds of millions of people and businesses over their existing connections without the need for major construction of new network infrastructure.

On October 12, Comcast announced that it will begin to introduce the first customers in the world to Internet services powered by DOCSIS 4.0 using FDX. While the company will continue to leverage FDX, the collaboration with Broadcom will provide Comcast and other operators with additional options in the pursuit of delivering the best possible connectivity experience.

“The Xfinity 10G Network leverages the latest advancements in edge compute, digital optics and real-time, actionable telemetry to meet and exceed our customers’ constantly evolving connectivity needs,” said Elad Nafshi, Chief Network Officer, Comcast Cable. “With this new Unified DOCSIS4 chipset from Broadcom, we can broadly deploy transformational AI network capabilities alongside symmetrical multi-gig speeds. FDX is the best technology for Comcast, but this groundbreaking unified chipset will provide the entire industry with options when upgrading their nodes, amps, and cable modems for DOCSIS 4.0.”

The new end-to-end chipsets will be the industry’s first to incorporate AI and ML capabilities that will transform the operations and customer experience functions by:

- Making smarter network performance decisions using network diagnostics insights produced by both local and cloud AI.

- Enhanced monitoring and issue detection using bandwidth-efficient telemetry data.

- Transforming network maintenance of the network using real time issue localization plus predictive and self-healing network intelligence.

- Protecting network facilities and customers with improved cybersecurity intrusion detection.

- Assisting customers more effectively through local and cloud-based AI.

- Monitoring home IoT devices for connectivity disruptions.

All these capabilities, and more, are achieved while reducing network latency and insulating customer data to ensure the utmost privacy standards.

“By enabling a toolkit that includes FDX, ESD or both simultaneously, this new Unified DOCSIS4 chipset incorporates the advantages of both technologies and will enable economies of scale as well as a common retail modem for the industry,” said Rich Nelson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Broadband Video Group, Broadcom. “The edge network and in-home capabilities of this chipset will improve network intelligence and reliability to create an improved broadband experience with enhanced privacy protection and cyber security for the consumer.”

Comcast and Broadcom are designing and building the new chipset based upon CableLabs’ DOCSIS 4.0 specifications. The companies have a history of working together to introduce innovations that have pushed the industry to the next generation of connectivity. In 2021, Comcast conducted the world’s first full duplex multi-gigabit symmetrical test on Broadcom-built silicon. In January 2022 the companies tested the first Full Duplex DOCSIS 4.0 system-on-chip (SoC) cable modem that delivered symmetrical speeds faster than 4 Gbps. Later that year, Comcast successfully tested the final technical component of necessary to deliver multi-gig symmetrical speed powered by DOCSIS 4.0 throughout its network with 10G smart amps built on a Broadcom-developed reference design.

The companies expect to begin trials early in 2024 and to begin deploying the new chipset in live networks before the end of the same year.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About Broadcom

Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO), a Delaware corporation headquartered in San Jose, CA, is a global technology leader that designs, develops and supplies a broad range of semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions. Broadcom’s category-leading product portfolio serves critical markets including data center, networking, enterprise software, broadband, wireless, storage and industrial. Our solutions include data center networking and storage, enterprise, mainframe and cybersecurity software focused on automation, monitoring and security, smartphone components, telecoms and factory automation. For more information, go to https://www.broadcom.com.

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