White Papers, Presentations and Surveys

One of the many problems that MSOs face in an ever increasing and complex DOCSIS network is that of managing the firmware revisions of DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) devices. The firmware is specific software that runs on the DOCSIS device, such as a cable modem or multimedia
terminal adapter (MTA), and is used to control the device operation. Downloadable firmware is important to both MSOs and vendors as it provides the capability to correct issues and add additional functionality to the device in the field without having to recall or replace the device. An example of this functionality is the ability for DOCSIS 1.0 cable modems to be upgraded to DOCSIS 1.1. DOCSIS includes a requirement that firmware updates must be able to occur remotely, and defines several approaches to support this capability.