AOI Quantum Bandwidth Networking Products Certified for Deployment by Charter Communications

Rhea-AI Summary

Applied Optoelectronics (NASDAQ: AAOI) has received certification from Charter Communications for the deployment of its 1.8GHz amplifiers and QuantumLink™ remote management software. The certification includes multiple Quantum18™ products that will support Charter's network evolution project implementing extended spectrum DOCSIS (ESD).

The deployment will enable Charter to deliver symmetrical and multi-gigabit services up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream. Digicomm International, AOI's exclusive distribution partner since 2023, will support the end-to-end installation experience. The Quantum18 amplifier lineup allows providers to transition from legacy to newer network systems while maintaining compatibility with existing amplifier housings and management tools.

Positive

• Certification received from major customer Charter Communications for network deployment
• Products enable significant speed upgrades up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream
• Strategic partnership with Digicomm International for distribution and logistics support
• Technology maintains compatibility with existing infrastructure, reducing deployment costs

Negative

• None.

Insights

Telecommunications Infrastructure Expert

Charter's certification of AAOI's 1.8GHz amplifiers validates their technology and opens significant revenue opportunities in the DOCSIS 4.0 upgrade market.

This certification represents a major commercial validation for Applied Optoelectronics in the cable infrastructure market. Charter Communications, one of America's largest cable operators serving millions of subscribers, has certified AAOI's entire lineup of 1.8GHz amplifiers and management software for deployment in their network evolution project.

The technical significance cannot be overstated. Charter's move to extended spectrum DOCSIS (ESD) requires specialized hardware capable of supporting significantly expanded bandwidth - up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream. AAOI's Quantum18 products solve a critical industry challenge by enabling providers to transition from legacy systems while maintaining compatibility with existing amplifier housings, substantially reducing deployment costs and complexity.

What's particularly compelling is that AAOI has secured certification for their complete ecosystem of components: system amplifiers, line extenders, booster amplifiers, and the QuantumLink remote management software. This positions them as a comprehensive solution provider rather than just a component supplier.

The established distribution relationship with Digicomm International addresses potential scaling challenges, creating a solid fulfillment infrastructure for what could be substantial volumes as Charter deploys across their extensive network footprint.

This win positions AAOI advantageously in the broader industry-wide DOCSIS 4.0 upgrade cycle, opening doors to similar deployments with other major cable operators who face identical technical challenges in their network evolution strategies.

SUGAR LAND, Texas, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (NASDAQ: AAOI), a leading provider of HFC and advanced optical networking products that power the internet, today announced it completed testing and received certification from Charter Communications, for plans to deploy its 1.8GHz amplifiers and QuantumLink™ remote management software.

Together, AOI is helping Charter progress its network evolution project with the deployment of extended spectrum DOCSIS (ESD). With the latest DOCSIS spectrum technology and 1.8 GHz HFC networking gear in place, Charter will be able to support symmetrical and multi-gigabit services, up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream. 

Charter has certified a mix of AOI’s latest HFC networking solutions, spanning system amplifiers, line extenders, booster amplifiers, and software. Key products include:

• Quantum18™ HGD 1.8GHz High Gain Dual System Amplifier
• Quantum18™ HGBT 1.8GHz High Gain Balanced Triple System Amplifier
• Quantum18™ BA 1.8GHz Booster Amplifier
• Quantum18™ LE 1.8GHz Line Extender

In close collaboration with AOI, Digicomm International will play an important role in supporting the end-to-end experience for ongoing installations. AOI and Digicomm announced an exclusive distribution relationship in 2023, and the companies will continue utilizing Digicomm’s logistics services to support AOI’s Quantum Bandwidth networking products.

With its Quantum18 amplifier lineup, AOI is solving a crucial need for providers like Charter to easily transition from legacy to newer network systems, while maintaining compatibility with existing amplifier housings. When paired with AOI’s QuantumLink remote management and monitoring solution, providers can deploy without disruption, while ensuring compatibility with existing tools such as SNMP, RESTCONF, and KAFKA.

“Working closely with AOI, we are marking new milestones in broadband engineering innovation to address Distributed Access Architecture and DOCSIS 4.0 network upgrades,” said Eilisa Reid, Senior Vice President, Access Engineering and Operations, Charter Communications. “These products will help us continue to deliver the capacity and speeds our customers expect.”

“Charter is driving intelligent network innovation forward,” said Todd McCrum, Senior Vice President and General Manager for AOI’s Broadband Access Business Unit. “Together, we share a vision for the future of connectivity, with a distributed architecture for faster internet speeds and fewer interruptions, using the most reliable and power efficient technology available.”

Additional Resources:

• AOI Quantum Bandwidth
• Quantum18 Amplifiers
• QuantumLink
  

About AOI  
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical and HFC networking products that are the building blocks for AI datacenters, CATV and broadband fiber access networks around the world. AOI supplies this critical infrastructure to tier-one customers across cloud computing, CATV broadband, telecom, and FTTH markets. The company has R&D facilities in Atlanta, GA, and engineering and manufacturing facilities at its corporate headquarters in Sugar Land, TX, as well as in Taipei, Taiwan and Ningbo, China. For additional information, visit www.ao-inc.com.

Media contact:
Sara Cicero
sara_cicero@ao-inc.com
770-331-0269

FAQ

What products did Charter Communications certify from Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI)?

Charter certified AOI's 1.8GHz amplifiers and QuantumLink™ software, including Quantum18™ HGD System Amplifier, HGBT System Amplifier, BA Booster Amplifier, and LE Line Extender.

What internet speeds will Charter's network support with AAOI's new technology?

The technology will enable Charter to deliver speeds of up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream through symmetrical and multi-gigabit services.

Who is handling the distribution of AAOI's Quantum Bandwidth products for Charter?

Digicomm International, AOI's exclusive distribution partner since 2023, will handle logistics and support the end-to-end installation experience.

How does AAOI's Quantum18 technology integrate with existing network infrastructure?

The Quantum18 amplifier lineup maintains compatibility with existing amplifier housings and management tools like SNMP, RESTCONF, and KAFKA, allowing smooth transition from legacy systems.

What is the purpose of AAOI's QuantumLink software in Charter's deployment?

QuantumLink provides remote management and monitoring capabilities, enabling deployment without disruption while maintaining compatibility with existing network management tools.