A company called Air5 says it has introduced 5G-standards-based network architecture that “allows a 5G-based network architecture to seamlessly share cable’s hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) infrastructure with the industry’s current DOCSIS standard,” according to a press release.
The company believes that with this this technology, cable companies will have a major opportunity to boost growth through this harmonization of hybrid fiber coax and 5G networks, as well as mitigate the risks of DOCSIS divergence and fragmentation.
The idea of harmonizing cable and 5G is not particularly new, but Air5 claims to have a proof of concept and is expected to start trials later this year.
"The transformative Air5 architecture will help cable companies, and their current vendor ecosystem, tap into the vibrant 5G-based innovation marketplace to maximize optionality for all players,” said Kip Compton, an Air5 advisory board member.
So, what is Air5?
The Palo Alto company started this year, pursuing a “more vibrant and ubiquitous environment for the development of dynamic value-added mobile solutions and innovative strategies for customer retention and growth.”
The company is led by CEO, Jeff Brown, and has brought on a team of “global technologists” and businesspeople from cable, wireless, and tech companies.