Networking Channel Research Library

As the number and type of devices on a cable operator's network continues to expand, managing the firmware versions and revisions of these devices can become a cumbersome and error-prone process. When key firmware updates become available, you as the cable operator can either dedicate a large amount of staff time and resources to identify the affected devices within the network, then plan and execute the upgrade, or defer the upgrade until it bubbles up to become a service affecting issue. Neither alternative offers an efficient use of resources, especially among the myriad other day-to-day operations issues you face. Beyond the need to perform firmware upgrades for functional fixes and enhancements, even more pressing is the need to upgrade from DOCSIS 1.0 to 1.1. Performing these upgrades in an accurate, efficient manner is critical. If some of the modems get the wrong firmware image, then a truck roll is needed for each affected modems and there's no visibility to who's affected until customers start calling.