Harmonic Transforms MDU Broadband Connectivity with New SeaStar Node
- Enables delivery of multigigabit speeds (8 Gbps down/1.5 Gbps up) without infrastructure overhaul
- Supports up to 16 MDUs from a single node, maximizing efficiency and coverage
- Reduces capital expenses by utilizing existing coax infrastructure
- Offers future-proof design with PON coexistence capabilities
- Eliminates traditional RFoG issues like optical beat interference
- Limited to 1.5 Gbps upstream speeds compared to 8 Gbps downstream
- Coverage limited to 5 km range from centralized point
Insights
Harmonic's new SeaStar node enables cost-effective multigigabit service delivery to MDUs using existing coax, expanding addressable market and revenue potential.
Harmonic's new SeaStar Optical Node addresses a critical pain point in the broadband industry: delivering high-speed connectivity to brownfield MDUs without expensive infrastructure overhauls. This isn't just incremental innovation—it's a strategic market expansion play that could substantially increase Harmonic's addressable market.
The technical approach is remarkably elegant. Instead of the traditional costly and disruptive process of replacing coaxial infrastructure with fiber to each unit, the SeaStar node leverages existing coax infrastructure while still delivering fiber-comparable speeds (8 Gbps downstream and 1.5 Gbps upstream). This hybrid approach solves the classic "last-hundred-meters" problem that has limited broadband operators' ability to efficiently serve MDU markets.
From an operational perspective, the architecture is brilliantly scalable. A single centralized node supports up to 16 mini-nodes via point-to-point fiber, each serving separate MDUs up to 5 km away. This dramatically improves the economics compared to traditional approaches that would require separate equipment installations for each building.
The product also offers operators a future-proofed migration path. As bandwidth demands inevitably increase, operators can add 10G PON capability without scrapping their SeaStar investment, simply by adding Harmonic's Fin OLT module. This protects the initial investment while ensuring operators won't face technological dead-ends.
With broadband providers increasingly competing for MDU contracts and seeking cost-effective ways to upgrade service speeds, SeaStar addresses precisely the right market at the right time. The elimination of service disruptions during installation also removes a major barrier to MDU operator adoption. This product should strengthen Harmonic's position in the broadband infrastructure market while expanding its revenue opportunities in previously underserved segments.
Groundbreaking New Node Accelerates the Delivery of Multigigabit Broadband Services in Brownfield MDUs
The groundbreaking node converts existing in-building coax cabling into a high-speed broadband conduit. The SeaStar node simplifies the delivery of multigigabit broadband connectivity by eliminating the need for costly, time-consuming rewiring and preventing service disruption for subscribers during upgrades. Powered by Harmonic's industry-leading cOS™ virtualized broadband platform, the SeaStar node significantly reduces capital expenses and enables revenue expansion for operators by accelerating the delivery of multigigabit broadband services to up to 16 MDUs from a single node.
"Our new SeaStar node tackles a longstanding broadband industry challenge — delivering multigigabit connectivity to MDUs without costly infrastructure changes, complex permits and service delays," said Nimrod Ben-Natan, president and CEO of Harmonic. "With this transformative solution, broadband service providers can capture an untapped segment of the MDU market share to elevate their revenues."
Simplifying Network Upgrades Through Innovative Design
The compact, low-power, hardened SeaStar node enables operators to upgrade their networks cost effectively by leveraging existing infrastructures to deliver speeds exceeding 8 Gbps downstream and 1.5 Gbps upstream. The centrally deployed SeaStar node supports up to 16 low-cost mini nodes installed at the MDUs via point-to-point fiber connections, which then connect directly to the MDU's existing coax cabling.
The solution's unique design enables operators to deliver premium broadband services to MDUs up to 5 km away from a centralized point. The SeaStar node eliminates traditional issues with RFoG, such as optical beat interference (OBI), limited bandwidth and higher latency.
Driving the Evolution of Fiber Connectivity
Offering support for next-gen fiber technologies, the SeaStar node is a powerful, scalable, fiber-forward solution that meets evolving broadband connectivity demands. Leveraging the same point-to-point fiber already laid to the MDU, the SeaStar node enables PON coexistence to address select high-bandwidth use cases or for seamless future migration to fiber. As subscriber bandwidth demands grow, operators can simply add a 10G PON port by plugging in Harmonic's Fin OLT directly into the SeaStar node or by utilizing an external OLT.
Streamlining Operations with Common Management
The solution offers a common management system through Harmonic's cOS platform which also manages PON and DOCSIS services. This approach utilizes a single pane of glass for operations to streamline workflows, reduce OPEX and boost operational efficiency.
Netceed Poland, a leading distributor of broadband solutions, expressed support for the SeaStar node. "Harmonic's new SeaStar node is exactly the kind of solution the broadband industry has been asking for — flexible, cost-effective and purposely designed to address the critical need for fiber-grade connectivity in MDU deployments. We're excited to bring this innovation to our customers," said Arek Zawada, managing director at Netceed Poland.
Harmonic will demonstrate its new SeaStar node for MDUs at Fiber Connect 2025, June 1-4 in
Harmonic's market-leading cOS platform powers next-gen broadband services through more than 33 million customer premises equipment (CPE) devices worldwide for leading operators in
About Harmonic
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in virtualized broadband and video delivery solutions, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality video streaming and broadcast services to consumers globally. The company revolutionized broadband networking via the industry's first virtualized broadband solution, enabling operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet services to consumers' homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software platforms, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and on-demand content on every screen. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com.
Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements concerning Harmonic's business and the anticipated capabilities, advantages, reliability, efficiency, market acceptance, market growth, specifications and benefits of Harmonic products, services and technology are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Harmonic, the Harmonic logo and other Harmonic marks are owned by Harmonic Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Harmonic Inc.
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