High-density coax broadband extension for MDUs

InCoax Networks AB has released the D2508 ER, a distribution point unit (DPU) based on MoCA Access 2.5 technology, designed to extend fiber broadband over in-building coaxial networks. The system targets mid- to large-scale multi-dwelling units (MDUs), where upgrading connectivity without replacing legacy cabling remains a key constraint.

Extending fiber performance over legacy coax infrastructure
The D2508 ER addresses a common bottleneck in broadband deployment: the last segment inside buildings. By leveraging existing coaxial wiring, the platform enables operators to deliver symmetrical data rates of up to 2.5 Gbps per coax port while maintaining low latency characteristics required for high-bandwidth applications such as IPTV, cloud services, and enterprise connectivity.

The unit introduces a new DPU form factor within the D-series platform, optimized for high-density environments. With eight coax distribution ports, it supports up to 31 network termination devices (NTEs) per port, allowing a theoretical maximum of 248 endpoints depending on network topology. Typical deployments support around 64 active connections, reflecting real-world signal distribution constraints.

The extended range (ER) configuration increases output power and link budget, enabling operation across longer coaxial distances and more complex point-to-multipoint topologies commonly found in older apartment buildings.

Architecture and performance management in shared networks
The system integrates enhanced quality of service (eQoS) mechanisms aligned with MoCA Access 2.5 specifications. This allows traffic prioritization across multiple subscribers sharing the same coax medium, ensuring predictable throughput and latency under load—an essential requirement for service providers managing dense residential networks.

The D2508 ER operates across a wide frequency spectrum and is designed to coexist with legacy broadcast TV services and DOCSIS 3.0 deployments. This coexistence capability enables phased upgrades without service interruption, which is critical in buildings where multiple service layers remain active.

Integration with fiber access and the automotive data ecosystem analogy
The platform supports multiple upstream technologies, including GPON, XG-PON, XGS-PON, and Active Ethernet, via a configurable 1, 2.5, or 10 Gbps SFP+ uplink. This flexibility allows integration into heterogeneous access networks and aligns with broader trends toward converged infrastructure, similar to how the automotive data ecosystem integrates multiple data sources into a unified architecture.

Remote management is enabled through standard interfaces, with compatibility for InCoax Manage EMS or third-party management systems. This supports centralized provisioning, monitoring, and fault management in large-scale deployments.

Deployment efficiency and cost implications
Reusing in-building coax infrastructure reduces the need for intrusive rewiring and minimizes tenant disruption. This directly impacts capital expenditure (CAPEX) by lowering installation costs and shortening deployment timelines. Additionally, operators can activate services incrementally, even in buildings with low initial subscription rates, improving return on investment.

The D2508 ER is housed in an IP67-rated enclosure with passive cooling, supporting installation in indoor and semi-outdoor environments such as basements, pedestals, or entry points. This design ensures operational reliability across varying environmental conditions without active thermal management.

Application scope and scalability
The platform is intended for communication service providers deploying fiber access extension or fixed wireless access (FWA) backhaul within residential buildings. Its scalability across different building sizes and layouts makes it suitable for both retrofit and new deployment scenarios.

By combining multi-gigabit performance with infrastructure reuse, the D2508 ER contributes to expanding broadband access while maintaining cost efficiency an increasingly important factor in dense urban connectivity and digital supply chain enablement.

Edited by an industrial journalist Sucithra Mani with AI assistance.

www.incoax.com