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Vecima Unveils 50G-PON and Cloud-Native DOCSIS 4.0 Platf

optical wavelengths

Vecima Networks outlined a broad roadmap for converged cable and fiber access networks ahead of ANGA COM 2026, including new 50G-PON capabilities, cloud-native DOCSIS 4.0 infrastructure, AI-driven operations, and streaming monetization platforms. The company is positioning its Entra portfolio as a software-driven framework for operators managing increasingly hybrid HFC and fiber architectures.

At the center of the announcement is the new Entra EPS1650 All-PON shelf, which supports 50G-PON, XGS-PON, 10G-EPON, GPON, and EPON services in a modular, temperature-hardened platform designed for cabinet deployments. Vecima said the platform extends its earlier demonstration of a single port supporting both 50G ITU PON and 10G-EPON. The EPS1650 supports up to 32 XGS-PON ports using double-density optics or up to 16 ports configured for mixed 50G-PON and legacy PON environments. Early customer lab engagements are expected in late 2026. Vecima also highlighted its EXS1610 All-PON Shelf, currently available with sixteen ports of XGS-PON and GPON Combo PON support. Both platforms integrate with the company’s vPON Manager automation software and support multi-vendor ONU/ONT interoperability through Vecima’s Open Network Ecosystem (ONE).

On the cable access side, Vecima emphasized its cloud-native Entra vCMTS platform for DOCSIS 4.0 deployments. The containerized architecture runs on commercial off-the-shelf servers and supports both on-premises and cloud-native deployment models. Vecima recently disclosed that Austrian operator Witke selected Entra vCMTS for a production DOCSIS network evolution project. The company also introduced Entra Intelligence for vCMTS, an AI-assisted operational layer focused on provisioning, telemetry, fault management, and troubleshooting automation. Supporting tools include the Entra Access Test Platform and Entra Access Simulators, which Vecima said are being used by operators including Liberty Global to validate converged DOCSIS 4.0, Remote PHY, and PON deployments. Additional demonstrations at ANGA COM include the SC-1D Remote MACPHY node, EN2100 Compact Remote PHY node, and a new rackmount Remote MACPHY shelf with integrated analog laser output for existing HFC plant integration.

Vecima also expanded its MediaScale portfolio aimed at European IPTV and OTT operators. The platform integrates IPTV, VOD, nDVR, Start Over/Catch-Up, origin storage, and server-side ad insertion. The company said its KeyFrame AI platform reduces streaming bitrates while improving picture quality, while MediaScale’s server-side ad insertion capabilities target monetization opportunities across live and time-shifted video inventory.

“Access networks are becoming more flexible and powerful as operators deploy virtualization, DAA, and software-driven operations — but that flexibility also brings operational complexity,” said Colin Howlett, Chief Technology Officer at Vecima. “Entra Intelligence applies AI directly to network operations, giving engineers the ability to identify issues faster, automate troubleshooting, and manage networks with far greater efficiency.”

🌐 Analysis: Vecima’s announcement reflects the broader transition underway among cable and broadband operators toward software-defined, converged access architectures that blend DOCSIS 4.0, Distributed Access Architecture (DAA), and high-capacity PON technologies. The inclusion of mixed-mode 50G-PON alongside legacy PON standards highlights how operators are attempting to preserve existing fiber investments while preparing for future multi-gigabit residential and enterprise services.

🌐 The focus on cloud-native vCMTS platforms and AI-assisted operations also aligns with industry efforts by vendors including Cisco, Harmonic, Nokia, and CommScope to virtualize broadband infrastructure and reduce operational complexity as networks become more distributed and software-centric. Meanwhile, server-side ad insertion and AI-based video optimization illustrate how broadband suppliers increasingly view content delivery and monetization platforms as complementary revenue opportunities beyond pure access infrastructure.

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