Headend Consolidation

Aurora offers some unique tools for MSOs who wish to centralize their signal processing. Locating most equipment in one major location with centralized manning ultimately results in improved efficiency and lowers operating expenses. Additionally, a concentrated central location makes spares management very efficient.

Significant operator consolidation in the cable industry, with many smaller systems being purchased by the larger MSOs, is also resulting in a consolidation of headends. Systems become more scalable with the ability to add/change services with only headend modifications, and new services can be activated with reduced investment and faster time to market.

However, this commonly results in additional fiber being needed in the network. The MSO will likely need to lay fiber from a super headend to regional headend sites which are being consolidated. However, even with the cost to lay fiber, operational savings will justify the fiber construction costs.

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Eliminate Hubs from the Network

Aurora's "Virtual Hub" (the VHub™) takes headend consolidation one step further; all transport functions, including the splitting of broadcast signals and re-combining with individual narrowcast signals, can now be housed in a VHub. The VHub enables MSOs to remotely deploy hub sites without the need for dedicated real-estate sites and construction permits, HV air conditioning, and power generators. (Even for existing hub sites, with the growing demand for targeted services, a VHub can preserve precious space.)

With Aurora's digital return technology, upstream reach is no longer an issue. (For scenarios where nodes have already been installed with limited analog return technology, Aurora offers specially developed return path receivers for the VHub, facilitating the transition from analog to the more advanced digital return to be made at the VHub.)

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