PacketCable Functional Components
Chapter 4 PacketCable Network Architecture
TA 102/202 Technical Support Guide
4-3
The functional components of the HFC network include: a Cable Modem (CM), a Multi-
media Terminal Adapter (MTA) or an eMTA (a cable modem with an embedded MTA)
and a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS).
Referring again to Figure 4-1, the Managed IP Network provides the long-haul connec-
tivity between other Managed IP and HFC Access Networks. It also provides the inter-
connections between PacketCable functional components responsible for signaling,
media provisioning, and establishing quality of service.
The functional components of the Managed IP Network include:
•
Call Management Server (CMS)
•
Announcement Server (ANS)
•
Operational Support Servers (OSS)
•
Signaling Gateway (SG)
•
Media Gateway (MG)
•
Media Gateway Controller
The third network in the PacketCable Reference Architecture of Figure 4-1 is the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). PSTN simply refers to the local, long distance,
and international phone system which we use everyday.
PacketCable Functional Components
PacketCable Architecture requires numerous network elements with well defined
interfaces between those elements. In the following sections we describe the functional
components in the PacketCable Network. Note that not all components are required to
be present in a PacketCable Network.
Trusted and Untrusted Network Elements
PacketCable architecture accommodates trusted and untrusted network elements.
Trusted network elements are generally located inside a cable operator’s managed
backbone network. Untrusted network elements, such as a cable modem or an MTA, are
usually located in a subscriber’s residence — outside the MSO facility.
Multimedia Terminal Adapter
A Multimedia Terminal Adapter (MTA) is a device in the home that performs all the
control functions for PacketCable telephony calls. One side of the MTA accepts input
from telephones or telephone like devices, the other side of the device connects to a cable
modem. In short, it converts analog voice signals to IP packets.
