PacketCable is a CableLabs-led initiative that is aimed at developing interoperable interface specifications for delivering advanced, real-time multimedia services over two-way cable plant. Built on top of the industry's highly successful cable modem infrastructure, PacketCable networks use Internet protocol (IP) technology to enable a wide range of multimedia services, such as IP telephony, multimedia conferencing, interactive gaming, and general multimedia applications. Working with CableLabs member companies and technology suppliers, the PacketCable project addresses issues such as device interoperability and product compliance with the PacketCable specifications.

Cable operators will be able to offer a myriad of services, including basic and extended telephony services delivered more efficiently and at lower cost over the broadband cable access network. Consumers will be able to enjoy a variety of new services.

PacketCable is a CableLabs®-led initiative aimed at developing interoperable interface specifications for delivering advanced, real-time multimedia services over two-way cable plant. Built on top of the industry's highly successful DOCSIS® 1.1 cable modem infrastructure, PacketCable networks will use Internet protocol (IP) technology to enable a wide range of multimedia services, such as IP telephony, multimedia conferencing, interactive gaming, and general multimedia applications. Working with CableLabs member companies and technology suppliers, the PacketCable project will address issues such as device interoperability and product compliance with the PacketCable specifications.

The PacketCable effort was started in late 1997 when a team of CableLabs member cable operators identified the need for a real-time multimedia architecture to support the delivery of advanced services over the DOCSIS® 1.1 cable modem architecture. The PacketCable architecture needed to be robust and support several end-to-end functions including signaling for services, media transport at variable levels of Quality of Service, security, provisioning, billing, and other network management functions. Although several existing interface standards addressed various pieces of the architecture, a comprehensive and integrated end-to-end solution did not exist. The PacketCable project was created to identify existing and define new interface protocols that together would support the delivery of real-time multimedia services over the DOCSIS 1.1 cable modem architecture.

The PacketCable Team at CableLabs works with the PacketCable MSO business and MSO technical teams to identify requirements for the PacketCable architecture. The PacketCable specification development Focus Teams develop PacketCable interface specifications and technical reports based on these requirements. Once the interface specifications have been publicly released, they are incorporated into the PacketCable Compliance Testing Program. PacketCable Compliance Test Plan (CTP) Focus Teams are responsible for the development of the PacketCable test plans. The PacketCable Compliance Testing Program is accepting vendor product developed in accordance with the PacketCable specifications

The CableLabs® Certified™ Cable Modem project, also known as DOCSIS® (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification), defines interface requirements for cable modems involved in high-speed data distribution over cable television system networks (see PowerPoint slide show). The certified cable modem project also provides cable modem equipment suppliers with a fast, market-oriented method for attaining cable industry acknowledgment of DOCSIS compliance and has resulted in high-speed modems being certified for retail sale.

MSOs and CableLabs require interoperability among DOCSIS modems. While no CableLabs member company will be required to purchase DOCSIS modems, we expect the majority of modems purchased will be DOCSIS certified. MSOs and CableLabs require vendors seeking product certification to work with other vendors and CableLabs as part of the hot-staging for interoperability venues. Please refer to the links below to learn more about this certification process.

Benefits to cable operators/consumers:
Cable operators can provide a variety of high-value services through an “always-on” internet connection, including broadband Internet connectivity, telephony, real-time interactive gaming, and video conferencing. DOCSIS products are standards-based, so manufacturers can provide enhanced features at competitive prices. Consumers have a low-cost way to get a broadband connection to the Internet so that they can take advantage of the tremendous potential of the web without investing a lot of time or money.

The bottom line is cable and broadband operators require extremely reliable voice services over their existing broadband networks in which their customers have grown accustom to. The Packetcable gateway is the solution with the ability to provide this reliable service and provide redundancy features in case of failure. Voice over cable should not be attempted with traditional VoIP products and solutions. This is not a testing ground for such projects and applications where the expectation of customers has been elevated to such levels. The Packetcable gateway for DOCSIS modems and NCS provide the solution for broadband providers today.