AOI Announces Quantum18™ Product Series to Simplify Technology Upgrades and Support Motorola Housings Integrations

Rhea-AI Summary

Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (NASDAQ: AAOI) has unveiled its new Quantum18™ product series, designed to simplify 1.8GHz upgrades for cable operators and integrate with legacy Motorola housings. The series includes:

1. Quantum18 1.8GHz Node: Offers multiple compatibility options, including upgrades within existing GS7000 housings and interoperability with DOCSIS 3.1, DOCSIS 4.0 RPDs, PON, and switching functionality.

2. Quantum18 1.8GHz System Amplifier and Broadband Line Extender: Compatible with Motorola housings, these products boost signal quality and offer remote management features.

All Quantum18 products feature field-upgradable diplex filters for future spectrum adaptability. AOI will showcase the products at SCTE® Cable-Tec Expo® 2024 and plans to ship in early 2025.

Positive

• Introduction of new Quantum18™ product series for 1.8GHz upgrades
• Compatibility with existing GS7000 and Motorola housings, reducing upgrade costs
• Interoperability with DOCSIS 3.1, DOCSIS 4.0 RPDs, PON, and switching functionality
• Remote management features for efficient network management
• Field-upgradable diplex filters for future spectrum adaptability

Negative

• New products won't be available for shipping until early 2025

Insights

Tech Expert

AOI's new Quantum18™ product series marks a significant advancement in HFC networking technology. The 1.8GHz Node is particularly noteworthy, offering compatibility with existing GS7000 housings and interoperability with DOCSIS 3.1, 4.0, PON and switching functionality. This versatility could potentially reduce upgrade costs and minimize network downtime for operators.

The introduction of 1.8GHz System Amplifier and Broadband Line Extender for Motorola housings addresses a important market need. These products offer remote management capabilities, including firmware updates and automated asset tagging, which could significantly improve operational efficiency. The inclusion of field-upgradable diplex filters ensures future-proofing, allowing operators to adapt to evolving spectrum needs without replacing entire units.

Market Research Analyst

AOI's strategic move with the Quantum18™ series positions them well in the evolving cable broadband market. The focus on backward compatibility with legacy Motorola housings could be a strong selling point, potentially capturing a significant portion of the upgrade market. However, the 2025 availability might be a concern, as competitors could release similar solutions earlier.

The emphasis on DOCSIS 4.0 readiness aligns with industry trends towards higher bandwidth and lower latency services. This could appeal to operators looking to future-proof their networks. The remote management features could be a differentiator, potentially reducing operational costs for cable operators. Overall, this product line could strengthen AOI's market position, but success will depend on timely delivery and competitive pricing.

Company to showcase Quantum18™ products, including 1.8GHz node and amplifiers at upcoming SCTE® Cable-Tec Expo®

SUGAR LAND, Texas, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (“AOI”) (NASDAQ: AAOI), a leading provider of fiber-optic access network products for internet datacenter, cable broadband, telecom and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) markets, announces its latest Quantum18™ product series, designed for cable operators to upgrade to 1.8GHz and integrate into legacy Motorola housings.

At the forefront of AOI’s new Quantum18 product line is the Quantum18 1.8GHz Node, offering multiple compatibility options for technology updates that aim to minimize customer downtime and lower operational expenses. These include enabling operators to upgrade to 1.8GHz within existing GS7000 housings and providing interoperability with DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0 Remote PHY Devices (“RPD”) as well as Passive Optical Network (“PON”) and switching functionality across a high-speed interface backplane.

"The Quantum18 1.8GHz Node sets a new standard in Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (‘HFC’) networking," said Todd McCrum, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Broadband Access Business Unit at AOI. "It is specifically engineered for operators to ready their networks for DOCSIS 4.0 and subsequent upgrades—significantly simplifying deployments and reducing added costs."

AOI is also introducing the Quantum18 1.8GHz System Amplifier and Quantum18 1.8GHz Broadband Line Extender (“BLE”) for Motorola housings, solving a critical need for upgrading legacy Motorola housings while minimizing network interruptions.

When deployed, the Quantum18 MB 1.8GHz System Amplifier and BLE 1.8GHz Line Extender boost signal quality and offer additional features that make network management easier and more efficient. These include adjusting amplifier settings and updating firmware remotely, ingress management, automated asset tagging, and geo-locating.

“Our decision to create the Quantum18 amplifiers for Motorola housings provides our customers a hassle-free, cost-effective solution,” said Steve Pederson, Vice President of Product Management and Business Development at AOI. “By being compatible with existing Motorola housings, we are allowing cable operators to upgrade their network with less downtime and preserve their investment while providing the performance, remote management, and advanced troubleshooting tools to stay ahead in a fast-changing market.”

All Quantum18 products being introduced include field-upgradable diplex filters to ensure that the amplifiers can adapt to future spectrum needs and provide operators with flexible options and longer-term value.

AOI plans to showcase its full line of Quantum18 products at the largest cable telecommunications tradeshow, SCTE® Cable-Tec Expo® 2024, Booth #1613, from September 24-26 in Atlanta, GA. For more information or to schedule an onsite visit, contact Michael Ballard, michael_ballard@ao-inc.com. The new Quantum18 products will be available to ship in early 2025.

About Quantum Bandwidth
Quantum Bandwidth is a set of broadband access products, including QuantumLink and Quantum18, that enable high-speed connectivity. With today's increasingly demanding bandwidth needs, Quantum Bandwidth ensures cable service providers have reliable options to deliver optimal performance. Its solutions are underpinned with industry experience from the world’s leading CATV engineers. Learn more at ao-inc.com/QuantumBandwidth.

About Applied Optoelectronics Inc
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical products, including components, modules and equipment. AOI's products are the building blocks for broadband fiber access networks around the world, where they are used in the internet datacenter, CATV broadband, telecom and FTTH markets. AOI supplies optical networking lasers, components and equipment to tier-1 customers in all four of these markets. In addition to its corporate headquarters, wafer fab and advanced engineering and production facilities in Sugar Land, TX, AOI has engineering and manufacturing facilities in Taipei, Taiwan and Ningbo, China. For additional information, visit www.ao-inc.com.

Media contact
Michael Ballard
Email: michael_ballard@ao-inc.com 
Phone: (817) 583-2816

FAQ

What is Applied Optoelectronics' new Quantum18™ product series?

Applied Optoelectronics' Quantum18™ product series is a new line of 1.8GHz network equipment designed for cable operators to upgrade their networks and integrate with legacy Motorola housings. It includes the Quantum18 1.8GHz Node, System Amplifier, and Broadband Line Extender.

When will AAOI's Quantum18™ products be available for shipping?

According to the press release, Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AAOI) plans to make the new Quantum18™ products available for shipping in early 2025.

What are the key features of AAOI's Quantum18 1.8GHz Node?

The Quantum18 1.8GHz Node offers multiple compatibility options, including upgrades within existing GS7000 housings, interoperability with DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0 RPDs, PON, and switching functionality across a high-speed interface backplane.

Where will AAOI showcase its Quantum18™ products in 2024?

Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AAOI) plans to showcase its full line of Quantum18™ products at the SCTE® Cable-Tec Expo® 2024, Booth #1613, from September 24-26 in Atlanta, GA.