Migration Proposal from Centralized HFC Network to Distributed Access Architecture at COSETT R.L.

Abstract

This study examines the technical and operational limitations of centralized Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) networks, taking COSETT R.L. in Tarija, Bolivia, as a case study. The main objective was to design a migration proposal towards a Distributed Access Architecture (DAA), through the implementation of Remote PHY Device (RPD) and Remote MAC-PHY Device (RMD) technologies.

The research was conducted under a mixed-methods approach, with applied, descriptive, and comparative characteristics. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with technical staff, observation guides, document analysis, and hypothesis validation through a pre-experimental pretest–posttest design using the Chi-square test.

Results demonstrated that migrating to DAA enhances spectrum utilization, reduces latency, increases access speeds, lowers energy consumption, and optimizes rack space in headends. From an economic perspective, the study confirmed a significant reduction in operational expenditures (OPEX) and the modernization of the core network with greater scalability in line with DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0 standards.

It is concluded that transitioning COSETT’s centralized HFC network to a DAA model is technically and economically feasible, improving operational efficiency, sustainability, and service quality. Furthermore, the proposed strategy constitutes a replicable model for telecommunications operators in the region seeking to modernize their infrastructures.