Vyve taps Harmonic cOS to unify DOCSIS & fibre ops

Vyve Broadband has selected Harmonic's cOS virtualised broadband platform as part of a network modernisation programme across its US footprint.

The operator provides internet, TV and phone services across 16 states. It plans to shift to a cloud-native, software-driven architecture that converges DOCSIS and fibre operations on a single platform.

Vyve will deploy Harmonic's virtualised CMTS platform within a distributed access architecture. This approach moves some cable network functions out of the traditional hub and closer to subscribers, giving operators more flexibility in scaling capacity and managing upgrades.

The deployment also points to a dual-track strategy for cable and fibre expansion. Vyve expects the platform to simplify its path to DOCSIS 4.0 while it expands its passive optical network footprint.

DOCSIS remains the main standard for delivering broadband over hybrid fibre-coax networks. Operators are planning DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades as demand grows for multi-gigabit access and higher upstream speeds. At the same time, many are expanding full-fibre builds or adding fibre in specific markets and new developments.

Converged platform

Harmonic's cOS platform supports cable and fibre workloads in a virtualised environment. Vyve expects it to reduce reliance on dedicated hardware and simplify operations, while allowing DOCSIS and fibre to coexist within a single operational framework.

For operators, the appeal of convergence often lies in execution rather than standards. A single operating model can reduce the number of systems and processes needed to run mixed access networks and provide a common way to add capacity as traffic patterns shift by market.

Vyve described the project as part of a longer-term evolution plan. "At Vyve Broadband, we're redefining connectivity with next-generation, future-ready technology that bridges the digital divide," said Andy Parrott, CEO of Vyve Broadband. "Harmonic's cOS virtualized broadband platform provides a modern, software-driven architecture that converges DOCSIS and fiber operations onto a single, unified platform. It delivers the scalability and agility we need to provide multi-gigabit broadband services while continuously elevating service performance across our markets."

Vendors have increasingly positioned virtualised CMTS products as a way for cable operators to manage traffic growth peaks and respond faster to plant upgrades. Virtualisation also aligns with broader telecoms shifts towards software-based network functions that can run on commodity infrastructure.

Operations and analytics

The modernisation programme also includes Harmonic's Central system, which the supplier describes as AI-powered. It provides analytics, real-time insights and dashboards for network operations. Vyve plans to use it for performance monitoring and to address issues before they affect subscribers.

Operational tools have become a bigger factor in network build decisions as operators push more intelligence into access networks. Monitoring and fault isolation can become more complex as architectures shift towards distributed access and multi-access environments where cable and fibre networks coexist.

Guy McCormick, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Vyve Broadband, described the selection as part of a long-term plan. "Our partnership with Harmonic is foundational to Vyve's long‐term network strategy. The cOS platform gives us the architectural flexibility to accelerate our transition to distributed access architectures, charting a clear path to DOCSIS 4.0 and fiber convergence," he said. "This collaboration ensures that Vyve's broadband infrastructure is built not just for today's demands, but for the future."

Harmonic sells broadband access products and video delivery technology. In cable broadband, it markets virtualised CMTS software alongside systems for managing distributed access deployments. It has cited third-party research from Dell'Oro Group that places it as a leader in cable broadband equipment, virtual CMTS and distributed access architecture categories.

Harmonic said the cOS platform is used with more than 41 million customer premises devices worldwide, citing deployments with operators across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Jeffrey Glahn, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Harmonic, positioned Vyve's approach as a model for other providers.

"Vyve Broadband is setting a powerful example for operators nationwide with its forward-thinking software-driven approach to modernizing network infrastructure," Glahn said. "As more broadband service providers scale to meet rising bandwidth demand, Harmonic's cOS platform provides a unified architecture that drives operational efficiency and long-term network evolution."

Vyve has not disclosed a timeline for the work or the rollout scale by market. It expects the platform to underpin its DOCSIS evolution and fibre expansion as it continues network upgrades across its 16-state footprint.