Nokia has acquired US startup and cable access specialist Gainspeed in a bid to bolster its fibre access portfolio.

Gainspeed specialises in a virtualized converged cable access programme (CCAP), which essentially distributes the access architecture and pushes DOCSIS, the data over cable standard, closer to the Ethernet node. The result is an extended fibre transmission distance, expanded capacity and improved performance for the customer.

Nokia claims the virtual CCAP will allow cable operators to optimise existing hybrid fibre coax infrastructure and rapidly deploy new services. The virtualization of CCAP, Gainspeed says, is down to SDN, which helps to reorganise the network at a functional level and centralises the cable control plane to a cloud-based controller. Nokia says this approach to access evolution would help to diversify its product portfolio for cable access customers.

“We are very excited to have Gainspeed, the technology leader in its field, joining us,” said Federico Guillen, president of Nokia’s Fixed Networks business group. “Cable is one of the fastest growing areas in our fixed networks business, and we are committed to delivering a complete solution set of cable operators. Gainspeed Virtual CCAP perfectly complements our leading fibre access solutions for cable MSOs.”

The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, and it is believed Gainspeed will fall into Nokia’s fixed business once the deal is closed.