bNSG is a broadcast EdgeQAM system, based on the modular Network Services Gateway™ 9000 hardware platform. The system is designed as a highly integrated digital video gateway which multiplexes broadcast content streamed over an IP network. The NSG 9000 platform was engineered for scalability; it is capable of growing in QAM density from one to 144 QAMs per unit. In addition to providing unparalleled output density, the bNSG is designed as a robust and highly reliable broadcast QAM that can support MPEG processing and scrambling in a single device.
The NSG 9000 is housed in a modular, 2-RU chassis, and performs PID filtering, multiplexing, QAM modulation and RF upconversion for up to 72 MPEG transport streams simultaneously. The bNSG accepts digital MPEG input through its gigabit Ethernet (GbE) ports, then directs the multimedia to different QAM to create the outgoing transport streams as QAM-RF output signals. The bNSG 9000 is also designed to perform realtime scrambling using different ciphers and supporting future MPEG processing applications.
In order to maximize scalability and flexibility, the NSG 9000 platform is designed as a completely modular system. The chassis is fitted with a passive backplane, while all the processing and modulation functions are performed on retrievable modules. The chassis has nine QAM RF module slots; each module has two QAM RF ports, and each port is capable of supporting up to 4 adjacent QAM channels (3 channels in Annex A). The system can host two AC or DC power supplies, which can be redundant to each other.
The processing module features three 1000base-T ports as well as three SFP cages for optical fiber interfaces. The processing module also includes two 10/100Base-T ports for management and conditional access networks. An on-board ASI monitoring port is used to monitor the transport streams within the system with an MPEG analyzer.
Designed for ease of operation, the bNSG 9000 QAM RF modules and power supplies are hot-swappable, allowing for flexible enhancement of the system density without service down-time. The bNSG 9000 unit has a detachable front bezel that snaps on the chassis allowing field replacement.
Management
bNSG includes a local control panel, with LCD display area and a keypad. The control panel can be used to get device information and perform basic configuration.
bNSG 9000 supports in-depth monitoring, control and alarm aggregation via Harmonic’s NMX Digital Services Manager. Using NMX, the operator can create automatic redundancy rules such as low-delay 1:1 failover, and socket redundancy.
Benefits of the bNSG 9000
High Density – Supporting up to 144 QAMs per 2-RU unit, the bNSG 9000 is capable of supporting more than 720 services.
Performance – The bNSG 9000 supports the same high performance standard of the existing NSG family, with superior RF specifications, stream and processing functionality and management options
Modular Design – The NSG 9000 platform features hot swappable modules and power supplies, a retrievable processing module and detachable front panel.
Reliability – The system supports dual redundant, load sharing power supplies, cast-aluminum covered QAM RF modules and a robust chassis design, all designed to provide high reliability and superior performance over time.
Network Management – Harmonic’s NMX Digital Service Manager™ simplifies mass configuring, monitoring and automated redundancy in both centralized and distributed architectures.