Ensuring HFC Network Resiliency During Extended Utility Outages

This technical report addresses the challenges of maintaining high-speed Internet connectivity during prolonged utility outages, particularly for Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) networks. It outlines the increasing importance of reliable broadband connections, especially highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has blurred the lines between residential and business Internet needs. The report discusses the necessity for Multiple-System Operators (MSOs) to ensure network resilience through extended backup power solutions, as mandated by government regulations. It presents various methods for backup power, including the use of generators and batteries, specifically Lithium Ion and Thin Plate Pure Lead batteries. The report details the operational strategies employed by MSOs for deploying portable generators and the considerations necessary for integrating additional energy storage solutions. It also examines the requirements for extended run time solutions and the implications of legislative mandates on network reliability, emphasizing the need for comprehensive resiliency strategies to prepare for natural disasters and power outages.