ACI joins Harmonic open cOS Amply ecosystem for DOCSIS 4.0
ACI Communications has integrated its broadband amplifier portfolio with Harmonic's cOS Virtualized Broadband Platform, adding ACI to Harmonic's multi-vendor cOS Amply ecosystem.
The integration links ACI's Infinity amplifiers with Harmonic's cloud-based software, allowing network operators to monitor and manage amplifiers from the core to the edge. The combined offering targets broadband providers upgrading hybrid fibre-coaxial networks for DOCSIS 4.0.
Under the arrangement, data from ACI amplifiers is aggregated and analysed through Harmonic's Amply software on the cOS platform. Operators can use a centralised system to identify issues such as ingress, noise and signal degradation, and respond before service is affected.
ACI says its Infinity amplifier range is built for 1.8 GHz networks, which are becoming more relevant as operators look to expand capacity on existing infrastructure rather than replace it outright. The products are designed to support multi-gigabit service delivery while extending the life of current HFC networks.
The integration reflects a broader push by broadband equipment suppliers to make access networks more software-driven and easier to manage remotely. For cable and broadband operators, one of the main challenges in moving to DOCSIS 4.0 is upgrading field equipment without triggering costly network rebuilds.
Network control
Harmonic's cOS platform already virtualises broadband network functions, and its Amply software is designed to bring connected amplifiers into that management layer. Adding ACI's amplifiers broadens the range of hardware that can work with Harmonic's software stack.
The integrated setup provides real-time visibility and control across access networks. It can also support automated responses during network disruptions, alongside monitoring of upstream and downstream performance.
That matters for operators seeking to reduce service calls and improve uptime as traffic demands rise. It also aligns with an industry trend towards separating network intelligence from physical hardware, allowing operators to mix equipment from different suppliers while keeping a common control platform.
Robert Li outlined ACI's position on the deal.
"Operators are under increasing pressure to deliver greater capacity, intelligence, and reliability from their existing networks," said Robert Li, Chief Strategy Officer, ACI Communications. "Our collaboration with Harmonic brings together ACI's advanced amplifier technology and open, cloud‐native intelligence-giving operators a clear, scalable path to DOCSIS 4.0 without proprietary constraints."
Open ecosystem
For Harmonic, adding another amplifier supplier supports its effort to build an open, multi-vendor ecosystem around cOS Amply. The approach is intended to give broadband providers more choice over field equipment while keeping software control within a single environment.
Andrii Vladyka said the system is designed to let operators make deployment choices based on their network requirements.
"We're excited to welcome ACI Communications to the growing open cOS Amply ecosystem that benefits broadband service providers. The power of cOS Amply software lies in the flexibility it delivers to operators. It enables an open, multi-vendor amplifier ecosystem that allows broadband service providers to make deployment decisions based on what's best for their networks. By decoupling intelligence from hardware, we're putting broadband service providers back in control of their network modernization strategy," said Andrii Vladyka, Vice President of Technologies and Growth, Harmonic.
The announcement comes as cable operators face mounting pressure to raise broadband speeds, improve reliability and manage operating costs across established HFC footprints. Suppliers have increasingly focused on tools that provide more detailed network telemetry and remote intervention, especially at the network edge, where faults can be harder to isolate.
ACI's amplifier integration gives Harmonic another vendor option in that part of the network, while giving ACI access to operators already using Harmonic's software platform. The result is a joint offering aimed at broadband providers looking to modernise networks in stages rather than through full overbuilds.