Guest Blog by Igor Dayen, SP Product and Solutions Marketing

In an age of agile service creation with a virtualized IT infrastructure, the delivery of services by cable operators is undergoing a transformation. Two key technologies that are fueling this change are Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). In this blog, we will examine how SDN is transforming service delivery for cable operators.

SDN offers much promise to cable operators. It changes how networks are designed, operationalized, and monetized, making them far more agile and responsive to customers. In traditional switch and router system architectures, the control plane is implemented in software running on a general-purpose CPU and the data plane is implemented with specialized hardware such as an ASIC. What SDN does is remove thecontrol plane from the forwarding hardware and moves it into a server-based processing environment. In a cable environment the programmable network layer includes the CMTS and EQAM devices, whether implemented as virtual or physical devices. These devices may be standalone or controlled via SDN by a centralized controller; hence, the programmable network.

With SDN, control plane and/or application software can run on a server that supplements the programmable Cisco cBR-8 CCAP physical system. Such tasks as network analytics and system-wide "health checks" can't easily be done from inside the router but can easily be performed in real-time on a server. Another example of SDN in action is automated provisioning with technologies such as Cisco Network Service Orchestator, that can drastically reduce the time to provision services across a network.

Watch this video to learn more as John Chapman, Cisco Fellow lays out the objectives for SDN for cable operators.

If you'd like to learn more in person there's an opportunity for hands-on experience at SCTE Cable Tech Expo 2015. Taking place October 13 -16, 2015 in New Orleans we'll have the Cisco cBR-8 Cisco's CCAP solution. Plusget ready to test your IP Knowledge at the Cisco-sponsored SCTE IP Challenge event on Tuesday, October 13.

Attend a speaking session hosted by a Cisco expert and learn more about the industry trends.

Some of the key speaking sessions at SCTE include:

• Managing DOCSIS Capacity over HFC Networks: DOCSIS 2.0, 3.0 and Future 3.1 John Downey, Consulting Network Engineer, Cisco Systems

• Designing a Resilient Remote PHY Architecture John Chapman, Cisco Fellow, CTO Cable BU, Cisco Systems, John Holobinko, Director, Strategy, Network Access Solutions, Cisco Systems

• Virtual PON Network: A Practical Guide for the Network Planner
  Speaker:Fernando Villarruel, Architect, Office of CTO, Cisco Systems

• Operating DCAS at Scale
  Speaker:Edmond Shapiro, Video Solutions Architect, Cisco Systems

• Leveraging IP Multicast and ABR Technologies for Delivery of  Services on Cable Networks
  Speaker:Sangeeta Ramakrishnan, Principal Engineer, Cisco Systems

• UHF Leakage, Ingress, and Direct Pickup: Impact on Spectral Efficiency
  Speaker:Ron Hranac, Technical Leader, Cisco Systems

• Service Deployment and Operation in a Multiple Access Network Environment
  Speaker:Gerard White, Distinguished Engineer, Cisco Systems

• The Emerging Era of IoT: How It May Impact MSO Services and Networks
  Moderator:Yvette Kanouff, Vice President, Strategy & Development, Cisco Systems

See you at show! Have questions or comments? Tweet us  @CiscoSP360 to learn more!