Comcast and Broadcom have announced a collaborative initiative to pioneer the world’s inaugural AI-driven access network. This groundbreaking development involves a new chipset incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) integrated within the nodes, amplifiers, and modems that constitute the final segments of Comcast’s network. Through widespread deployment of these advanced capabilities, Comcast aims to revolutionize its operations by automating various network functions, ultimately enhancing the customer experience with more sophisticated and actionable intelligence.
Furthermore, this innovative chipset represents a global first by incorporating DOCSIS 4.0 Full Duplex (FDX), Extended Spectrum (ESD), and the ability to concurrently run both technologies. This empowers Internet service providers worldwide to deliver DOCSIS 4.0 services using a versatile toolkit that aligns with their specific business requirements. DOCSIS 4.0 stands as the next-generation network technology, promising symmetrical multi-gigabit Internet speeds, reduced latency, and heightened security and reliability for hundreds of millions of users and businesses, all achieved over existing connections without the need for extensive new network infrastructure construction.
On October 12, Comcast revealed plans to introduce the world’s first customers to Internet services powered by DOCSIS 4.0 using Full Duplex (FDX). While maintaining their use of FDX, Comcast’s collaboration with Broadcom offers additional options to enhance connectivity experiences for Comcast and other operators.
Elad Nafshi, Chief Network Officer at Comcast Cable, highlighted the capabilities of the Xfinity 10G Network, incorporating edge compute, digital optics, and real-time telemetry to meet evolving connectivity needs. The Unified DOCSIS 4 chipset from Broadcom will enable the deployment of transformative AI network capabilities alongside symmetrical multi-gig speeds. While FDX remains Comcast’s preferred technology, the new chipset provides industry-wide options for upgrading nodes, amplifiers, and cable modems for DOCSIS 4.0.
The end-to-end chipsets, the industry’s first, will incorporate AI and ML capabilities to revolutionize operations and customer experience functions:
- Smarter network performance decisions through insights from local and cloud AI.
- Enhanced monitoring and issue detection using bandwidth-efficient telemetry data.
- Real-time issue localization and predictive, self-healing network intelligence for improved network maintenance.
- Improved cybersecurity intrusion detection to protect network facilities and customers.
- More effective customer assistance through local and cloud-based AI.
- Monitoring home IoT devices for connectivity disruptions.
These capabilities, achieved with reduced network latency and heightened privacy standards, aim to create an enhanced broadband experience. The new Unified DOCSIS 4 chipset enables a toolkit with FDX, Extended Spectrum (ESD), or both, promoting economies of scale and a common retail modem for the industry.
Comcast and Broadcom are developing the chipset based on CableLabs’ DOCSIS 4.0 specifications, building on their history of collaborative innovations. In 2021, Comcast conducted the world’s first full-duplex multi-gigabit symmetrical test on Broadcom silicon. Subsequent tests in 2022 included the first Full Duplex DOCSIS 4.0 system-on-chip (SoC) cable modem and the final technical component for delivering multi-gig symmetrical speed powered by DOCSIS 4.0 with 10G smart amps.
Trials for the new chipset are expected to commence in early 2024, with live network deployment anticipated by the end of the same year.
