Although Cisco's new entry targets smaller deployments, it can work in conjunction with larger CMTSs on an operator's network. The uBR7225VXR, scheduled for a commercial release in the fourth quarter, runs the same software as Cisco's mid-sized and flagship CMTS products, Mattson says.

    He adds that the new product "supersedes" the uBR7100, an older compact CMTS in Cisco's portfolio.

    Cisco, currently the CMTS market share leader, has shipped more than 1 million Docsis ports across the uBR product family.