Harmonic Transforms MDU Broadband Connectivity with New SeaStar Node

Harmonic Transforms MDU Broadband Connectivity with New SeaStar Node

Groundbreaking New Node Accelerates the Delivery of Multigigabit Broadband Services in Brownfield MDUs

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced the launch of 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™ virtualized 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.”

Simplifying Network Upgrades Through Innovative Design

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 centralized point. The SeaStar node eliminates traditional issues with RFoG, such as optical beat interference (OBI), limited bandwidth and higher latency.

Driving the Evolution of Fiber Connectivity

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 utilizing an external OLT.

Streamlining Operations with Common Management

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.

Netceed Poland, a leading distributor of broadband solutions, expressed support for the SeaStar node. “Harmonic’s new SeaStar node is exactly the kind of solution the broadband industry has been asking for — flexible, cost-effective and purposely designed to address the critical need for fiber-grade connectivity in MDU deployments. We’re excited to bring this innovation to our customers,” said Arek Zawada, managing director at Netceed Poland.

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. To learn more about the SeaStar node, visit www.harmonicinc.com/broadband/seastar-mdus/.

Harmonic’s market-leading cOS platform powers next-gen broadband services through more than 33 million customer premises equipment worldwide for leading operators in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. To learn more about Harmonic’s cOS platform, visit www.harmonicinc.com/broadband.

About Harmonic

Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in virtualized broadband and video delivery solutions, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality video streaming and broadcast services to consumers globally. The company revolutionized broadband networking via the industry’s first virtualized broadband solution, enabling operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet services to consumers’ homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software platforms, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and on-demand content on every screen. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com.