BEIJING, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), announced today the optimized new time division multiple access (TDMA) software for Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC) applications and Qualcomm Atheros' first entry-level EoC solution, the QCA6411 chipset, that together provide comprehensive, end-to-end broadband access solutions for Chinese multi-system operators (MSOs). The QCA6411 chipset provides an EoC-based solution for return-path in two-way set-top boxes (STBs) for cable television (CATV). The optimized TDMA software, developed for HomePlug AV and P1901-based EoC solutions, offers a host of new features that are critical to operators, including support for end-to-end network management and bandwidth allocation. These two offerings are firsts for the HomePlug AV/IEEE 1901-based EoC technology.
"CATV is an important channel to Qualcomm Atheros. This comprehensive solution launched today is tailor-made for China and will help local CATV operators provide more interactive content and value-added services with better performance to end users," said Dr. Jason Zheng, senior vice president and general manager, infrastructure business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "With our strong local research and development and technical support teams, we are able to work closely with our customers to offer top-notch, in-time support whenever needed. Going forward, we are committed to continued development of solutions that address the unique requirements of the China CATV industry."
The TDMA software provides an upgrade path for current HomePlug AV and IEEE 1901-based EoC solutions to ensure carrier-grade capability to support many services such as Internet Protocol television (IPTV) and Voice-over-IP (VoIP). Compared to the existing carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) mode, the new software will enable the HomePlug AV and IEEE1901-based EoC networks to offer better manageability and scalability. Dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) improves the performance of the solution through guaranteed bandwidth, controlled latency and jitter elimination. Guaranteed delivery of the management message ensures that the EoC network is more reliable for users. As one of the cable access standards recommended by the China State Administration for Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), HomePlug AV/IEEE 1901-based EoC solutions are widely adopted because of their high throughput, cost efficiency and immunity to noise impairments.
The QCA6411 chipset is a cost-effective solution for STB return-path applications.