Harmonic unveils AI tools & fibre upgrades for operators

Harmonic has introduced new broadband products for fibre and DOCSIS networks, focused on network operations, subscriber performance and operator upgrade paths.

The line-up includes an artificial intelligence-based network operations intelligence system, new fibre access hardware, DOCSIS performance management software and products for apartment block deployments.

A central element is a new operations intelligence tool designed to help broadband providers shift from fault response to earlier detection of network issues. It uses data analysis to support operational decisions and network performance management.

Another focus is subscriber experience on DOCSIS networks. Harmonic's Beacon intelligent speed maximizer application is intended to improve spectrum efficiency and bandwidth use so customers receive more consistent service under varying network conditions.

Pathfinder works alongside Beacon to improve upstream service quality through dynamic bandwidth allocation. The approach is intended to increase per-subscriber capacity and improve upstream performance, which has become more important as video calls, cloud applications and user-generated content place heavier demands on upload speeds.

Fibre build-out

On the fibre side, Harmonic outlined several additions for operators using different deployment models. These include the Pearl-1XL R-OLT module, which integrates eight Combo PON ports covering GPON and XGS-PON in an outdoor node for external plant environments.

The product is aimed at remote infrastructure settings where power limits and uplink reliability can constrain network design. Harmonic also added Fin-Lite and Fin-2 to its Fin SFP-based OLT range, managed by its cOS virtualised core.

The supplier is also demonstrating 50G PON support through the same core platform. In addition, it highlighted an Open ONT framework intended to let operators choose customer premises equipment that fits their network strategy rather than being tied to a single-device approach.

DOCSIS path

For cable operators, Harmonic said its cOS broadband platform is intended to support upgrades to DOCSIS 4.0 while extending the use of existing infrastructure. The platform also simplifies monitoring and management of smart amplifiers, with the aim of speeding root cause analysis and reducing service-affecting issues.

That positioning reflects a broader industry challenge as operators weigh the cost of full-fibre expansion against the need to keep existing hybrid fibre-coax networks competitive. Suppliers have increasingly focused on tools that allow cable providers to extend asset life while still offering multi-gigabit services in areas where complete rebuilds are less economical.

Harmonic also introduced the SeaStar optical node for lower-density multi-dwelling units in brownfield environments. It is designed to bring fibre-grade connectivity into existing apartment and shared-building settings without the level of civil works and permitting often associated with broader infrastructure changes.

"Broadband operators today must navigate the pressure to do more with less while delivering connectivity experiences that keep subscribers loyal and competitors at bay. At ANGA COM 2026, we're demonstrating this is no longer a trade-off," said Asaf Matatyaou, Senior Vice President of Product, Harmonic.

"With AI-driven intelligence that shifts operations from firefighting to foresight, network technologies that squeeze every bit of performance from existing infrastructure, and fiber solutions built to scale wherever demand takes you, Harmonic is giving operators the tools to deliver on the promise of connectivity to every subscriber," Matatyaou said.

The updates show how broadband equipment vendors are trying to address several pressures at once: managing network costs, handling rising traffic demands, improving customer experience and navigating different upgrade paths across cable and fibre estates. Rather than relying on a single architecture, many operators are mixing incremental DOCSIS improvements with targeted fibre roll-outs based on geography, housing type and return on investment.

Harmonic's latest products are built around its cOS virtualised broadband platform, which serves as the software layer for both fibre and cable access products. The strategy reflects a wider move in telecoms infrastructure towards software-based control and a common operational framework across multiple access technologies.

Harmonic did not disclose pricing or customer deployments for the new products. It said the additions are intended to help operators manage existing networks while broadening options for multi-gigabit broadband delivery.