White Paper Abstract:
This paper describes that virtual interfaces (VI) and frequency stacking (FS) are two new features which allow user-configurable MAC domains and multiple frequencies on one physical connector. Virtual interfaces allow up to eight upstreams (USs) per downstream (DS). It links a US port to a physical connector. The other feature, frequency stacking, allows two frequencies to be configured on one physical connector.
The MC5x20S card can initially be configured to match the DS and US configuration of an existing card, and then the cable operator can modify their configurations according to their needs. This supports different DSxUS port ratios, as combining ratios evolve (1x6 » 1x4 » 1x1). The linecard can be used as a 1x1 for a business customer and as a 1x7 for residential customers