• Cisco Blogs/SP360: Service Provider/Powering the AI-Driven Last Mile for MSOs: Assured Performance with Cisco Routed PON Powering the AI-Driven Last Mile for MSOs: Assured Performance with Cisco Routed PON 5 min read Robin Olds The demand for high-speed broadband is surging, driven by the exponential growth of AI and streaming traffic. • TheState of Disaggregation Report 2025by RtBrick found that 81% of surveyed network operators believe their current architectures are unprepared for future bandwidth demands. • To meet this challenge, multiple system operators (MSOs) and cable companies are augmenting and upgrading their legacy hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks with XGS-PON (10 Gigabit Symmetric Passive Optical Network) technology. • However, this transition must occur without adding operational complexity, on limited capital budgets, and with a quick return on investment-a seemingly daunting task. • Historically, PON deployments were constrained by their telco style architecture, investment in the fiber plant, and limited customer demand, all of which failed to justify the cost. • Today, with “fiber deep” architecture, remote/hybrid workforces, and an increasing need for symmetrical connectivity speeds to support interactive video communications and AI traffic, XGS-PON has become a viable technology for traditional MSOs.

Article Summaries:

  • The demand for high-speed broadband is surging, driven by the exponential growth of AI and streaming traffic. The State of Disaggregation Report 2025 by RtBrick found that 81% of surveyed network operators believe their current architectures are unprepared for future bandwidth demands. To meet this challenge, multiple system operators (MSOs) and cable companies are augmenting and upgrading their legacy hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks with XGS-PON (10 Gigabit Symmetric Passive Optical Network) technology. However, this transition must occur without adding operational complexity, on limited

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