The virtualized future of network monitoring in DAA environments

Comtech Ltd. has introduced vHMTS, a fully virtualized software solution that replaces traditional hardware-based HMTS systems used for network monitoring and headend control. The solution is designed to ensure that remote monitoring capabilities remain fully functional and efficient as networks transition to DAA architectures.

The core principle behind vHMTS is the efficient use of the Out-of-Band (OOB) channel, with physical carriers synthesized exclusively within RPD or RMD modules. This eliminates the need for dedicated RF hardware at the headend, significantly reducing system complexity and infrastructure requirements.

vHMTS is specifically designed to preserve traditionally narrowband monitoring functions even after migrating from analog optical networks to DAA-based architectures. Carrier frequency selection is determined solely by the OOB capabilities of the RPD and RMD devices, enabling deployment across DOCSIS 3.0, DOCSIS 3.1, and DOCSIS 4.0 networks.

The solution supports an extended frequency-capability implementation of the standard HMS protocol, as well as the widely adopted SMC (TNCS) protocol used in Cisco-based environments. Support for Comtech’s proprietary ComMon protocol is planned for the first quarter of 2026.

Successful laboratory testing has demonstrated that, by utilizing multiple NDF and NDR channels simultaneously, all transponders in a typical network consisting of four downstream and eight upstream segments can be reliably managed using vHMTS running on a standard mid-range server.

Following the laboratory phase, the solution has now entered field testing in cooperation with Comtech’s international partners, marking an important step toward commercial deployment.