ReDeSign-D14 New Frequency Plan

Deliverable D14
A new frequency plan and power

deployment rules

October 2009
ReDeSign 217014
Research for Development of Future Interactive Generations
of Hybrid Fibre Coax Networks

Version: 1.0
Information for Publication:
Status: Public (PU)
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- 2 - New Frequency Plan

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Contents
Management Summary ......................................................................................................... 5
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 8
1.1 The future HFC capacity challenge ................................................................ 8
1.2 Operational and business restrictions ............................................................11
1.3 Scope of the ReDeSign studies .....................................................................15
2 Upstream capacity ..........................................................................................................16
2.1 The technical issues ......................................................................................16
2.2 Currently available solutions ..........................................................................19
2.3 Allocation of an additional return band spectrum ...........................................22
2.4 Summary and conclusion ..............................................................................27
3 Downstream capacity .....................................................................................................29
3.1 The DVB-C2 signal level ...............................................................................29
3.2 Performance simulations ...............................................................................33
3.3 Network and network load scenarios ............................................................37
3.4 Network signal quality parameters .................................................................40
3.5 Results ..........................................................................................................41
3.6 Summary and conclusion ..............................................................................46
4 Summary and Conclusion ...............................................................................................48

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Management Summary
According to the early concept of the cable distribution network, the customer should be able
to connect his terrestrial receivers directly with the cable network. This completely legitimate
and logical requirement has shaped the HFC frequency plan. With the advent of digital
transmission technologies, this linkage of the cable frequency plan to the terrestrial fre-
quency plan has become obsolete; however, most of the transmission systems still respect
the historical HFC frequency plan. A major disadvantage of the current frequency plan is the
upstream band which is limited to 65 MHz. This frequency limitation is associated with the
conservation with the FM radio band (87,5 108 MHz).
In this study we have reconsidered the use of the HFC spectrum assuming that in the all digi-
tal era all historical restrictions can be abolished thus allowing an operator to redefine the
frequency plan according to his needs, with an appropriate balance between up and down
stream spectrum.
Considering the outcome of the studies, we have to conclude that operators are still strongly
bonded to the existing frequency design of the cable networks and to the terrestrial use of
the ether. Therefore, a complete redefinition of the frequency plan appears not possible.
Transmission capacity is determined not only by the available frequency spectrum, but by the
applicable carrier signal and distortion signal level as well. Therefore, we have analyzed the
possibilities to expand the upstream and downstream capacity from the integral viewpoint of
available spectrum, the possible signal level and the distortion signal level.
In principle, the frequency plan should be defined to maximize the total upstream and down-
stream network transmission capacity in a balanced manner, as demanded by the market.
However, as elaborated in the report, a complete abandonment of the historically defined
frequency plan appears impossible. The two primary reasons to conserve the existing fre-
quency plan are:
A majority of the cable operators foresees delivery of FM radio signals for at least a
full decade
There are many options to expand the downstream transmission capacity or to im-
plement capacity saving solutions. Because of this an expansion of the downstream
band beyond 865 MHz is rated the least.
Combining both observations fixates the current frequency plan almost completely.
Irrespective of this fixation of the frequency plan, we have studied the options to expand or to
maximize the upstream and downstream capacity.
Regarding the upstream capacity, the operator response on earlier ReDeSign network ques-
tionnaire reveals that in most cable networks the upstream band is not used efficiently. In
many networks the upstream band is yet not extended up to 65 MHz whereas ingress noise
levels prohibit the use of high (64 QAM) modulation schemes. In the report we provide a re-
view of the solutions to reduce the ingress noise. Operators should first resolve this problem
of ingress noise, possibly in combination with the extension of the upstream band up to 65
MHz, to maximize the upstream capacity and to warrant economical use of EuroDOCSIS
equipment. Having thus upgraded the upstream channel, they can keep track with the cus-
tomer capacity demand by adding more EuroDOCSIS channels and/or splitting the upstream
segments.
Next, once the above capacity expansion solution is exhausted, operators will face the chal-
lenge to expand the capacity beyond this level. The capacity of the 30 65 MHz band is fully
used, and operators are forced to find new spectrum for the upstream band, which requires a
substantial network upgrade. Basically, there are two options, extension of the 30 65 MHz
band to higher frequencies, or the creation of a new frequency band in the UHF band, be-
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yond 865 MHz. The first option requires a solution to deliver FM radio to those customers
that use this service. In addition, the EuroDOCSIS technology has to be adapted. In the
DOCSIS specification, the upstream band is already extended to 85 MHz, so technically
there is no serious problem; however, operators do depend on the willingness of the manu-
facturers. Likely, the definition of a UHF return band is more promising. By using VHF-UHF
frequency converters placed in the network, investments and network adaptations can be
limited. This solution is shown in the figure below. In this option, the customer equipment still
transmits in the 30 65 MHz band and in the lower part of the coaxial network upstream sig-
nals are conveyed at these frequencies, but higher up in the network the 30 65 MHz sig-
nals are converted to a frequency beyond 950 MHz. This way, the upstream capacity can be
boosted by a factor of 10 or more, whereas it requires limited network adaptations and no
adaptation of the EuroDOCSIS equipment.

As pointed out above, operators are not specifically inclined to extend the downstream band
egde beyond 865 MHz because of the numerous ways to make a more efficient use of the
spectrum from 85 up to 865 MHz. At the level of the network layer, the replacement of
analogue signals by digital carriers and the deployment of DVB-C2 are the basic elements to
implement this approach. In the ReDeSign studies we have addressed a crucial issue of this
approach: the capability of the existing European HFC networks to support the DVB-C2 4096
QAM modulation mode. Application of this mode requires a high DVB-C2 signal level, and
the question is whether a sufficiently high signal level can be deployed without degradation of
the analogue TV, DVB-C and DVB-C2 signals by the distortion products (intermodulation
products) associated with the non-linear nature of the active components.
To warrant a realistic result, a number of operators provided data from their networks. Four
networks scenarios were studied with cascades of 2, 4, 5 and 15 amplifiers respectively. The
coaxial parts and the amplifiers were completely specified, including noise and non-linear
behavior of the latter. Three network loads included:
a mixed analogue, DVB-C and DVB-C2 scenario (20 PAL, 30 DVB-C and 43 DVB-C2),
an all digital DVB-C and DVB-C2 scenario (15 DVB-C and 78 DVB-C2).
For these scenarios, we calculated the signal quality parameters like SNR for the digital car-
riers and CNR and CINR for the PAL signals as a function of the DVB-C2 signal level.
These calculations showed that in case of the mixed load scenario DVB-C2 4096 QAM mod-
ulation can de used in all four networks. In case of the all digital scenario, three out of the
four networks support the use of DVB-C2 4096 QAM modulation. This result suggests that
DVB-C2 4096 QAM modulation can be applied in many European HFC networks; however,
not in all networks.

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1 Introduction
Mastering radio communications via the ether has been one of the major accomplishments of
the 20
th
century. Amongst these, analogue terrestrial TV appeared very successful. In re-
sponse of the market demand for more TV channels, cable networks and cable technology
was developed. These networks were designed for the distribution of TV services based on
the terrestrial analogue TV transmission technology so that the customer could use the stan-
dard TV and FM radio sets. Therefore the design reflects the radio technologies and the
spectrum allocations of the terrestrial broadcast services: Band I (TV, 47 68 MHz), Band II
(FM Radio, 87,5 108 MHz), Band III (TV, 174-230 MHz) and Band IV/V (TV, 470 862
MHz). Up to today, cable or HFC networks reflect this inherited design.
Cable networks are fully owned and managed by private companies, and by their nature
these networks hardly interfere with terrestrial communication services. Thus, in principle, the
operator has a high level of freedom to choose the radio design of its networks. Currently, we
are witnessing a period of fast change of the customer service demand. At the same time,
many new technologies and solutions are developed to address the market demand. For
these new services new user equipment is needed that not necessarily requires the historical
cable spectrum design. Therefore, it appears logical to reconsider the spectrum design of
cable networks as well.
In this report, we present the results of our analysis of the cable radio design and spectrum
use. The point of departure is given by the future capacity and services demand, the existing
networks and the existing and known forthcoming technologies. Like in all media, the trans-
mission capacity of an cable network is limited by i) the available frequency spectrum, ii) the
signal level and iii) the distortion signal levels. Operators will face a dramatic change of the
exploitation of these resources, spectrum, signal level and distortion signal levels.
Here we present such an analysis. First, in the sections 1.1 and 1.2 we will consider the
forthcoming network capacity demand in reference to the known network capabilities and the
practical and operational limitations of changing the frequency plan respectively. This first
analysis shows that operators are still strongly bonded to the existing frequency design of the
cable networks and to the terrestrial use of the ether. Because of these limitations, we have
adapted the scope of our studies to warrant a good alignment of the ReDeSign studies and
the operators interests. This narrowed scope is presented in section 1.3. In the next Chap-
ters 2 and 3, we discuss the possibilities and the limitations of expanding the upstream and
downstream transmission capacity of the network.

1.1 The future HFC capacity challenge
In the forthcoming years, the market demand of digital broadband services and media will
challenge the HFC network capacity limits of the cable operators. Although the HFC net-
works have a scalable architecture allowing incremental capacity expansions, every network
has a maximum capacity limit. Considering the large variation between the European HFC
networks and regional market conditions, some operators face this capacity limit in the more
near future whereas others have sufficient capacity and may serve the markets for a decade
or more.
The network and business questionnaires of the ReDeSign WP2 and WP3 studies included
questions regarding the network capabilities and the expected services demand. Analysis of
these data provided a more quantitative picture of the network capacity challenge, as briefly
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summarized in the following. A more extensive discussion can be found in the March 2009
issue of the Broadband Journal.
1

Figure 1 Potential network capacity per fiber node (nodes of 600 HP and of 200 HP) for a networks
with 550 MHz and 862 MHz downstream band edge versus future (average) capacity needs assuming
capacity saving solutions are timely implemented. The data is based on input of European MSOs.
In Figure 1 we match the expected downstream capacity demand versus the HFC capacity
limit in Gbps per network node
2
Figure 1
. In this analysis, all currently known capacity saving solu-
tions, like the use of H.264 video compression and the use of switched TV are taken into
account. In the forthcoming years, operators will gradually replace part of the analogue TV
channels by DVB-C2 channels with a larger capacity per 8 MHz channel, which adds to the
expansion of the maximum capacity as shown by the dashed curves in . The figure
shows the network capacity limit for networks which can be segmented in small nodes of 200
homes passed (HP) and large nodes of 600 HP, for networks with a frequency edge of 550
MHz and 862 MHz. These data show that networks with 862 MHz frequency edge that can
be segmented into small nodes of 200 HP can support the market service demand for more
than a decade; however, networks with larger nodes and/or a frequency edge of less than
862 MHz will face shortages within a decade.

Figure 2 Future upstream capacity demand for segments of 600 HP and 200 HP, in case of an
asymmetrical service demand.

1
Jan de Nijs,, Tim Gyselings and Carsten Engelke, Securing Europes Cable Future, Broadband,
Vol. 31, No 1, p. 72, March 2009.
2
An analogue TV channel is represented by a virtual capacity of 52 Mbps.
DS Capacity (Nodes 200 HP)
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Today 1-2 years 2-5 years 5-10 years
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In Figure 2 and Figure 3 we show the capacity analysis for the upstream channel for state-of-
the-art HFC networks with a 65 MHz return channel and with a low ingress noise level, again
for nodes of 600 and 200 homes passed. In such networks, operators can allocate four 6.4
MHz upstream channels with 16 QAM modulation, with a total capacity of 80 Mbps. Often, it
is impossible to deploy 64 QAM modulation or a fifth 6.4 MHz channel. Therefore, 80 Mbps
can be considered as the maximum upstream capacity per network segment in case of state-
of-the-art networks.
Figure 2 shows the data for the case that the current asymmetric traffic profile is conserved
whereas in Figure 3 it is assumed that the market will require a more symmetric traffic profile
because of the success of new services like videophone, camera surveillance of private
homes, network back up services and P2P services. The analysis shows, that when the fu-
ture market will not develop a demand for symmetric services, state-of-the-art HFC networks
will be able to serve the market for the next decade; however, when the market will require
symmetric services, capacity shortages will develop in time, as shown in Figure 3. The 80
Mbps for the state-of-the-art networks will not be sufficient, and operators will have to find
ways to further expand the upstream capacity. In the latter figure, also the maximum up-
stream capacity limit of 180 Mbps is indicated. This limit is associated with the deployment of
6 upstream channels of 6.4 MHz and 64 QAM modulation. Hence, operators will be chal-
lenged to master the deployment of 6.4 MHz @ 64 QAM channels.

Figure 3 Future upstream capacity demand for segments of 600 HP and 200 HP, in case of an
asymmetrical service demand.

In this ReDeSign study, we give an in-depth analysis of the possibilities to tackle the down-
stream and upstream capacity challenges. Since the upstream and downstream paths have
a completely different electric nature, the capacity challenges will be discussed in separate
chapters.
In many HFC networks the upstream capacity is rather limited because of the limited fre-
quency spectrum (up to 65 MHz) and the high return band ingress noise levels. As such,
there is a serious concern whether this band may provide the capacity demand of the future
market. This issue and the conceivable remedies are treated in Chapter 2.
In the downstream channel, analogue TV currently requires half of the available spectrum.
Typically about 50% of the frequency spectrum is used for analogue services. Operators are
considering a substantial reduction of the analogue service packages and the deployment of
DVB-C2 transmission systems to create the required capacity for digital services. To ac-
commodate this change of network load, a revision of the RF planning of the HFC networks
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is needed. Operators have to reconsider the use of the available frequency spectrum and
they have to define the appropriate power levels for the DVB-C2 transmission systems. In
Chapter 3 we will discuss the network issues related to DVB-C2 deployment
In the following section 1.2 of this introduction, we will first elaborate the network capacity
issue from the operator and network management viewpoint. This analysis reveals some
preferences and restriction regarding the redesign of the HFC frequency spectrum use.
Based on these preferences and restrictions, we have narrowed the scope of the ReDeSign
studies in section 1.3.

1.2 Operational and business restrictions
The network transmission capacity is basically limited by the available power budget and by
the available frequency spectrum. Expansion of the network capacity thus can be accom-
plished by expansion of the power budget and/or by expansion of the frequency spectrum,
whereby often a larger frequency spectrum will require a larger power budget to provide the
signal power for the additional carriers. The reduction of the analogue service packages is
one option to create signal power for digital services. From the practical, operational and
business perspectives, however, there are several objections against a too radical re-
allocation of power budget and frequency spectrum. Moreover, on the short term, todays
operational and business requirements may exceed the long term importance of the suffi-
cient up and downstream network capacity. Therefore, any long-term solution must be prop-
erly aligned with these more short-term operational and business restrictions. In the WP3
questionnaire, operators were consulted regarded some of the restrictions
3
1.2.1 Operator valuation of evolutionary upgrading technologies
. In this subsec-
tion we present a high-level review of the operational and business aspects interfere with the
expansion of the network transmission capacity.
Currently, the market is flooded by a multitude of innovative cable technologies. Economic
solutions for expanding the network capacity are developed like advanced node splitting so-
lutions. Furthermore, technologies are developed to use the existing capacity in a more effi-
cient manner, for example improved modulation
codes (DVB-C2), switched digital TV and advanced
video codecs like H.264. In parallel to the develop-
ment and roll out of these innovative technologies,
the market conditions are gradually changing. For
example customer acceptance of digital TV services
is increasing, thus diminishing the inconveniences
of reducing the analogue packages.

In the ReDeSign network and services survey, we
have asked the operators which evolutionary solu-
tions or techniques for expanding the network ca-
pacity or for using the existent capacity in a more
efficient manner they appreciate most
3
. The re-
sponse is summarized in Table 1. The result con-
firms the preference for network segmentation as
the most appropriate solution to expand the network
capacity. Next, a number of new (digital) technologies and the switch off of analogue ser-

3
Service Requirements Report, ReDeSign D10, June 2008.
Table 1 Average rating (Scale 1 -10)
evolutionary upgrades technologies

Upgrade option Rating
Network segmentation 8,1
Statistical multiplexing 5,6
Analogue switch off 5,3
Better modulation codes 5,0
QAM sharing 4,9
Switched digital TV 4,5
Extension up to 1 GHz 3,2
Extension beyond 1 GHz 2,9
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vices are more or less equally preferred with a rating of 4.5 up to 5.6. Finally, the extension
of the frequency range beyond 862 MHz is considered as the least favourable solution. In the
opinion of the operators, extension of the frequency range is a last solution. Clearly, when
considering a new frequency plan, this opinion must be taken into account.
1.2.2 Analogue TV
As indicated earlier, analogue TV consumes about 50% of the frequency spectrum. Reduc-
tion of the analogue TV package thus releases spectrum and signal power. The reduction of
analogue TV paves the way to deploy DVB-C2 modulation which requires a sufficiently
strong signal level for the 4K QAM modulation mode.
Today the analogue TV offer comprises about 40 channels
3
. The increasing market accep-
tance of digital TV makes it possible to gradually reduce the analogue packages. However,
analogue TV is considered as a unique selling point since the signals are distributed
throughout the house in the most convenient manner, allowing customers to view television
in all rooms of the home without the need of additional equipment like STBs. Therefore, ca-
ble operators foresee an analogue package of 20 TV channels over a time period of 5 10
years from now.

1.2.3 Deployment of higher order modulation techniques
Reduction of the analogue service packages results in a release of spectrum resources that
can be reused for other (digital) services. The current DVB-C technology dates from more
than a decade ago. It is the result of the status of the technology at that time and of the (less
demanding) market conditions. Modern technology, and in particular modern error protection
algorithms, permits a more efficient use of the frequency spectrum and the market demands
for higher capacity. DVB-C2 has been developed to address both issues. It provides a higher
throughput per 8 MHz channel in a more efficient manner than DVB-C. In particular DVB-C2
supports 4096 QAM modulation providing a bitrate of 84 Mbps per channel, albeit at an ex-
pected signal level higher than that needed for DVB-C 256 QAM modulation.

1.2.4 FM radio services
FM radio is transmitted in the frequency band from 87 MHz up to 107.5 MHz. In most net-
works, the FM band demarcates the lower edge of the downstream band. As such, the FM
band is the main constraint of the upstream band. To extend the return band to frequencies
above 65 MHz, operators have to sacrifice the FM radio band.
In their feedback on the ReDeSign questionnaire, the cable operators expressed the busi-
ness relevance of the FM radio services. Currently, all operators, apart from an incidental
exception, do offer FM radio services as part of the basic analogue subscription. Over period
of 10 years from now, 60% of the operators still will deliver FM radio services. This response
indicates that FM radio is considered a crucial service that cannot be simply terminated with-
out a negative business impact. Only with the availability of a convenient and economic al-
ternative, operators could consider the clearance of the FM band.

1.2.5 Downstream band frequency extensions
To expand the network capacity, the extension of the downstream frequency band toward
higher frequencies may appear a most straightforward solution. However, in practice, such
an extension appears rather complex. Still many European HFC networks have a down-
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stream band edge of less than 862 MHz. Therefore, below we briefly consider the extension
up to 862 MHz, up to 1 GHz and beyond 1 GHz.

1.2.5.1
Todays HFC networks often have an upper frequency edge of 862 MHz. This frequency cor-
responds with the frequency edge of the terrestrial analogue TV band (Band V). Consumer
equipment like TV sets and many EuroDOCSIS cable modems are not designed for the re-
ception of signals with a higher frequency. Because of the limited availability of such equip-
ment, 862 MHz is a logical and practical upper edge for todays HFC networks.
Extension up to 862 MHz
Nevertheless, many HFC networks have an upper frequency edge below 862 MHz. Some
networks have a frequency edge of 550 MHz, or even below. These band edges are no hard
limitations, but the frequencies above can not be used in an efficient manner. From a RF
planning viewpoint, the use of the higher frequencies is less attractive because of the in-
creasing attenuation of the coaxial cables. A channel at a higher frequency will consume a
relatively larger part of the available signal power. Because of this, operators have a prefer-
ence to allocate the channels at the lowest frequencies.
In practice, an operator will make optimum use of the available power budget provided by the
amplifiers; he will maximize its network load in terms of the number of analogue and digital
channels. As such, in a properly designed and operated network, the downstream band edge
and the available power budget are properly balanced and it will not be possible to add a
substantial number of additional channels. To add a substantial number of additional chan-
nels, the operator will have i) to add frequency spectrum by shifting the down stream band
edge to a higher frequency and ii) he will have to increase the power budget. In practise, he
will have to replace the network amplifiers by ones with a higher output power. Often, the
spacing between the amplifiers is rather large, and operators have not only to replace the
amplifiers, but they have to add and re-space amplifiers in the cascades to shorten the dis-
tance between the consecutive amplifiers, which, of course, is most costly. In the current
market there is a growing demand for digital services whereas customers are more willing to
accept a reduction of the analogue service package. Therefore, an operator has to make a
trade-off between i) further segmentation of the network, ii) replacement of analogue chan-
nels by digital ones, iii) the replacement and possible re-spacing of the amplifiers in order to
raise the network power budget and to extend the downstream frequency band.

1.2.5.2
For networks with a frequency edge of 862 MHz, extension beyond this frequency up to 1
GHz may appear an attractive solution, though the general problem of enhanced signal at-
tenuation at higher frequencies will require a re-planning of the signals, possibly in combina-
tion with the replacement and/or a re-spacing of the amplifiers.
Frequency extensions up to 1 GHz
Using the band from 862 MHz up to 1 GHz, however, will invoke some currently unknown
problems associated with the terrestrial use of the radio spectrum by others. Most of the ter-
restrial spectrum between 87 MHz and 862 MHz is allocated to radio and TV broadcast ser-
vices
4

4
87 107,5 MHz FM radio band; 174 230 MHz (Band III) digital radio and digital TV broad casting;
470-862 (Band IV/V) analogue and digital TV.
. Operators are hindered by terrestrial radio and TV broadcasting transmitters; how-
ever, the problems are limited to homes with inferior in-home coaxial networks in the vicinity
of the transmitter. In contrast, the spectrum ranging from 862 up to 1 GHz is not allocated to

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terrestrial broadcast services but, amongst others, to mobile communication systems (GSM).
GSM-900 uses 890915 MHz for uplink transmissions and 935960 MHz for the downlink. In
addition, spectrum is allocated for mobile communications for railways (GSM-R) 876915
MHz (uplink) and 921960 MHz (downlink). Because of the different radio services in the 862
MHz 1 GHz band, mobile communications instead of terrestrial broadcasting, a completely
different the interference scenario will occur. In case of mobile communications, customers
will use their mobile terminals in home. The isolation of todays state-off-the art cable equip-
ment like STBs and modems is insufficient to avoid interference between the cable RF sig-
nals and the transmit signals of the mobile terminals. In addition, in case of a low quality in-
home network, the coaxial cables will act as an antenna that receives the mobile transmit
signals, thus aggravating the interference problem. Because of these ingress problems, Eu-
ropean operators are not eager to use the band from 862 MHz up to 1 GHz, as confirmed by
the ReDeSign questionnaire.

1.2.5.3
Beyond 1 GHz frequencies, operators have to anticipate further operational problems. Signal
attenuation will become even more pronounced than at the frequencies below 1 GHz, in par-
ticular in case of bamboo coaxial cables that have specific bands of enhanced attenuation
at these frequencies. In addition, the operation of network passives will fail because these
are not designed for frequencies above 1 GHz. The isolation of the passives will drop dra-
matically, thus contributing to further signal loss. Furthermore, at higher frequencies, the iso-
lation of the coaxial cables will drop whereas at the output of the amplifiers a higher signal
levels is needed to compensate the larger coaxial attenuation. Therefore, conceivably, ex-
cessive egress problems may arise beyond the regulatory EMC limits of cable networks.
Frequency extensions beyond 1 GHz

1.2.6 Summary and conclusion
In the above section we have provided a brief overview of the business perspective and
technical limitations of changing the frequency plan. In summary it is argued that:
There are many solutions to expand the network capacity and to make a more effi-
cient use of the existing capacity. Taking this situation into account, operators indi-
cate that extension of the downstream band beyond 862 MHz is the least favourite
solution,
The analogue packages will be reduced, thus creating room to increase the digital
services. However, over a decade operators will still offer some 20 analogue chan-
nels,
FM radio services are considered as a crucial part of the cable services portfolio that
cannot be switched off unless a good and convenient alternative transmission solu-
tion is offered. Customers should not be disturbed with difficult solutions,
To fully use the potential network capacity created upon the reduction of analogue TV
services, operators must deploy 1024 QAM or higher order modulation scheme,
The use of frequencies above 862 MHz is for different technical disadvantages very
unattractive.

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1.3 Scope of the ReDeSign studies

In this treatise, we are considering the possibilities to expand the downstream and upstream
network transmission capacity. From the fundamental viewpoint there are three approaches
to create more capacity:
Reduction of noise and distortion signal levels in combination with the use of higher
order modulation schemes,
Raising the carrier signal levels in combination with the use of higher order modula-
tion schemes,
Extension of the frequency bands.
In the following parts of this report, we will study the above approaches in more detail for
both the downstream and the upstream frequency band.
At the very beginning of this chapter we have argued that, considering the historical roots of
the current radio design of cable networks and the forthcoming market demands, a complete
reconsideration of the RF spectrum use was appropriate. However, taking the overall busi-
ness and technical perspective into account, some a priori restrictions of the scope of the
revision of the radio design appear appropriate:
To expand the downstream network capacity, extension of the frequency band
beyond 862 MHz appears a less attractive solution than the deployment of a trans-
mission technology that supports higher order modulation schemes in combination
with all other capacity saving solutions. Therefore, the ReDeSign studies should re-
spect this 862 MHz as the upper band edge limit,
To expand the upstream network capacity, we cannot a priori indicate a preferential
solution (higher signal levels, reduction of noise level or extension of the upstream
band), though extension of the frequency band beyond 65 MHz should not be consi-
dered as a first solution because it requires the termination of FM Radio services in
the 87,5 107 MHZ band. Therefore, the scope of the ReDeSign studies must in-
clude all three approaches to expand the upstream capacity, taking in to account that
extension beyond 65 MHz is the least favorable.

FP7 -217014

2 Upstream capacity

During the first meeting of the ReDeSign Operator Forum, some operators have expressed
their concerns concerning upstream capacity shortages. According to their viewpoint, the
forthcoming demand for upstream channel capacity will create the first major bottle neck. In
this chapter we study the possibilities to expand the upstream capacity in detail. The scope
of this study has been limited to solutions that conserve the current frequency division duplex
architecture, taking into account the business limitations of paragraph 1.2. As pointed out
earlier, we will analyze the possibilities of i) expanding the frequency spectrum, ii) applying
higher signal levels and iii) reducing noise levels. In the following we provide a technical
overview of the issue (paragraph 2.1), a treatment of the solutions compliant to the current
HFC radio design (paragraph 2.2) and options that require a reconsideration of the HFC ra-
dio design (paragraph 2.3). We will end this chapter with a brief summary and conclusion of
the analysis.

2.1 The technical issues
2.1.1 Spectrum availability and quality
In the current state-off-the art HFC networks, the upstream channel is located in 5 65 MHz
frequency band. However, before the advent of two-way services, Band I (47 68 MHz) was
used for analogue TV broadcasting. Because of this historical use, in many cable networks
Band I still is used for broadcast services, thus limiting the upstream band. In the ReDeSign
network questionnaire, operators were asked to provide the upstream band edge. The re-
sponse is summarized in Table 2. This results shows that although many operators have
upgraded their networks up to a 65 MHz band edge, still about half of the operators have not
upgraded their networks, or only partially

Table 2 Upstream band edge as obtained from the ReDeSign questionnaire. The most common
band edge in the range is indicated between brackets.

Band Edge Occurrence
60 - 65 MHz (65MHz) 53%
50 - 60 MHz (52MHz) 12%
< 50 MHz (42 MHz) 35%

Next to this limited upstream band edge, the background noise levels are the principle cause
of the limited capacity. In the mid and late nineties of the past century, the noise characteris-
tics of the upstream channel has been extensively studied for reasons of the development of
the upstream transmission technology.
5, 6,7

5
P.J. Snijders and C-J L. Van Driel, Channel modelling of the return channel in a broadband communication
CATV network, 28
th
European Microwave Conference, Amsterdam 1998.
The upstream noise enters the cable system via
FP7 -217014

the customers in-home networks. The use of inferior quality cables and splitters are a source
for ingress of all types of unwanted signals. Such noise emanating from all homes connected
to a cable node is aggregated at the hub or head end. From a practical viewpoint, a cable
node can be considered as a vast distributed antenna with hundreds up to a thousand an-
tennas, receiving and aggregating all electro magnetic signals from the homes. Moreover,
todays homes have various coaxial branches, thus forming dipoles. Such dipoles further
enhance the sensitivity of the in-home networks, thus aggravating the ingress problem. An
interesting treaty can be found in reference 8
The distortion signals picked up in the home environment can be distinguished in three kinds
of different nature and origin:
.
Universal broadband noise: a roughly +15-20 dB increase of the noise floor below 25
MHz
Narrowband interferers: short wave radio transmitters (world radio etc)
Impulse and burst noise: caused by human activity in the home (switching on/off
equipment etc) which creates wideband impulses and bursts of several s with a sig-
nal level of hundreds of mV (up to volts).
The activity of many of these sources shows a periodic cycle during the day.

Figure 4 Continuous ingress noise tak-
en from reference 9
8
. Similar figures can
be found in reference .

6
C. Eldering et al. CATV return path characterisation for reliable communications, IEEE Communications
Magazine, 62 68, August 1995.
7
K. Haelvoet et al. Procedure for measurement and statistical processing of upstream channel noise in HFC
networks, IEEE MTT 0S Digest, 1998
8
K. Mothersdal, Ingress Safe, one small step for man, one giant step for your return path, Broad-
band, Volume 30, April 1, 2008.
9
S.Pfletschinger, Multicarrier modulation for broadband return channels in cable TV systems, PhD
Thesis University of Stuttgart, 2003.
FP7 -217014


In contrast to the noise signals, upstream signals are transmitted rather incidentally. Moreo-
ver, only one cable modem per RF channels is allowed to transmit at the time, thus excluding
concurrent transmissions in the same upstream channel.

Table 3 Optical node topology data taken from the ReDeSign reference architectures
Reference Network topology
Tree & Branch Hybrid Star
Average homes passed per
fiber node
400/2000 500/1000/2000 700
Number coaxial branches per
fiber node
1/2/3 1/2/3 2/4

2.1.2 The cable networks
Networks do exhibit a large variety in network parameters and noise levels. The ReDeSign
questionnaire provided network figures from 21 European operators. After analyses of these
data, the architecture of the European networks was captured in a limited number of refer-
ence architectures.
10
Table 3 In we have listed the relevant topology data. Because of the
large variation in the European networks, unique topology figures could not be established,
but instead different optional values were specified, as shown in Table 3. In this table, the
average number of homes passed per fiber node is presented showing the large range of
400 up to 2000 homes passed that found. Operators have reported the maximum node size
as well, yielding even twice as large nodes. Thus in reality, optical nodes of 4000 homes
passed do occur regularly. Next to the node size, the number of coaxial branches emanating
from the optical node is included in the reference architecture, showing that each node
serves one up to four coaxial subnetworks.

Table 4 Operator US channel parameters

Bandwidth (MHz)
1,6 3,2 6,4
M
o
d
u
l
a
t
i
o
n

s
c
h
e
m
e

QPSK 3% 17% 6%
16 QAM 6% 30% 13%
64 QAM 3% 13% 8%

To assess the quality and performance of the upstream band in European cable networks,
the ReDeSign network questionnaire encompassed some questions regarding the upstream

10
Reference Architectures Report, ReDeSign Deliverable 10, Octobre 31, 2008.
FP7 -217014

transmission profiles that are used. Operators will use the transmission profile with the larg-
est bit rate that can be deployed in their networks. Hence, this information reflects the quality
of the upstream path. This information is shown in Table 4. This table shows the occurrence
of the combinations of the bandwidth and modulation mode that is used. The figures reveal
that the most attractive profile (6,4 MHz @ 64 QAM) corresponding with a bitrate of 30 Mbps
can be used in few networks only. In case of the majority of the networks, the transmission
profile is limited to ones with a bitrate of 10 Mbps or less.

2.2 Currently available solutions
The data of Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4 reveal that in many cable networks not all currently
available technology to maximize the upstream capacity are currently deployed. In these net-
works, substantial capacity gains can be obtained by implementation of todays technology:
Further segmentation of the network
Extension of the upstream band edge up to 65 MHz
Higher return band signal levels
Reduction of the noise level
In this section we give an overview of the conceivable options. First we will address the op-
tions to make maximum use of the current cable architecture and available transmission
technology (DOCSIS). In this case, the capacity is limited by the DOCSIS technology that
supports upstream channels up to 65 MHz and a spectral efficiency of about 5 bits/Hz. In
general, only the band from about 30 MHz up to 60 MHz can be used, thus limiting the max-
imum capacity to 150 Mbps per cable segment.
In the further sections, we discuss new options that require new technologies, but that can
surpass this 150 Mbps limitation.
2.2.1 Segmentation of the return path
Today, many proven solutions for segmentation of the return path are commercially availa-
ble. These solutions are based on the use of wavelength division multiplexing of the up-
stream frequency band, thus providing a scalable solution that allows an operator to split the
nodes when needed.
Splitting a node yields segments with approximately half of the number of homes. Thus, the
aggregated ingress noise of the homes is halved as well, thus allowing the operator to apply
a higher mode modulation scheme.
2.2.2 Extension of the US band edge up to 65 MHz
In many networks, the US band is extended up to 65 MHz already. This upgrade can be con-
sidered as well-known and proven. Extending the US band edge, not only brings new spec-
trum, but moreover spectrum of a better quality allowing for a higher modulation scheme.
2.2.3 Higher return band signal levels
As a first remedy to a low signal noise ratio, one could raise the signal level of the upstream
signals. However, the upstream signal level is limited to a value of 114 dBV to avoid harmful
egress
11

11
IEC-60728-10
. The maximum transmit signal level of the EuroDOCSIS technology already is set to
this maximum value and as such the signal level cannot be further raised.
FP7 -217014

2.2.4 Reduction of noise level
Table 4 reveals that many operators are troubled by high noise levels in their networks. As
such, reduction of the noise levels has to be considered as a serious option to expand the
upstream capacity. Below we briefly discuss a number of remedies.
2.2.4.1
Inferior quality of in home components and a bad installation is the major cause of ingress.
Conceivable, an operator could reinstall the customer in home networks, however, in practice
this is a very difficult approach since each home has to be visited. Operators can encourage
the use of high quality components in combination with professional installation practices, for
example by creating awareness with the customers or by introducing a component quality
hallmark that is supported by manufacturers, vendors and consumer stores.
Full replacement cables and splitters in the home environment
2.2.4.2
The ingress signals from two in-home cable branches are strongly correlated as pointed out
in reference
Replacement of in home splitters
8. These distortion signals of different in home coaxial branches are induced by
the same in-home events or received from the same external terrestrial radio sources. Be-
cause of this common source, the induced distortion signals of two branches are strongly
correlated. The currently used splitters simply combine these signals. Since they are in
phase, the voltages are summed. In reference 8 it is proposed to replace the current splitters
by ones that create a 180 degrees phase shift in one of the branches so that correlated sig-
nals arriving from the different branches are cancelled (partially). It is shown that such split-
ters allow a reduction of 10 dB or more of the noise level. All distortion signals, impulse and
burst noise, narrow band interferers and the universal broadband noise below 25 MHz are
effectively reduced.
Such a solution appears attractive since splitters are relatively easy to replace as compared
to a full rebuild of the customers in home network, although a visit of a technician is still re-
quired and in practice appointments with customers are difficult to make and second and
even third visits are required.
In networks with a high noise level, a 10 dB reduction of the noise level allows a twofold ca-
pacity expansion of a DOCSIS upstream channel. In addition, it will allow extension of the
usable upstream band to lower frequencies.
2.2.4.3
In the late nineties of the past century, the concept of ingress blocking has been developed.
Currently commercial systems like that of Proxilliant are on the market. An interesting white-
paper can be found on the John Weeks Enterprise site
Deployment of ingress blocking systems
12
An ingress blocking system acts as a control port that generally disconnects a cable up-
stream segment, but that connects the segment when an upstream DOCSIS packet is
transmitted. The blocking system responds to the increased signal level of the preamble of
the DOCSIS packet. The system is not channel specific: irrespective of the transmit frequen-
cy and bandwidth of the packet, the full upstream band is conveyed. As such, the noise re-
duction strongly depends on i) the number of DOCSIS upstream carriers deployed and ii) the
number of homes connected to the network segment that is controlled by the blocking sys-
tem. The noise reduction R
noise
(that is the ratio of the noise level at the CMTS without and
with blocking system) is given by:

R
noise
= N
node
/ (N
block segment
x N
carriers
)
13

12

http://www.jw-ent.com/Images/DIBWhitePaperA1.pdf
13
This formula provides an approximation of R
noise
for the case of N
node
/N
block segment
>> N
carrier

FP7 -217014

With:
N
block segment
= number of homes connected to the segment controlled by the ingress
blocking system
N
node
= number of homes served by the fibre node
N
carriers
= number of DOCSIS upstream carriers
When deployed sufficiently deep in the cable networks, say one blocking system serving a
cable segment of 20 homes in a network with fibre nodes of a 1000 homes, the blocking sys-
tem provides 10 15 dB noise reduction. Such a gain is substantial, and it will allow expand-
ing the capacity of an upstream channel by a factor 2 to 4, for example an operator using
QPSK modulation and 1.6 MHz upstream channel may upgrade to 16 QAM modulation and
a 3.2 MHz channel. Furthermore, the reduced noise level allows the extension of the usable
up stream band toward lower frequencies. As such, the solution is attractive for very noise
networks.
A disadvantage of the ingress blocking solution is the reduced noise suppression when dep-
loying several upstream carriers in the same segment. Because of this, the blocking equip-
ment should be installed near the homes thus creating small blocking segments.
2.2.4.4
Conventionally, the in-home wall outlet is equipped with separate TV and FM sockets, where
the FM and TV ports respectively pass on the FM band and the bands 5 70 MHz and 120
862 MHz. Without replacement of this wall outlet, a customer can connect its in-home net-
work to the TV port and connect a cable modem everywhere in the home provided the signal
strength is sufficient. In this case, all ingress distortion signals received by the in-home are
injected in to the return channel. Alternatively, an operator can replace the wall outlet by one
with a dedicated data port for connecting the cable modem. Only this data port allows bi-
direction communications. Next the cable modem is connected by a short lead to the data
port whereas the in-home network is connected to the TV socket. In such a wall outlet, the
upstream band of the TV socket is blocked and thus the in-home network will not contribute
to the ingress noise in the cable return path. A major disadvantage of this solution is the
need of a separate cable modem and of dedicated in-home data network based such as WiFi
or 10/100baseT Ethernet. A major advantage is that the use of a dedicated three port wall
outlet resolves the ingress problem at the root. It disconnects the in home network from the 0
65 MHz upstream channel.
Deployment of wall outlet with a separate FM radio, TV and EuroDOCSIS outlets
2.2.5 Analysis and summary noise reduction solutions
In this subparagraph we have briefly discussed a large number of currently known solutions
to increase the upstream capacity. The information from the ReDeSign questionnaire shows
that many networks are not completely upgraded yet, and as such major capacity gains can
be realized when properly upgrading the networks. In addition, different improvements of the
in-home network are possible and operators can continue with further splitting the upstream
segments. The data of Table 4 show that some first operators have mastered the successful
deployment of the 6,4 MHz bandwidth / 64 QAM modulation profile. As such, the current in-
formation obtained from the operators shows that the operators still are in the process of
restructuring and improving their networks. Considering the large number of options to re-
duce the ingress noise problems, we can assume that in the end all cable networks will be
able to support 6,4 MHz bandwidth / 64 QAM modulation profile. In the end, a capacity of
120 up to 150 Mbps per segment can be obtained.
For completeness we have to emphasis that the implementation of the above improvements
is complex and demanding; there is no cheap solution or quick gain. One thus can expect
that operators will implement the solutions when the market forces them to do so, and not
earlier. Ranking the solutions then installation of a wall outlet with a dedicated EuroDOCSIS
FP7 -217014

port appears the most effective and future proof solution because it disconnects the in-home
network from the 0 65 MHz upstream path, thus eliminating the problem at the source.
2.3 Allocation of an additional return band spectrum
In the above section we have studied the possibilities to expand the upstream capacity by
expanding the upstream band up to 65 MHz and/or by reduction of the ingress noise signals.
It is argued that when applying the appropriate measures, an upstream capacity of 120 150
Mbps per segment would be feasible. Although some small capacity gains beyond 150 Mbps
are conceivable in case of some specific networks, any substantial gains will not be possible.
In other words, with an upstream capacity of 150 Mbps or perhaps a slightly larger bitrate,
the limits of the current cable network design are fully reached. These solutions are fully
compliant with the current HFC radio design. For a further substantial increase of the up-
stream capacity, drastic changes in terms of expanding the spectrum for upstream signals
are inevitable. In this subsection we will discuss the conceivable options.
2.3.1 Extension of the current 5-65 MHz VHF return band
A most evident and logical option to expand the upstream transmission capacity concerns
the annexation of the lowest part of the downstream band. Moreover, such an annexation of
neighboring spectrum would yield high-quality spectrum. This option is illustrated in Figure 5.
2.3.1.1
As pointed out in the introduction, the extension of the upstream band edge toward higher
frequencies requires the sacrifice of the FM radio band. The key question thus appears
whether customers will accept the switch-off of FM radio or not. As a rule, customers will ac-
cept such a switch-off in case there are sufficient alternatives that are well received in the
market. For FM radio, already many alternatives do exist (DAB, DVB-T, DVB-C, internet ra-
dio,); however, on the other hand one should note that in particular FM radio is much ap-
preciated for its high-quality audio signal, large number of channels including local channels
and good reception in cars. Therefore, although the switch-off of terrestrial FM radio is under
consideration, termination of this service within the next decade appears uncertain. As such,
if cable operators will decide to stop broadcasting FM radio services, likely they will be the
first to so, which may result in public arousal and at a time that alternatives are still insuffi-
ciently developed.
Spectrum issues

Figure 5 Architecture of an E2E VHF return band solution. The 120 MHz upper edge is arbi-
trary chosen and intended as an illustration only.

o
e
30-120 MHz
30-120 MHz
Branching
point
30-120 MHz
m
branches
1
2
3
4
m
120 MHz 30 MHz
4 1 2 3 5 o
1
2
3
4
m
120 MHz 30 MHz
4 1 2 3 5 o
o
e
30-120 MHz
30-120 MHz
Branching
point
30-120 MHz
m
branches
1
2
3
4
m
120 MHz 30 MHz
4 1 2 3 5 o
1
2
3
4
m
120 MHz 30 MHz
4 1 2 3 5 o
FP7 -217014

A possible, but likely not appealing, midway solution could be a partial annexation of the FM
band, say an extension of the upstream band edge up to 80 MHz so that the 100MHz 108
MHz part of the FM band is conserved. In this case, an operator could add 2 6,4 MHz chan-
nels, or 60 Mbps per segment.
An alternative solution could be the transmission of the FM signals at a higher frequency
using block conversion technology. Next, those customers that appreciate reception of the
FM radio signals must be provided with an appropriate frequency down converter. Such a
solution can be developed by an individual manufacturer since it doesnt require cooperation
between manufacturers to specify a standard.
If an operator would decide to shift the upstream band up to frequencies beyond 85 MHz, he
could as well extend the upstream band well beyond this frequency up to 100 or 120 MHz,
which would respectively bring say 6 up to 8 extra upstream channels of 30 Mbps each.
In case of networks with modular components (amplifiers, nodes etc) with replaceable diplex
filter and upstream amplifiers, the costs of upgrading the network are the least, albeit certain-
ly not negligible; however, in case of fully integrated components, an operator faces a large
network investment.
2.3.1.2
Apart from the HFC network adaptations needed to extend the upstream band, transmission
technology capable of using these higher frequencies is needed. The current EuroDOCSIS
technology only supports upstream frequencies up to 65 MHz. However, the newest Ameri-
can DOCSIS technology (CM-SP-PHYv3.0-I07-080522) already supports the upstream fre-
quencies up to 85 MHz.
Transmission system issues
For the adaptation of the EuroDOCSIS equipment the operators are dependent on the wil-
lingness of the vendors to implement this solution in EuroDOCSIS. They will have to discuss
this option with this industry.
For frequencies above 85 MHz, there currently is no (Euro)DOCSIS upstream technology.
Such technology needs to be developed by the industry. Clearly, for the deployment at
neighboring frequencies, no new design of the upstream technology is needed.
In summary we can conclude that an extension of the downstream band beyond 65 MHz will
require a substantial network upgrade. Nevertheless, there appear no fundamental obstacles
or great technological uncertainties, only many practical problems that certainly should not
be underestimated. Therefore we may conclude that operators and manufacturers together
should be able to develop the equipment and solutions when the market requires for such
higher upstream capacity. Assuming an extension with for example 65 MHz, this will triple
the total upstream capacity.
2.3.2 Creation of a new UHF return band > 862 MHz
Apart from extending the existing upstream band, one can consider the creation of a new
UHF upstream band above 862 MHz. Such a solution can be based on the use of a frequen-
cy up converter and down converter. To convey the signals, the operator will have to install
UHF return band amplifiers and diplex filters in the coax network. Both components of this
solution can be considered as known technologies that can be developed by a manufacturer.
Furthermore, this solution is fully compliant with todays DOCSIS upstream transmission
technology so that there is no need to introduce new transmission technology.
To separate the new upstream band from the downstream band, a diplex filter is needed.
Such a diplex filter will consume a substantial frequency band of the spectrum that cannot be
used for other services. In Figure 6 an example of such a filter is shown. Simulation of this
specific filter show that the -3dB stop band edges are situated at the frequencies of 883 and
965 MHz. Thus at least 80 MHz of spectrum is needed as a guard band. Taking this mini-
FP7 -217014

mum band into account, an upstream channel could start from the midst of the 900 MHz
band.

Figure 6 Example of a UHF diplex filter (9
th
order elliptical filter).

2.3.2.1
In section
Basic spectrum considerations
1.2 we have argued the inappropriateness of the use of the spectrum above 862
MHz for downstream services. The major disadvantages are i) interference from terrestrial
mobile communications systems, ii) doubts regarding the electrical performance of the
coaxial cables at frequencies above 1 GHz and iii) a failing performance of the passives in
the network. For upstream services, in contrast, some of these disadvantages conceivably
are less a handicap.
Regarding the first concern, interference of a nearby mobile transmitter like a GSM cell
phone, one should note that the cable downstream signal is very susceptible for such a dis-
tortion because of the low signal levels (about 60-70 dBV). In contrast, the upstream signals
will have a 40 dB higher signal level and, moreover, the (Euro)DOCSIS upstream transmitter
has been designed for operations in a environment with impulse and burst noise events.
Therefore, these frequencies appear more appropriate for upstream than for downstream
use. However, interference between cable and terrestrial radio services is a mutual problem.
When applying high cable signal levels, there is a risk of distorting the terrestrial mobile
communication signals, such as the down stream signal from the mobile base station to the
user terminal. In particular if the cable modem is connected via an (inferior) in home network
that is installed and/or managed by the customer, there is a serious risk of such harmful in-
terference.
The second issue concerns the quality of the coaxial cables for carrying signals above 1
GHz. Dependent on the type and brand, the signal attenuation may increase dramatically for
specific frequencies whereas screening effectiveness may reduce as well. As such, the sig-
nal balance may change completely. In the distribution part of the coaxial network, however,
the output signal of the amplifier is split one or several times to feed different coaxial
branches. In contrast, the upstream signals of the different coaxial branches are combined.
Thus the signal loss for the upstream signals will be less than that for the downstream sig-
nals. Conceivably, this smaller signal attenuation due to combining instead of splitting the
signal provides a sufficient margin to compensate for the higher attenuation of the cables and
FP7 -217014

for lowering the return signal level to control the egress of the cables. In case of the coaxial
trunk feeding the coaxial distribution network, however, the signal loss due to splitting the
signal power is rather limited, and as such there is less or no margin to absorb the higher
attenuation of the cables and for lowering the signal level to reduce the egress.
Next to the above, one should take into account that the coaxial part of the network is com-
posed of different types of coaxial cables, which will complicate the identification of the most
appropriate frequency band to allocated a new return path.
The passives in the network have not been designed for these high frequencies, and as such
one may expect a rapid performance decline for frequencies above 1 GHz. Likely, an opera-
tor will have to replace the passives.
From the above, one may conclude that the creation of such a return band, assuming its a
viable option, concerns a large network upgrade, worth doing only when an operator may
gain a fourfold or preferentially eightfold upstream capacity. For such a four or eightfold ca-
pacity expansion, respectively some 120 or 240 MHz of spectrum is needed. Per coaxial
segment this would yield an upstream capacity of about 500 or 1000 Mbps. If the upstream
band starts off from say 950 MHz, then the spectrum up to at least 1070 or 1190 MHz is
needed.
Table 3 lists the typical topology parameters of the reference architectures. In the worst case
situation nodes of an average size of 2000 homes passed and with 1-3 coaxial branches
from the node are found. For the extreme case of a single coaxial branch, 2000 homes have
to be served. In case of a market development toward symmetrical services, a capacity of
about 3000 Mbps is needed by the end of the next 10 year period, see reference 1 and or .
Clearly, the creation of a 240 MHz return band in the UHF band is not sufficient to serve such
a demand. However, in the case that the node of 2000 homes is composed of 3 separate
coaxial branches, than the new return band will provide this capacity of 3000 Mbps. One
should note that this analysis refers to the real worst-case networks and assuming a market
development toward symmetrical services. For networks with smaller fibre nodes and larger
number of coaxial branches emanating from the node, the maximum capacity per home will
proportionally larger. Thus, although this solution will not be applicable for all European net-
works, it will nevertheless cover the needs of a vast majority of all European networks.
In the above capacity analysis we have not considered the reduction of the noise level asso-
ciated with the reduction of the size of the coaxial segments. In principle, a fourfold expan-
sion of the upstream spectrum will yield segments of one-fourth of the homes passed or a 6
dB noise level reduction.
2.3.2.2
Conceivably, there exist two options to implement such a new return band:
Implementation options
From the home to the head end: an E2E UHF return band
The frequency up converter is placed in the customer home, conceivably integrated
with the EuroDOCSIS cable modem. The down converter is located in the head end,
or possibly integrated in the (EuroDOCSIS) upstream receiver. This solution is illu-
strated in Figure 7.
From a concentration point in the network to the head end: hybrid VHF/UHF return
band
The frequency up converter is placed in the coaxial part of the HFC network at a net-
work aggregation point, as shown in Figure 8. All 30 65 MHz return band signals
from the homes in the associated coaxial segment are aggregated and up converted
to a frequency band above 862 MHz.
In the following we will discuss both options separately.
FP7 -217014


Figure 7 Architecture an E2E UHF return band solution

In case of the E2E UHF return band, the frequency up converters can be directly connected
to the cable modem, or even integrated in the cable modem. At higher frequencies, the in-
home network will be less prone to ingress noise associated with in-home human activity.
Therefore, this implementation of the up converter directly connected to or integrated with the
cable modem offers the advantage of a substantial reduction of this kind ingress noise. How-
ever, as said, at these frequencies mobile communication devices may interfere with the ca-
ble upstream service and vive versa, the cable UHF upstream signals may degrade the mo-
bile downstream signals. Thus, this solution will require dedicated frequency planning to
avoid harmful interference with terrestrial services.
As an alternative, the up converter could be integrated in the customer wall outlet or with the
multitap serving the coaxial drop lines. In such a solution, the in-home network will carry the
conventional 30 65 MHz upstream signals, and not the alternative UHF return band sig-
nals. Thus, less interference with terrestrial communication systems can be expected. How-
ever, the advantage of a reduced ingress in the 30 -65 MHz upstream channel is sacrificed
as well.
The second implementation option is based on placing the return band up converter at a
concentration point close to the optical node. In such an architecture, the interference with
the terrestrial radio services is minimized; however, at the expense of a raised ingress of 30
65 MHz distortion signals.
Comparing the practical implementation of both options, than it shows that the option where
the upstream band conversion is placed as close as possible to the optical node requires a
substantially smaller network upgrade. Only the parts where a new UHF upstream band is
needed require an upgrade in terms of placing the diplex filters, upstream amplifiers and like-
ly replacing the passives. Moreover, only the cables of the coaxial trunk will carry the UHF
return band signals, and not all the cables from the home to the node. This spatial limitation
of the UHF upstream band thus enlightens the problem of finding suitable spectrum.

o
e
m
1 GHz
1
2
1 2 3
n
m
1 GHz
1
2
1 2 3
n
Branching
point
m
branches
o
e
m
1 GHz
1
2
1 2 3
n
m
1 GHz
1
2
1 2 3
n
Branching
point
m
branches
FP7 -217014

Figure 8 Architecture of a hybrid VHF / UHF return band solution
This solution of a UHF return band has the feature that it pairs frequency stacking of 4 or 8
upstream channels with a deeper segmentation of the HFC network without the need to dep-
loy fiber beyond the optical node. This is shown in Figure 8. Assuming that this architecture
allows a further segmentation by another factor of 3, it can boost the upstream capacity by a
factor of 10 20.
2.3.2.3
Summarizing, the creation of upstream channels above 1 GHz will be challenging, however,
this solution allows a vast and scalable expansion of the upstream capacity. Analysis of the
spectrum indicates a preference to use the spectrum above 862 MHz for upstream signals,
and not for downstream signals; this spectrum is used for terrestrial mobile services and the
cable downstream signals will be more prone to interference than cable upstream services.
Summary and conclusion
An attractive solution appears the creation of an UHF upstream band from a concentration
point A near the optical node to the head end, with the frequency conversion point located at
this point A. From the home up to concentration point A the conventional 30 65 MHz band
is conserved. This solution minimizes the network upgrade while minimizing interference with
terrestrial services.
Nevertheless, one should be aware that here we have presented a conceptual analysis, and
no proof or results from trials. Therefore, this architecture must be considered as a technical
proposal as input for the development of a solution to expand the upstream capacity.

2.4 Summary and conclusion

In this chapter we have studied the options to expand the upstream capacity of cable net-
works. First we have presented an overview of the current status of the networks. This over-
view shows that in many networks the upstream path can be classified as far from state of
the art; not the full frequency range up to 65 MHz is used, and ingress levels are rather high,
inhibiting the use a 6.4 MHz bandwidth and/or 64 QAM modulation. The operators will have
to extend the upstream band up to 65 MHz in combination with a reduction of the ingress
noise level. Assuming that all the appropriate measures are implemented, a maximum ca-
pacity of 120 up to 150 Mbps per segment can be obtained, and not more.
o
e
30-65 MHz
30-65 MHz
1 GHz 1 GHz
m
1 GHz
1
2
1 2 3
n
m
1 GHz
1
2
1 2 3
n
65 MHz
1
2
3
4
n
65 MHz
1
2
3
4
n
Branching
point
Frequency
Upconverter
m
branches
o
e
30-65 MHz
30-65 MHz
1 GHz 1 GHz
m
1 GHz
1
2
1 2 3
n
m
1 GHz
1
2
1 2 3
n
65 MHz
1
2
3
4
n
65 MHz
1
2
3
4
n
Branching
point
Frequency
Upconverter
m
branches
FP7 -217014


Table 5 Summary and comparison return path capacity expansion options

Bandwidth
(indicative)
Main issues
Current state-of-the
art
35 MHz
Control ingress noise
Extended VHF re-
turn Band
90 MHz
Replacement diplex filters in amplifiers and taps
Sacrifice FM radio / or alternative radio service
Adaptation EuroDOCSIS
E2E UHF Band 120/240 MHz
Managing of UHF harmful interference to other (ter-
restrial) services
Installation frequency VHF/UHF converters, UHF
diplex filters and UHF return band amplifiers and re-
placement passives
Adaptation of the optical node
Hybrid VHF/UHF
Band
120/240 MHz
Limited installation VHF/UHF converters, UHF diplex
filters and UHF return band amplifiers and replace-
ment passives; part of the coaxial networks toward
the homes does not need adaptation
Adaptation of the optical node

To create a capacity above this 120 150 Mbps limit, there are two options: i) extension of
the existing return band toward frequencies above 65 MHz, an extended VHF return band or
ii) the creation of an new UHF upstream band above 950 MHz. The first option, extension of
the 65 MHz band will only yield a double or triple upstream capacity at most. Moreover, it
requires the sacrifice of the FM radio band. The second option, a new UHF return band, is
more challenging, but will provide much more capacity. This solution offers a combination of
stacking 4 up to 8 upstream bands in say 120 or 240 MHz and of a further splitting of the
upstream segments at a network level below the optical node. This new UHF extension band
can be implemented either as an E2E technology or as a hybrid VHF/UHF solution. In this
hybrid solution, the network adaptations are limited to the coaxial network parts near the opt-
ical node and the optical node itself. Table 5 provides a concise summary of the options.
To conclude this chapter we have to note that this treatise is far from conclusive. It should be
considered as a desk study of the options to expand the upstream capacity. The analyses
shows that operators that have not upgraded the return band to 65 MHz should first imple-
ment such an upgrade. In parallel they should resolve the ingress noise issue. If a further
capacity expansion is needed, than possibly the hybrid VHF/UHF return band solution ap-
pears most attractive. It combines the largest capacity expansion with a limited network up-
grade.

FP7 -217014

3 Downstream capacity

In chapter 1 and in particular in paragraph 1.3 we have argued that an expansion of the fre-
quency band beyond 862 MHz appears not attractive from the technical as well as the opera-
tional viewpoint. Instead, a better use of the available power budget or an expansion of the
power budget appears the preferred solution. In this chapter we will assess the possibilities
to expand the downstream capacity without expansion of the frequency spectrum. Instead,
we will analyze the benefits of the use of DVB-C2 in a quantitative manner. This analysis
boils down to three central questions:
1. what is the minimum DVB-C2 signal level needed for proper reception,
2. what is the maximum tolerable DVB-C2 signal level?
3. what is the maximum DVB-C2 modulation scheme?
In this chapter we will address these question in integral manner and in relation to the other
HFC network signals like PAL and DVB-C carriers. To warrant a result relevant for the Euro-
pean situation, we have closely worked together with some European cable operators. They
provided the technical specification of their networks as input for the ReDeSign studies.
In this chapter, first we will evaluate the DVB-C2 signal level requirements in section 3.1.
Next in 3.2 (Simualtions) 3.3 (scenarios) 3.4 3.5 (Results) we describe the technical basis
and approach of our studies.

3.1 The DVB-C2 signal level

3.1.1 The minimum signal level
In contrast to the HFC network, the cable operator can not plan or manage the customer in-
home network. Because of this, he will offer a minimum signal of high quality that allows sa-
tisfactory reception in case of an elementary in-home network, for example a network with
two coaxial leads feeding a TV set/STB and a cable modem respectively. A customer, of
course, is free to install a more extended in-home network with coaxial branches to different
rooms; however, in this case its the customers own responsibility to deliver a sufficient sig-
nal level in the rooms.
The above user case provides a more or less deterministic case to specify the nominal signal
levels of the services as delivered by the operator. Below we follow a reverse analysis from
the tuner of the customers TV set, STB and cable modem up to the system outlet of the HFC
network of the operator.

3.1.1.1
The international standards like the IEC 60728-1 provides signal requirements obtained from
studies, measurements and practical experiences from operational networks. In
Signal Requirements
Table 6 we
list some of the signal requirements that are relevant for the current analysis. Since DVB-C2
is not included in the IEC standard, the currently known requirement for the signal to noise
ratio are included. These values are obtained from the DVB TM-C2.
FP7 -217014


Table 6 Signal requirements for analogue and digital services

Analogue
(IEC 60728-1)
DVB-C
(IEC-60728)
DVB-C2

FM PAL SECAM 64 QAM
(38 Mbps)
256 QAM
(52 Mbps)
1k QAM
(70 Mbps)
4k QAM
(84 Mbps)
Signal level @ customer
wall outlet (dBV)
50-70 60-77 60-77 47-67 54-74 - -
Carrier-to Random Noise
Ratio (dB)
48 44 43 26 32 29 35
Carrier to Composite Beats
Ratio (dB)
57
14
57
14
37 - - -

3.1.1.2
The sensitivity of a PAL receiver is defined as the minimum signal level at the tuner input
socket needed for synchronization and to recover the video and audio signals with a suffi-
cient quality.
Sensitivity tuners
Similarly, the sensitivity of a QAM-receiver is defined as the minimum input level at the input
of the receiver for which Quasi Error Free (QEF) reception is possible when only the wanted
signal is present. In this context, QEF is defined in EN 300 744, where QEF means less than
one uncorrected error event per hour. This requirement corresponds to BER = 1e-11 at the
input of the MPEG-2 multiplexer.
The required receiver sensitivity (for PAL and digital services) is the result of a straightfor-
ward power budget calculation as illustrated in Figure 9.

Figure 9: budget calculation for
receiver sensitivity

In this calculation, the thermal noise floor for the broadband cable technologies like PAL and
DVB-C and DVB-C2 is about 4 dBV.

14
This value refers to the weighted carrier-to-composite ratio for summed clusters in negative modula-
tion, see IEC-60728-1, paragraphs 4.5.3 and 5.9.3.
0
receiver sensitivity
signal level
thermal noise floor
theoretical required SNR for QEF
receiver Implementation Loss
FP7 -217014


PAL tuners in modern TV sets and state-of-the-art digital receivers have an implementation
loss associated with the analogue RF processing and, in case of a digital tuner, the digital
processing. Although state-of-the-art receivers require an implementation loss of 8 dB, we
assume a loss of 11 dB because such an implementation loss matches with the loss in case
of the existing EuroDOCSIS cable modems. In addition we assume a 1 dB higher implemen-
tation loss for DVB-C2 4096 QAM modulation because of the more advanced digital
processing.
In the customer home, the services are conveyed to the different receivers like TV set, cable
modem or STB. The operator delivers the signals to the wall outlet which as a rule is located
in the meter cupboard in the home. Therefore, an operator should ad a signal margin for the
signal transport from the wall outlet to the respective receivers. This margin concerns a busi-
ness choice.

Table 7 Receiver sensitivity and minimum signal level at the cable system outlet.

PAL
DVB-C DVB-C2

64 QAM 256 QAM 1k QAM 4k QAM
Implementation loss (dB) 7 11 11 11 12
Minimum SNR taken from
Table 6 (dB)
44 26 32 29 35
Noise floor (dBV) 3 4 4 4 4
Sensitivity (dBV) 54
15
41 (43)
16
47 (47)
16
44 51
Nominal signal level at the
input port of the wall outlet
(dBV)
61 48 54 51 58
Minimum IEC requirement
taken from Table 6 (dBV)
60 47 54 - -

As a rule, the HFC networks are designed following a set of design rules, or a reference de-
sign, that specifies the worst case home connection in terms of i) a maximum number of cas-
caded amplifiers between the optical node and the homes, ii) a maximum length of the
coaxial cable between the node and first amplifier, two subsequent amplifiers and the end
amplifier and the home and iii) the number of coaxial branches or homes fed by an amplifier.
This set of design rules thus specifies the worst-case connection between the node and a
home. When constructing a real network, the neighborhood with all its geographical features
is mapped on the reference architecture. As a result of this blueprinting, most of the home
connection will have better signal levels and signal-to-noise ratio than the nominal signal
levels and nominal signal-to-noise ratio of the reference design. Because of this, an operator
may choose to warrant a good reception of all cable signals in case of an elementary in-
home network fed by a worst-case coaxial cascade from the node to the customer wall out-
let, and no more. Since most homes will have a better signal quality than the nominal signal

15
The Recommendation of the ITU BT.804 provides a sensitivity figure of 50.8 dBV for a UHF PAL
receiver. This figure is some 3 dB less than our estimate.
16
The figure between brackets represent the sensitivity typically for consumer modems (cf. Arris, Mo-
torola and Thomson)
FP7 -217014

quality associated with the worst-case cascade, a more extended in-home network will work
properly in most homes. If not, the customer should install a consumer electronics VHF/UHF
amplifier.
The above elementary in-home network would allow connection of a single TV set and a ca-
ble modem. In case of analogue reception, the TV set is directly connected to the wall outlet.
In contrast, in case of digital reception, the TV set is connected via a STB. In this elementary
in-home scenario the nominal signal from the cable plant has to be split once, either by the
wall outlet (separate FM, TV and data sockets) or with an external splitter (wall outlet with FM
and TV socket only). Next a coaxial cable of say 10 m is needed to connect the TV set, STb
or cable modem. Typically such an in-home coaxial cable will have an attenuation of 20 up to
30 dB per 100 m at a frequency of 865 MHz. As such, the in-home signal attenuation would
add up to about 7 dB.
Taking this 7dB margin in to account, we can calculate the nominal signal level at the input
port of the wall outlet. In Table 7 we have included the nominal signal levels. In addition the
tables lists the minimum signal levels for PAL and DVB-C taken from the IEC-60728-1 stan-
dard. Comparison of this minimum signal level and the nominal signal levels shows the val-
ues for the analogue TV services and for DVB-C do match properly.

3.1.2 The maximum signal level
Apart from a minimum signal level needed for a good reception, one has to consider the
maximum signal level that the network can deliver as well. Dependent on this maximum sig-
nal level, an operator can apply the 4096 QAM modulation mode or not.

Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNRDVB-
C2) versus the carrier signal level
for a single amplifier loaded with 96
digital carriers. The figure illu-
strates the nature of the distortion
signals. The bit-error-rate (BER)
refers to the BER before error cor-
rection.

By gradually increasing the DVB-C2 signal level, the composite signal power of the cascade
will gradually increase. At a specific DVB-C2 level, the composite signal power will reach the
maximum level that the cascade can tolerate. Beyond this level, the generation of intermodu-
lation products will become noticeable, gradually deteriorating the quality of the signals. For a
single amplifier this behavior is schematically shown in . This figure is an abstraction of dif-
ferent measurements. This figure shows the ratio of the carrier signal level and the sum of
the thermal noise and intermodulation products (SNR
DVB-C2
). For a low carrier level, say be-
low 110 dBV, the generation of intermodulation products is negligible and the SNR
DVB-C2

increases linearly with the carrier level. Beyond 110 dBV, the generation of intermodulation
products becomes noticeable, as shown by the deviation from the line with slope equal to 1.
Beyond 112 dBV, the intermodulation products dominate the distortion signal, resulting in a
Carrier signal level [dB
V
]
100 105 110 115 120
C
I
N
R
[
d
B
]
55
45
35
40
-9
-4
-5
-6
-8
-7
L
O
G

(
B
E
R
)
BER
Measured
Impulse noise
+ AWGN AWGN
Carrier signal level [dB
V
]
100 105 110 115 120
C
I
N
R
[
d
B
]
55
45
35
40
C
I
N
R
[
d
B
]
55
45
35
40
-9
-4
-5
-6
-8
-7
-9
-4
-5
-6
-8
-7
L
O
G

(
B
E
R
)
BER
Measured
Impulse noise
+ AWGN AWGN
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2
[
d
B
]
FP7 -217014

steep decline of the SNR
DVB-C2
. Measurement of the bit error rate (before error correction)
shows the onset of bit errors at an carrier level associated with the maximum of the SNR
DVB-
C2
curve. In the ReDeSign project, we have studied single amplifiers and cascades of amplifi-
ers, with an all digital and a mixed analogue digital load. In all cases comparable SNR
curves were obtained, see for example Deliverable 8 and Deliverable 10. As such, this curve
reflects the universal behavior of single components and cascades.

3.2 Performance simulations
In this subsection we provide the technical outline of the network simulations that we have
used to assess the DVB-C2 signal level that a network may tolerate. The approach of the
analysis which is based on a limited number of representative network scenarios. For these
scenarios we study the feasibility to deploy DVB-C2, and in particular the maximum tolerable
DVB-C2 signal level. The approach is described in subsection 3.2.1. Next, in the following
subsection we give an overview of the scenarios.

3.2.1 Technical approach of the estimations
In subsection 3.1 we have estimated the signal level requirement at the HFC network system
outlet. The next question thus is, whether the HFC network can deliver such a level, and in
particular for how many channels while conserving a sufficient signal quality for all services,
FM radio, analogue TV, DVB-C and the new DVB-C2. The relevant subset of signal quality
requirements is listed in Table 6. Stated different, we could formulate the question as follows:

What is the maximum tolerable signal level for DVB-C2 for a representa-
tive HFC network with a represented network load which includes a num-
ber of DVB-C2 carriers?

In our studies we have addressed this question with the aid of the UTOPIC cable RF plan-
ning tool. With this tool, the levels and the quality of the signal at the outlet of a coaxial cas-
cade of a cable network can be calculated. Figure 10 shows the concept the tool. For input,
the tool requires:
full specification of the coaxial topology including the length and frequency-
dependent attenuation of the coaxial cables and all losses related to the coaxial
branches
the specification of the amplifiers in terms of gain, slope, noise figure and CENELEC
CSO and CTB figures
specification of the composite input signal. For each signal, the kind (FM radio, PAL,
DVB-C, unmodulated carrier), the carrier frequency and the signal level have to be
specified.
With this information, the tool calculates:
all output levels,
the random noise distortion signal being the sum the cumulative thermal noise gen-
erated by the amplifiers and the 2
nd
and 3
rd
order broadband intermodulation prod-
ucts,
and the 2
nd
and 3
rd
order narrow band intermodulation products (Composite Cluster
Beats).
FP7 -217014


Figure 10 Schematic diagram of system performance calculations

For the narrowband interference of analogue services associated with the 2
nd
and 3
rd
order
composite beats, the appropriate definitions as specified in the IEC 60728-1 (paragraphs 4.3
and 5.9.3) are used, including the video weighting functions. A description of the tool can be
found in the December 2008 issue of the Broadband magazine
17
As an illustration of the tool, we show a part of the spectrum (200 250 MHz) of the signal
delivered at the system outlet in
.

Figure 11. This illustration is obtained for a simulation of a cascade with a load of FM radio,
PAL TV, DVB-C and DVB-C2 signals.

Figure 11 Sample of the signal at the system
outlet of a cascade as obtained from UTOPIC.
The figure shows a number of PAL channels,
showing the carrier, the (modeled) video signal
and FM audio signal of each channel separately.
In addition the random noise (thermal noise gen-
erated by the amplifiers + the broadband inter-
modulation products associated with the digital
carriers) and the composite cluster beats gener-
ated by the intermodulation of PAL signals are
indicated.

Figure 12 and Figure 13 provides some further illustration of the UTOPIC tool. It shows the
signal levels of the FM, PAL, DVB-C and DVB-C2 carriers, of the random noise distortion
signals and of the narrow band composite cluster beats.

17
Jeroen Boschma, UTOPIC, a new RF planning tool for cable networks, Broadband, Vol. 30, Issue 3,
December 2008.
System Performance
signal output level
SNR
CINR
(BER)
Specification Components
Lasers
Optical nodes
Amplifiers
Specification Network:
Topology
Coaxial cables
Branching/splitting
.
Specification Load
PAL (f, signal level)
DVB-C (f, signal level)
DVB-C2 (f, signal level)
FM (f, signal level)
System
Performance
Calculation
System Performance
signal output level
SNR
CINR
(BER)
Specification Components
Lasers
Optical nodes
Amplifiers
Specification Network:
Topology
Coaxial cables
Branching/splitting
.
Specification Load
PAL (f, signal level)
DVB-C (f, signal level)
DVB-C2 (f, signal level)
FM (f, signal level)
System
Performance
Calculation
PAL Carrier + Video
PAL Audio (FM)
Random Noise
Composite Cluster Beats
PAL Carrier + Video
PAL Audio (FM)
Random Noise
FP7 -217014

Figure 12 Full spectrum at the output port of a trunk amplifier of a cascade with a load of 25 FM radio channels,
20 PAL, 30 DVB-C and 43 DVB-C2. In black and red, the random noise (thermal noise and broadband intermodu-
lation products) and the narrowband composite cluster beats are shown. The spectrum shows the slope needed
to compensate the higher attenuation for higher frequencies. The signal levels in dBV refer to the level as meas-
ured with a spectrum analyzer with 300 kHz band width resolution. Thus the real DVB-C and DVB-C2 levels are
about 14 dB higher than shown in the figure.

Figure 13 Full spectra at the system outlet of a cascade with a load of 25 FM radio channels, 20 PAL, 30 DVB-C
and 43 DVB-C2. In black and red, the random noise (thermal noise and broadband intermodulation products) and
the narrowband composite cluster beats are shown. The left figure shows a simulation in case of a low DVB-C2
signal level, the right figure for a high DVB-C2 level. For the high DVB-C2 signal level, a 20 dB increase of the
random noise level is observed. This increase reflects the enhanced intermodulation of the DVB-C2 carriers. In
contrast, the composite cluster beats remain the same because the PAL and FM signal levels are not changed.

3.2.2 Simulation of the impact of the DVB-C2 signal level
For FM radio, analogue TV and DVB-C signals, the required signal level is well established.
Although conceivable technological tuner improvements could allow some reduction of these
0 500 1000
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
MHz
d
B
V

ATV
SATV
QAM
FM
Carrier
IM2+IM3
Noise
0 500 1000
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
MHz
d
B
V

ATV
SATV
QAM
FM
Carrier
IM2+IM3
Noise
PAL
FM
DVB-C
DVB-C2
PAL
FM
DVB-C
DVB-C2
Random Noise
Random Noise
0 500 1000
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
MHz
d
B
V

ATV
SATV
QAM
FM
Carrier
IM2+IM3
Noise
0 500 1000
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
MHz
d
B
V

ATV
SATV
QAM
FM
Carrier
IM2+IM3
Noise
PAL
FM
DVB-C
DVB-C2
PAL
FM
DVB-C
DVB-C2
Random Noise
Random Noise
Random Noise
Random Noise
20
40
60
80
100
0 200 MHz 600 MHz 800 MHz
S
i
g
n
a
l

L
e
v
e
l

d
B
V
400 MHz
PAL DVB-C DVB-C2 FM
20
40
60
80
100
0 200 MHz 600 MHz 800 MHz
S
i
g
n
a
l

L
e
v
e
l

d
B
V
400 MHz
20
40
60
80
100
0 200 MHz 600 MHz 800 MHz
S
i
g
n
a
l

L
e
v
e
l

d
B
V
400 MHz
PAL DVB-C DVB-C2 FM PAL DVB-C DVB-C2 FM
FP7 -217014

signal levels, we should not anticipate for such a reduction in thus study. Instead we will as-
sume that an operator will offer a larger signal level. This approach provides a build-in ro-
bustness of the simulations.
Operators are all anticipating a gradual reduction of the analogue service offer to provide
room for more digital services, and as such the studies should cover this development.
Considering the known signal levels for FM, analogue TV and DVB-C services and the forth-
coming reduction of the analogue TV offering, we have arranged the studies as follows:
four representative networks were specified
three different network loads were specified:
o mixed analogue and DVB-C (reference load)
o mixed analogue, DVB-C and DVB-C2
o all digital, DVB-C and DVB-C2
the reference scenario provides a programming check and reference values for the
signal quality
for the scenarios with a DVB-C2 load, the DVB-C2 signal level was stepwise in-
creased and the CINR (carrier-to intermodulation and noise ratio) for the analogue,
DVB-C and Signal to Noise Ratio of the DVB-C and DVB-C2 signals were calculated.
The FM, analogue TV and DVB-C2 signal levels were fixed. Thus, this calculation
shows the impact of the DVB-C2 carriers on the services.

As said, in the approach that we have followed, we have calculated the SNR
DVB-C2
curve as-
suming a channel load with constant signal levels for the FM, PAL and DVB-C carriers, but a
gradually increasing DVB-C2 signal level. These simulations yield the SNR
DVB-C2
curves as
shown in . From these curves, the maximum signal level can be established that can be used
for DVB-C2. An operator should apply a signal level below the level associated with the max-
imum of the SNR
DVB-C2
curve.

3.2.3 Match between simulation and reality
In a preceding study, we have studied the quantitative nature of the intermodulation pheno-
menon. Amongst others, we have compared the measured SNR of a digital carrier and the
simulated SNR. For the simulations we used a component model comprising the 2nd and 3rd
order non-linear behavior. The weighting functions to describe this 2nd and 3rd order non
linear behavior were obtained from a standard CENELEC CSO/CTB measurement with a
load of 42 unmodulated carriers. After specification, the same amplifier was exposed to a
composite load of 96 DVB-C carriers. The carrier signal level was gradually increased and
for three frequencies (120 MHz (f1), 416 MHz (f2) and 854,5 (f3) MHz, we measured the
SNR curves. With the use of the specification of the 2nd and 3rd order non-linear behavior,
we calculated the SNR curves for a digital load of 96 carriers and for the frequencies f1, f2
and f3. The results of the measurement and of the simulation are plotted together in Figure
14. For different components, we performed the same measurement and simulation, with a
similar result. As discussed in Deliverable D10, the simulation using a model limited to 2nd
and 3rd order intermodulation, systematically yields a too low estimation of the distortion sig-
nal level. Further analysis revealed that for digital systems, the 5th order non-linear products
dominate the degradation of the SNR of the component, and not the 2nd or 3rd order prod-
ucts.

FP7 -217014

Output level (dB)
0 10 20
Hybrid 1
S
N
R
(
d
B
)
measurement
simulation
Output level (dB)
0 10 20
Hybrid 1
S
N
R
(
d
B
)
measurement
simulation
Output level (dB)
0 10 20 0 10 20
Hybrid 1
S
N
R
(
d
B
)
measurement
simulation
measurement
simulation

Figure 14 Comparison of measured and pre-
dicted SNR for three frequencies. This figure is
taken from the ReDeSign Deliverable D10, Me-
thodology for Specifying HFC Networks and
Components.

Apart from an explanation we have so far not developed an appropriate solution. Therefore,
we will follow the most practical approach. From Figure 14 we can read that the simulation
provides an under estimation of the maximum of the SNR curves. It shows that the measured
and simulated SNR curves start deviating at a DVB-C2 carrier level of 4 dB beneath the car-
rier level that corresponds to the maximum SNR of the simulated curve. In all cases, this 4
dB back-off with reference to the carrier level related to the maximum SNR of the simulated
curve provides a safe margin for the performance degradation associated with the 5th order
non-linear behavior. Therefore, we should apply this 4 dB margin to any simulated SNR
curve based on a component model limited to 2nd and 3rd order non-linear behavior.

In summary, we propose a technical approach as follows. Four representative networks and
three representative network loads are defined. For the combination of the networks and
loads, the SNR
DVB-C2
curves are calculated. From these curves, we have extracted the toler-
able signal level for DVB-C2, taking a 4 dB margin into account. In the following subsection
we will discuss the networks and network loads in more detail.

3.3 Network and network load scenarios
3.3.1 Network scenarios
Since the results and conclusions of this ReDeSign study should reflect the European cable
networks, it is most crucial to use representative networks that cover somehow the range of
European networks. In the ReDeSign Deliverable 6, the Reference Architectures Report, we
have specified a number of coaxial architectures. However, because of the large variation in
coaxial architectures found in Europe, these reference architectures specify ranges for net-
work parameters. The reference architectures lacked sufficiently specified network figures
that could be used in the calculation. Therefore, we have sought a close cooperation with
some cable operators that were willing to share their network information with the ReDeSign
project. Since the information is confidential, we only provide an anonymous summary of the
cascades.
The reference architecture or reference cascade specifies the worst-case cascades that can
be found in the real network. It specifies the node and all the amplifiers and the maximum
signal attenuation between two subsequent amplifiers or between the end amplifier and the
customer wall outlet. When building a network, the reference architecture is projected or
mapped on the geographical topology in terms of streets, homes, railways, rivers etc of a
neighborhood. This projecting or mapping yields the detail topological network lay out in
terms of the sites of the optical node and the amplifiers, the number of sub-branches fed by a

FP7 -217014

node or amplifier and the length of the coaxial cable connecting the node with the first am-
plifiers, the following consecutive amplifiers and the end amplifier with the customer outlet.
Because of the above process of mapping the reference cascade, each home connection will
be unique. As a rule, the signal loss between two consecutive amplifiers, or between the end
amplifier and the customer wall outlet will be less than specified by the reference architec-
ture. As a result, the quality of the signal delivered at the customer wall outlet will be better
than the signal quality of the reference architecture, or at least equal. The reference architec-
ture thus specifies the worst-case home connection. All home connections will have a signal
with a quality equal or better than that of the reference cascade.

Figure 15 Specification of coaxial cascade. The gain and loss values indicated in the figure are cho-
sen arbitrary.

For the studies we have used four reference cascades with a different number of amplifiers:
an optical node with respectively 2, 4, 5 and 15 amplifiers. Each section encompasses an
amplifier (or the node) and the coaxial network connecting to the subsequent amplifier or to
the customer wall outlet.

Table 8 Summary of the ReDeSign Reference Cascades used in this study.

Node + 2 Amplifiers Section 1 Section 2 Section 3
U
CS0=-60dBc
/ U
CTB=-60dBc
110 107 107
Loss @ 862 MHz 30 30 30
Node + 4 Amplifiers Section 1 Section 2-4 Section 5
U
CS0=-60dBc
/ U
CTB=-60dBc
113 110 100
Loss @ 862 MHz 32 32 19
Node + 5 Amplifiers Section 1 Section 2-5 Section 6
U
CS0=-60dBc
/ U
CTB=-60dBc
110? 115 104
Loss @ 862 MHz 22 28 30
Node + 15 Amplifiers Section 1 Section 2-11 Section 13-16
U
CS0=-60dBc
/ U
CTB=-60dBc
113 115 113
Loss @ 862 MHz 29 29 36

30 dB 30 dB 30 dB 30 dB -30 dB -30 dB -30 dB
30 dB 30 dB 40 dB -30 dB - 40 dB
system
outlet
system
inlet
+ slope + slope + slope
+ slope + slope
30 dB 30 dB 30 dB 30 dB -30 dB -30 dB -30 dB
30 dB 30 dB 40 dB -30 dB - 40 dB
system
outlet
system
inlet
+ slope + slope
Section
30 dB 30 dB 30 dB 30 dB -30 dB -30 dB -30 dB
30 dB 30 dB 40 dB -30 dB - 40 dB
system
outlet
system
inlet
+ slope + slope
30 dB 30 dB 30 dB 30 dB -30 dB -30 dB -30 dB
30 dB 30 dB 40 dB -30 dB - 40 dB
system
outlet
system
inlet
+ slope + slope
Section
FP7 -217014

Figure 15 shows a cascade of a number of sections. For each section the following figures
were specified:
Node/amplifier:
o Noise figure
o Worst case CSO and CTB values as specified in the IEC 60728
Coaxial part of the segment:
o Maximum branching loss associated with splitters or multitaps as specified by
the reference cascade
o Maximum coaxial loss at the frequencies of 200 MHz and 862 MHz as speci-
fied by the reference cascade.
Table 8 gives a summary of the 4 reference cascades used in this study. This specification is
not complete, but it gives an indication of the cascades.
3.3.2 Network load scenarios
Next, in Table 9 we have specified the network loads that we have used for the simulations.
In all cases we used a load of 93 equidistant channels of 8 MHz for PAL, DVB-C or DVB-C2
channels. As a rule, the PAL channels were placed at the low frequency side, the DVB C2
channels at the high frequency and the DVB-C channels in the middle. In addition, the load
included 25 FM radio channels located in the 87 108,5 MHz FM band.
Throughout the simulations, the same signal levels delivered to the customer wall outlet for
FM radio, PAL TV and DVB-C were used. In contrast, the signal level of the DVB-C2 carriers
was varied over a large range. As shown in the table, a DVB-C signal level with a 4 dB back-
off with reference to the PAL carrier level was used. Similarly, a 10 dB back off was applied
for the FM signal level.

Table 9 ReDeSign network load, signal levels and cumulative digital capacity

Network Load
Frequen-
cy edge
Digital Capacity
Scenario FM PAL
DVB-C
256
QAM
DVB-
C2
DVB-C2
1024 QAM
DVB-C2
4096 QAM
Reference 25 40 53 - 865 MHz 2,7 2,7
Scenario A 25 20 30 43 865 MHz 4,5 5,1
Scenario B 25 0 15 78 865 MHz 6,2 7,3
Signal level @
outlet dBV
59 69 65 50 - 80

The simulations were configured such that a flat spectrum was delivered at the customer wall
outlet. Similarly, a flat spectrum was delivered to the input port of each amplifier of the cas-
cade. To this end, a sloped amplifier gain was applied which results in a sloped output spec-
trum with carrier levels that gradually increase for higher frequencies.
An absolute PAL signal level of 69 dBV was chosen, which is somewhat higher than usually
delivered by the operators. However, one should note that this value refers to the level at the
input port of the wall outlet, so, at the TV output socket a 3 dB weaker signal will be deli-
vered.
FP7 -217014


3.4 Network signal quality parameters

With the aid of the UTOPIC tool, we calculated the levels and quality of all the signals as
delivered at the system outlet, for the cascades specified in paragraph 3.3.1 in combination
with the loads given in paragraph 3.3.2. The tool calculates the cumulative thermal noise
generated by all amplifiers and all 2
nd
and 3
rd
order intermodulation products. The non-linear
distortion products generated by intermodulation of analogue signals (composite beats) on
the one hand, and those generated by intermodulation of digital carriers or of a digital carrier
with an analogue carrier on the other hand, are accounted separately because of their differ-
ent nature. The first, intermodulation between two or more analogue carriers produces the
well known narrowband composite cluster beats. Such narrowband distortions interfere with
the PAL video signal, thus generating an unwanted hatching of the video picture. In contrast,
distortion products generated by intermodulation of digital carriers or of a digital carrier with
an analogue signal resemble broadband random noise. Because of this, the signal power of
the thermal noise of the amplifiers and of these broadband intermodulation products are
summed, and presented as a single random noise distortion level. Thus the UTOPIC tool
calculates the composite cluster beat level and the random noise signal level. Figure 12 and
Figure 13 show the spectrum of such a simulation of a cascade with a load of 25 FM chan-
nels, 40 analogue TV channels and 53 DVB-C carriers, applying a 300 kHz simulation reso-
lution.

Inspection of Figure 12 and Figure 13 teaches that the signal quality of the different PAL and
digital carriers varies from carrier to carrier. For practical reasons related to handling this fre-
quency dependency, we will define a single-valued worst-case signal quality figures for each
of the signals. In Table 10 we have listed the terms and definitions of the signal quality para-
meters calculated by UTOPIC.

Table 10 Terms and Definitions signal quality parameters
PAL signals
Carrier-to-Noise Ration CNR
PAL
Worst-case ratio of the carrier level and random noise
level all PAL signals as measured following IEC 60728-
1 p 4.6
Composite Intermodu-
lation Noise Ratio
CINR
PAL
Worst-case ratio of the carrier level and the composite
beats level of all PAL signals as measured following
IEC 60728-1 p 4.5.3
Digital signals
Signal-to-Noise Ratio SNR
DVB-C
SNR
DVB-C2

Worst-case ratio of the signal level and the random
noise level of all digital signals as measured following
IEC 60728-1 p 4.11.4

In the simulations, the DVB-C2 signal level is varied. For each DVB-C2 signal level, the out-
put spectra of the signals and noise and intermodulation products are calculated, and the
worst-case values of the CNR
PAL
, CINR
PAL
and SNR
DVB-C
and SNR
DVB-C2
are calculated. Next
the impact of the DVB-C2 level is visualized by plotting these quality parameters.

FP7 -217014


3.5 Results

3.5.1 Scenario A (mixed load)
To warrant a proper delivery of all cable services, all following requirements of Table 6
should be met. In the following we will present and discuss the signal quality for the different
cascades with a mixed load (Scenario A). We will successively consider the DVB-C2 signal
level, the SNR
DVB-C2
, the CNR
PAL
and the CINR
PAL
. For network load scenario A with 43 DVB-
C2 channels (see Table 9), we calculated the SNR
DVB-C2
in case of the four specified refer-
ence cascades (see Table 8).

In
DVB-C2 signal level
Figure 16 we show the SNR
DVB-C2
curves. All curves reveal the onset of the generation of
2
nd
and 3
rd
order intermodulation products. The DVB-C2 signal level of the cascades show a
clear quantitative differences with a somewhat lower signal level for the cascade with 5 am-
plifiers (red curve) and the highest signal level for the cascade with 4 amplifiers (bleu curve).
For the cascade with 5 amplifiers, the maximum SNR
DVB-C2
is found for a DVB-C2 signal level
of 67 dBV. As discussed in paragraph 3.2.3, we have to account for the fact that the degra-
dation is caused by the 5
th
order non-linear behavior whereas the curves only include the
generation of 2
nd
and 3
rd
order intermodulation products. As discussed in paragraph 3.2.3, a
4 dB correction should be applied as an additional margin. For the cascade with 5 amplifiers
(red curve), the maximum DVB-C2 signal level thus becomes 63 dBV. Since this value is
substantially more than the minimum signal level for 4096 QAM (58 dBV) we can conclude
that DVB-C2 with 4096 QAM modulation can be deployed in this cascade.

Figure 16 SNR
DVB-C2
vs. DVB-C2 carrier level at the input port of the wall outlet for all reference cas-
cades of Table 8 and for a load of 25 FM channels, 20 PAL channels, 30 DVB-C channels and 43
40
45
50
55
60
50 55 60 65 70 75 80
DVB-C2 Carrier Level (dBV)
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
Node + 2 Amps
Node + 4 Amps
Node + 5 Amps
Node + 15 Amps
4096 QAM
1024 QAM
40
45
50
55
60
50 55 60 65 70 75 80
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
Node + 2 Amps
Node + 4 Amps
Node + 5 Amps
Node + 15 Amps
4096 QAM
1024 QAM
4096 QAM
1024 QAM
4 dB 4 dB
FP7 -217014

DVB-C2 channels as specified in Table 9. In the figure we have indicated the DVB-C2 sensitivity limits
for 1024 QAM and 4096 QAM modulation from Table 7 and the 4dB margin as discussed in paragraph
3.2.3
The three remaining cascades all support higher DVB-C2 signal levels than the cascade with
5 amplifiers. Therefore, we can conclude that all four reference cascades can provide a suffi-
cient DVB-C2 signal level for the 4096 QAM modulation mode.
For DVB-C2 4096 QAM modulation, a minimum SNR of 35 dB is needed.
DVB-C2 Signal-to-noise ratio
Figure 16 shows
that this SNR
DVBC-2
is met for all signal levels.

The CNR
PAL
will be affected by the broadband intermodulation products generated at a high
DVB-C2 signal level. For higher DVB-C2 signal levels, the broadband intermodulation prod-
ucts of the digital carriers will gradually exceed the thermal noise. This effect is also shown in
PAL Carrier-to-noise ratio
Figure 13. In Figure 17 we show the effect for the different cascades. Because of the large
number of amplifiers, the worst CNR
PAL
is found for the cascade of the node with 15 amplifi-
ers. In the figure, both the minimum DVB-C2 signal level and the IEC 60728-1 CNR
PAL
re-
quirement are shown. The result shows that in the operational DVB-C2 signal level range,
the CNR
PAL
requirement is not violated.
Figure 17 Degradation of the PAL Carrier-to-Noise Ratio (CNR
PAL
). Since intermodulation of digital
carriers generates broadband random noise, the CNR
PAL
will degrade with increasing DVB-C2 signal
level. The IEC 60728-1 standard specifies a 44 dB CNRPAL requirement, as indicated in the figure.
The result shows that for these cascades the CNR
PAL
requirement is not violated for DVB-C2 levels up
to say 6 dB above the 4096 QAM minimum level.

To conclude, we have to verify the composite cluster beat levels.
PAL Composite Intermodulation Noise Ratio
Figure 13 demonstrates the
effect of raising the DVB-C2 signal level on the composite cluster beats. Comparison of the
spectra for a low DVB-C2 signal level (left window) and a high DVB-C2 level (right window)
teaches that the composite cluster beats are not affected at all. Although this may appear
awkward and against once expectations, it is correct. The explanation is rather simple. Only
35
45
55
65
50 55 60 65 70 75 80
C
I
N
R
P
A
L

(
d
B
)
Node + 2 Amps
Node + 4 Amps
Node + 5 Amps
Node + 15 Amps
4096 QAM
IEC 60728
C
N
R
P
A
L
(
d
B
)
35
45
55
65
50 55 60 65 70 75 80
C
I
N
R
P
A
L

(
d
B
)
Node + 2 Amps
Node + 4 Amps
Node + 5 Amps
Node + 15 Amps
4096 QAM
IEC 60728
C
N
R
P
A
L
(
d
B
)
FP7 -217014

the intermodulation of the analogue signals, and in particular of the PAL carrier, contributes
to the composite cluster beats. Raising the DVB-C2 level raises the overall level of the inter-
modulation products; however, only the level of broadband intermodulation products increas-
es, and not the level of the narrow band cluster beats. Therefore, we can conclude that the
phenomenon of composite cluster beat generation is isolated from the digital carriers. Only
raising the signal level of the analogue signals or changing the number of analogue signals
will affect the composite cluster beats level.
From the above, we can conclude that the CINR
PAL
should be reduced upon the reduction of
the analogue package. Figure 18 shows the CINR
PAL
levels for the different cascades for the
reference load with 40 PAL channels and for the mixed load of scenario A with 20 PAL chan-
nels. In all cases an improved CINR is found upon the reduction of the analogue package.

Figure 18 Impact of the network load on
the composite intermodulation noise ratio
of the PAL signal (CINR
PAL
). The red bars
indicate the CINR
PAL
for the reference load
including the 40 PAL channels. In blue we
show the CINRPAL for the mixed load of
scenario A. In addition, the IEC-60728-1
requirement is indicated. The figure shows
an overall improvement of the CINRPAL
due to the reduction of the analogue
package from 40 to 20 channels.

In summary, the simulations show that in the four cascades with the load of scenario A, the
cascade can provide a DVB-C2 signal level needed for 4096 QAM modulation without any
harmful interference to the PAL, DVB-C and DVB-C2 services. Apparently, 4096 QAM can
be deployed in all these networks.
In the above study, we considered the replacement of a substantial number of PAL and DVB-
C channels by DVB-C2 channels. An operator will consider this a huge change. Likely, he
will prefer a more gradual change, replacing a single carrier at a time, or a few at most. A
straightforward way to look at this issue is, whether or not he can replace an analogue chan-
nel or a DVB-C channel by a DVB-C2 channel.
Our analysis shows that in case of the four cascades, DVB-C2 can be deployed at a signal
level at least up to 63 dBV. In three of the four cascades an even a higher DVB-C2 level
can be delivered; however, already 63 dBV is 5 dB above the minimum level as specified in
3.1. As such, 63 dBV can be considered as a robust signal level. In our scenario, we have
assumed a 65 dBV level for the DVB-C carriers, see Table 9. Therefore one may replace a
DVB-C carrier by DVB-C2 without negatively affecting the distortion signal levels. Next, we
shall briefly consider the replacement of a PAL channel. In the scenarios we used a PAL
carrier level of 69 dBV at the network side port of the customer wall outlet. This 69 dBV
carrier level corresponds with a signal level of 63 dBV of the time-averaged PAL signal.
Replacement of a PAL channel by a DVB-C2 carrier with a signal level of 63 dBV thus ap-
pears neutral from the viewpoint of the power budget. However, the reduction of the analo-
gue package will yield somewhat lower composite cluster beat levels whereas an increase of
the number of digital carriers will result in a slightly higher level of the broadband intermodu-
lation products. Stated differently, some intermodulation signal power is moved from the clus-
ter beats to the broadband random noise. For the cascade composed of the node and 5 am-
plifiers, such an increased level of the broadband intermodulation products could be unac-
20 PAL (Scenario A; mixed load)
40 PAL (Reference scenario)
+ 2 Ampl + 4 Ampl + 5 Ampl + 15 Ampl Node
60
50
70
C
I
N
R
P
A
L
(
d
b
V
)
IEC
60728
20 PAL (Scenario A; mixed load)
40 PAL (Reference scenario)
+ 2 Ampl + 4 Ampl + 5 Ampl + 15 Ampl Node
60
50
70
C
I
N
R
P
A
L
(
d
b
V
)
IEC
60728
FP7 -217014

ceptable, because the system already operates at the maximum tolerable signal level for
DVB-C2.
3.5.2 Scenario B (All digital)
Like for the mixed analogue digital scenario A, we have calculated the SNR
DVB-C2
curves for
the all-digital scenario B. In scenario B, 15 DVB-C channels and 20 PAL channels are re-
placed by an additional 35 DVB-C2 carriers. The time averaged signal level of a PAL carrier
is about 6 dB less than the PAL carrier level. As such, at a DVB-C2 signal level of 63 dBV,
the composite signal level of the network loads A and B are approximately equal. For a high-
er DVB-C2 signal level, the network will carry a larger composite signal power. Therefore, for
a high DVB-C2 signal level, the cumulative signal load of the network will increase. Asso-
ciated with this increased network load, an enhanced intermodulation can be expected. In
Figure 19 we show the SNR
DVB-C2
curves for all four cascades. In grey, we have indicated the
curves for the network load of scenario A. As argued, an enhanced level of intermodulation is
seen for the higher DVB-C2 signal levels.

Figure 19 SNR
DVB-C2
curves in case of the all-digital scenario (B) at the input port of the wall outlet for
all reference cascades of Table 8 and for a load as specified in Table 9. In the figure we have indi-
cated the DVB-C2 sensitivity limits for 1024 QAM and 4096 QAM modulation from Table 7 and the 4
dB margin as discussed in paragraph 3.2.3. The grey lines show the SNR
DVB-C2
curves for the load of
scenario A with 20 analogue TV channels with a 69 dBV carrier level.

For all cascades, the maximum DVB-C2 signal level that the network can support is reduced.
When applying the 4 dB margin, it shows that in case of the cascade with 5 amplifiers the
minimum and maximum DVB-C2 signal levels are coincide: 4096 QAM modulation appears
possible, but the network is loaded up to the maximum. The network load is critical, and
there is a serious doubt whether the 4096 modulation mode will perform satisfactory in this
cascade. The 3 other cascades can support a substantially larger DVB-C2 signal level; there
still is a sufficient margin to warrant a proper performance of the DVB-C2 4096 QAM mode.
40
45
50
55
60
50 55 60 65 70 75 80
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
Node + 2 Amps
Node + 4 Amps
Node + 5 Amps
Node + 15 Amps
4096 QAM
1024 QAM
40
45
50
55
60
50 55 60 65 70 75 80
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
Node + 2 Amps
Node + 4 Amps
Node + 5 Amps
Node + 15 Amps
4096 QAM
1024 QAM
4096 QAM
1024 QAM
4 dB 4 dB
FP7 -217014

The cascade with 5 amplifiers misses a sufficient power budget to warrant the 4096 QAM
modulation in case of the all-digital load. Inspection of Table 8 shows that the 6
th
section of
this cascade combines a large attenuation (30 dB) with a low amplifier output power (104
dBV). Likely, the limited DVB-C2 signal level is associated with this 6
th
section.
Assuming that the four cascades are representative for the European networks, the results
are rather encouraging for DVB-C2. The results entail a wide applicability of the 4096 QAM
mode in European cable networks.
3.5.3 Impact analysis
As a rule, the network(s) of any European operator will not exactly match with the reference
cascades studied here, and summarized in Table 8. Clearly, simulation of all reference cas-
cades is an impossible task, beyond the time and budget limitation of the ReDeSign project.
Nevertheless, to assists operators with the question whether or not their network may, or
may not, support 4096 QAM modulation, we have made a limited impact analysis of the most
relevant network parameters. In brief, we have studied the effect of:
A lower PAL carrier level of 63.8 dBV and 66.8 dBV instead of 68.8 dBV,
A 6 dB higher output power of all amplifiers in the reference cascade with 2 amplifi-
ers, 113 dBV instead of 107 dBV,
And a 3 dB reduced attenuation (@ 862 MHz) of the coaxial part of each segment of
the reference cascade with 4 amplifiers.
In Figure 20 and Figure 21 we summarize the result of the above studies.
Figure 20 Impact of a lower PAL carrier level for a cascade of 15 amplifiers and a network load of
scenario A.

The effect of a lower PAL carrier level is shown In Figure 20. When reducing the PAL carrier
level, one would expect that the signal power thus relieved from the analogue TV signals
would contribute to a higher DVB-C2 maximum signal level. However, the figure shows that
the maximum of the SNR
DVB-C2
curves does not shift to a higher DVB-C2 signal level. One
only observes a modest increase of the SNR value. Although the result doesnt match with
ones first expectation, it appears completely logic. The time-averaged power level of a PAL
signal is about 6 dB less than the PAL carrier level. Therefore, a 69 dBV PAL carrier level
represents only 63 dBV signal level. Moreover, the network load comprises 20 PAL carriers
next to 43 DVB-C2 carriers. Given these figures, the signal power of the PAL signals is neg-
ligible for a DVB-C2 signal level of 65 dBV and larger. Therefore, when reducing the PAL
40
45
50
55
60
50 55 60 65 70 75
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
PAL 69.8 dBV
PAL 66.8 dBV
PAL 63.8 dBV
FP7 -217014

carrier level, the SNR
DVB-C2
curve will not shift to higher DVB-C2 levels. However, reduction
the PAL carrier levels yields a reduced intermodulation of analogue and digital carriers, and a
reduction of the broadband intermodulation noise. This reduction of the broadband intermo-
dulation products explains the improved SNR
DVB-C2
level.

Figure 21 Impact of the amplifiers maximum output power level as specified by a CENELEC mea-
surement with 42 unmodulated carriers and of the coaxial attenuation per segment respectively for the
reference cascade with 2 amplifiers and the reference cascade with 4 amplifiers.
To conclude we have assessed the effect of a higher maximum amplifier output power level
and of a reduced attenuation per section of the cascade. In agreement with ones expecta-
tions, both an increased amplifier maximum output power and a reduced attenuation of the
coaxial networks interconnecting the consecutive amplifiers provides a higher DVB-C2 signal
level without increasing the power associated with the intermodulation products. This results
in a shift of the point of maximum SNR
DVB-C2
to a higher DVB-C2 signal level and a higher
SNR
DVB-C2
value, along the line with slope 1. Such a shift agrees with the simulations of Fig-
ure 21.

These results show that replacement of the amplifiers is the most straightforward solution to
raise the maximum DVB-C2 signal level. Therefore, operators with a network which does not
support a sufficiently high DVB-C2 carrier level should consider the replacement of the am-
plifiers. Moreover, operators that currently or in the near-future face replacement of their am-
plifiers should take into account the issue of a sufficient maximum output power as well.

3.6 Summary and conclusion

From the viewpoint of future network capacity, it is most crucial to know the maximum DVB-
C2 signal level that can be applied without degrading the quality of the analogue TV, the
DVB-C and DVB-C2 signals. Dependent on this maximum DVB-C2 level, the 4096 QAM
modulation can be used, or not. In this chapter we have studied the issues of signal level,
signal quality and maximum modulation scheme.
To obtain realistic data, the studies were performed in close collaboration with a number of
cable operators, using network data from their networks. The studies comprised four net-
works with cascades of a node and 2, 4, 5 and 15 amplifiers respectively. The coaxial parts
40
45
50
55
60
60 65 70 75 80
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
High power
Low power
Low power (107 dBV)
High power (113 dBV)
40
45
50
55
60
60 65 70 75 80 85
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
Reference Architecture - 3dB per section
Reference Architecture
Reference Architecture 3dB per section
40
45
50
55
60
60 65 70 75 80
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
High power
Low power
Low power (107 dBV)
40
45
50
55
60
60 65 70 75 80
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
High power
Low power
Low power (107 dBV)
40
45
50
55
60
60 65 70 75 80 85
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
40
45
50
55
60
60 65 70 75 80 85
S
N
R
D
V
B
-
C
2

(
d
B
)
FP7 -217014

and the amplifiers were completely specified, including noise and CSO/CTB figures of the
latter. Three network loads were studies:
a mixed analogue and DVB-C scenario (40 PAL and 53 DVB-C 256 QAM),
For the second and third scenario, we calculated the signal quality parameters like SNR for
the digital carriers and CNR and CINR for the PAL signals as a function of the DVB-C2 signal
level.
These calculations showed that in case of the load scenario of 20 PAL, 30 DVB-C and 43
DVB-C2 signals, DVB-C2 4096 QAM modulation can de used in all four networks. In case of
the all digital scenario with 25 DVB-C and 78 DVB-C2 carriers, three out of the four networks
could allow the use of DVB-C2 4096 QAM modulation. This result suggests that DVB-C2
4096 QAM modulation can be applied in many European HFC networks; however, not in all
networks.
For operators whose networks cannot support DVB-C2 4096 modulation, it is of interest to
know which parameters affect the maximum DVB-C2 signal that can be used. Therefore, we
have studied the impact of i) the PAL carrier level, ii) the maximum amplifier output power
and iii) the signal attenuation associated by the coaxial segments interconnecting the am-
plifiers. These results show that a lower PAL carrier level has only a limited positive effect on
the maximum DVB-C2 signal level. Replacement of the amplifiers by ones with a 3 dB or 6
dB higher maximum output power has a substantial positive effect, as surmised. Similarly,
DVB-C2 signal level can be increased when reducing the attenuation of the coaxial parts.
When necessary, replacement of the amplifiers has to be considered as the best solution to
prepare HFC networks for DVB-C2 4096 QAM deployment.

FP7 -217014

4 Summary and Conclusion
According to the early concept of the cable distribution network, the customer should be able
to connect his terrestrial receivers directly with the cable network. This completely legitimate
and logical requirement has shaped the HFC frequency plan. With the advent of digital
transmission technologies, this linkage of the cable frequency plan to the terrestrial fre-
quency plan has become obsolete; however, most of the transmission systems still respect
the historical HFC frequency plan. A major disadvantage of the current frequency plan is the
upstream band which is limited to 65 MHz. This frequency limitation is associated with the
conservation with the FM radio band (87,5 108 MHz).
In this study we have reconsidered the use of the HFC spectrum assuming that in the all digi-
tal era all historical restrictions can be abolished thus allowing an operator to redefine the
frequency plan according to his needs, with an appropriate balance between up and down
stream spectrum.
Considering the outcome of the studies, we have to conclude that operators are still strongly
bonded to the existing frequency design of the cable networks and to the terrestrial use of
the ether. Therefore, a complete redefinition of the frequency plan appears not possible.
Transmission capacity is determined not only by the available frequency spectrum, but by the
applicable carrier signal and distortion signal level as well. Therefore, we have analyzed the
possibilities to expand the upstream and downstream capacity from the integral viewpoint of
available spectrum, the possible signal level and the distortion signal level.
In principle, the frequency plan should be defined to maximize the total upstream and down-
stream network transmission capacity in a balanced manner, as demanded by the market.
However, as elaborated in the report, a complete abandonment of the historically defined
frequency plan appears impossible. The two primary reasons to conserve the existing fre-
quency plan are:
A majority of the cable operators foresees delivery of FM radio signals for at least a
full decade
There are many options to expand the downstream transmission capacity or to im-
plement capacity saving solutions. Because of this an expansion of the downstream
band beyond 865 MHz is rated the least.
Combining both observations fixates the current frequency plan almost completely.
Irrespective of this fixation of the frequency plan, we have studied the options to expand or to
maximize the upstream and downstream capacity.
Regarding the upstream capacity, the operator response on earlier ReDeSign network ques-
tionnaire reveals that in most cable networks the upstream band is not used efficiently. In
many networks the upstream band is yet not extended up to 65 MHz whereas ingress noise
levels prohibit the use of high (64 QAM) modulation schemes. In the report we provide a re-
view of the solutions to reduce the ingress noise. Operators should first resolve this problem
of ingress noise, possibly in combination with the extension of the upstream band up to 65
MHz, to maximize the upstream capacity and to warrant economical use of EuroDOCSIS
equipment. Having thus upgraded the upstream channel, they can keep track with the cus-
tomer capacity demand by adding more EuroDOCSIS channels and/or splitting the upstream
segments.
Next, once the above capacity expansion solution is exhausted, operators will face the chal-
lenge to expand the capacity beyond this level. The capacity of the 30 65 MHz band is fully
used, and operators are forced to find new spectrum for the upstream band, which requires a
substantial network upgrade. Basically, there are two options, extension of the 30 65 MHz
band to higher frequencies, or the creation of a new frequency band in the UHF band, be-
FP7 -217014

yond 865 MHz. The first option requires a solution to deliver FM radio to those customers
that use this service. In addition, the EuroDOCSIS technology has to be adapted. In the
DOCSIS specification, the upstream band is already extended to 85 MHz, so technically
there is no serious problem; however, operators do depend on the willingness of the manu-
facturers. Likely, the definition of a UHF return band is more promising. By using VHF-UHF
frequency converters placed in the network, investments and network adaptations can be
limited. This solution is shown in the figure below. In this option, the customer equipment still
transmits in the 30 65 MHz band and in the lower part of the coaxial network upstream sig-
nals are conveyed at these frequencies, but higher up in the network the 30 65 MHz sig-
nals are converted to a frequency beyond 950 MHz. This way, the upstream capacity can be
boosted by a factor of 10 or more, whereas it requires limited network adaptations and no
adaptation of the EuroDOCSIS equipment.
Figure: Architecture of a hybrid VHF / UHF return band solution
As pointed out above, operators are not specifically inclined to extend the downstream band
egde beyond 865 MHz because of the numerous ways to make a more efficient use of the
spectrum from 85 up to 865 MHz. At the level of the network layer, the replacement of
analogue signals by digital carriers and the deployment of DVB-C2 are the basic elements to
implement this approach. In the ReDeSign studies we have addressed a crucial issue of this
approach: the capability of the existing European HFC networks to support the DVB-C2 4096
QAM modulation mode. Application of this mode requires a high DVB-C2 signal level, and
the question is whether a sufficiently high signal level can be deployed without degradation of
the analogue TV, DVB-C and DVB-C2 signals by the distortion products (intermodulation
products) associated with the non-linear nature of the active components.
To warrant a realistic result, a number of operators provided data from their networks. Four
networks scenarios were studied with cascades of 2, 4, 5 and 15 amplifiers respectively. The
coaxial parts and the amplifiers were completely specified, including noise and non-linear
behavior of the latter. Three network loads included:
For these scenarios, we calculated the signal quality parameters like SNR for the digital car-
riers and CNR and CINR for the PAL signals as a function of the DVB-C2 signal level.
These calculations showed that in case of the mixed load scenario DVB-C2 4096 QAM mod-
ulation can de used in all four networks. In case of the all digital scenario, three out of the
four networks support the use of DVB-C2 4096 QAM modulation. This result suggests that
DVB-C2 4096 QAM modulation can be applied in many European HFC networks; however,
not in all networks.
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