Why is the broadband cable Industry developing its own passive optical network standard instead of using ITU and IEEE PON standards?

Why is the broadband cable Industry developing its own passive optical network standard instead of using ITU and IEEE PON standards?

• A. ITU and IEEE standards are proprietary
• B. The industry has invested in HFC networks and other systems not compatible with ITU/IEEE PON standards
• C. ITU and IEEE standards are too new
• D. ITU and IEEE standards require expensive licenses

Answer: (B)

The main reason is that the broadband cable industry already has a large installed base of HFC and DOCSIS equipment that isn’t compatible with ITU/IEEE PON designs. Adopting those standards would force huge changes to fiber and coax plants, headend gear, and operations, leading to expensive migrations and stranded assets. By developing its own PON standard, the industry can tailor a solution to work with existing cable infrastructure, preserve interoperability with DOCSIS, and maintain control over the ecosystem and licensing. The other options aren’t the core driver: ITU/IEEE standards aren’t proprietary, they aren’t simply “too new,” and licensing costs aren’t the primary obstacle.

The main reason is that the broadband cable industry already has a large installed base of HFC and DOCSIS equipment that isn’t compatible with ITU/IEEE PON designs. Adopting those standards would force huge changes to fiber and coax plants, headend gear, and operations, leading to expensive migrations and stranded assets. By developing its own PON standard, the industry can tailor a solution to work with existing cable infrastructure, preserve interoperability with DOCSIS, and maintain control over the ecosystem and licensing. The other options aren’t the core driver: ITU/IEEE standards aren’t proprietary, they aren’t simply “too new,” and licensing costs aren’t the primary obstacle.