Re: [EFM] OAM functionals
On Tue, 25 Sep 2001 16:42:51 -0400 Fletcher E Kittredge wrote:
> The DOCSIS 2.0 30mb/sec standardization process is well
> underway and due to be complete in the next few months. It claims to
> be backward compatiable with all the DOCSIS 1.0 (and 1.1??) modems out
> there. Please feel free to piss on the DOCSIS standards. However,
> the cable companies have kicked PSTN carrier's pasty white butts and it
> is just getting worse. We need to recognise reality.
I apologize for the intemperate tone of the above. I hope I did not
offend anyone.
I am particularly sorry that I choose to make these remarks in
response to a message from Roy. It is a topic on which I feel
passionate and these remarks happened to slip out in this particular
reply. It is not a reflection on Roy or his positions. I actually
agree with most of what Roy says, with the simple caveat that I think
his work is more applicable to the emerging fiber networks, not the
legacy copper network. Sorry Roy!
What I wish I had said instead of the paragraph quoted above is:
In North America, copper EFM only has a window of opportunity for
deployment. That window is rapidly closing. The copper in question
is part of the legacy PSTN which competes for data traffic with the
hybrid fiber-coax CATV network. 10 years ago, the CATV network had
very little data traffic. Today, very significant amounts of data
traffic flow over the CATV network at the expense of the legacy PSTN.
Because it is fiber-coax, and because the cable companies have pushed
fiber deeper into the network than the telcos, the CATV network has
significantly better data transmission charactistics than the legacy
PSTN. Further, the cable companies moved more rapidly to develop good
standards for IP over their network. The telcos just held on to their
legacy xDSL standards, which were designed for a different purpose.
The result of the above factors is that the CATV network has a 70%
market share for broadband subscribers.
For these reasons, if copper EFM is not deployed soon, it is unlikely
to be widely deployed. The CATV network is better for data and has a
large market share lead.
Lack of market share in copper EFM may mean that the legacy telcos
have difficulty gaining market share in the fiber network; they will
lack cash flow for funding, brand recognition and customer base and be
selling against an entrenched competitor.
Thank you for your patience.
sincere regards,
fletcher