Harmonic Launches New SeaStar™ Optical Node

Harmonic has launched its new SeaStar™ Optical Node, redefining broadband connectivity for lower-density multi-dwelling units (MDUs).

The SeaStar node offers broadband operators an innovative solution that addresses one of the industry's most challenging use cases: providing cost-effective, rapid deployment of fiber-grade connectivity in brownfield, lower-density MDU environments.

The groundbreaking node converts existing in-building coax cabling into a high-speed broadband conduit. The SeaStar node simplifies the delivery of multigigabit broadband connectivity by eliminating the need for costly, time-consuming rewiring and preventing service disruption for subscribers during upgrades. Powered by Harmonic’s industry-leading cOS™ virtualised broadband platform, the SeaStar node significantly reduces capital expenses and enables revenue expansion for operators by accelerating the delivery of multigigabit broadband services to up to 16 MDUs from a single node.

"Our new SeaStar node tackles a longstanding broadband industry challenge — delivering multigigabit connectivity to MDUs without costly infrastructure changes, complex permits and service delays," said Nimrod Ben-Natan, president and CEO of Harmonic. "With this transformative solution, broadband service providers can capture an untapped segment of the MDU market share to elevate their revenues."

The compact, low-power, hardened SeaStar node enables operators to upgrade their networks cost effectively by leveraging existing infrastructures to deliver speeds exceeding 8 Gbps downstream and 1.5 Gbps upstream. The centrally deployed SeaStar node supports up to 16 low-cost mini nodes installed at the MDUs via point-to-point fiber connections, which then connect directly to the MDU’s existing coax cabling.

The solution's unique design enables operators to deliver premium broadband services to MDUs up to 5 km away from a centralised point. The SeaStar node eliminates traditional issues with RFoG, such as optical beat interference (OBI), limited bandwidth and higher latency.

Offering support for next-gen fiber technologies, the SeaStar node is a powerful, scalable, fiber-forward solution that meets evolving broadband connectivity demands. Leveraging the same point-to-point fiber already laid to the MDU, the SeaStar node enables PON coexistence to address select high-bandwidth use cases or for seamless future migration to fiber. As subscriber bandwidth demands grow, operators can simply add a 10G PON port by plugging in Harmonic’s Fin OLT directly into the SeaStar node or by utilising an external OLT.

The solution offers a common management system through Harmonic’s cOS platform which also manages PON and DOCSIS services. This approach utilizes a single pane of glass for operations to streamline workflows, reduce OPEX and boost operational efficiency.

Harmonic will demonstrate its new SeaStar node for MDUs at Fiber Connect 2025, June 1-4 in Nashville at booth 824 and at ANGA COM, June 3-5 in Cologne, Germany in hall 8, stand C35.

www.harmonicinc.com