Migration from hybrid-fiber-coaxial to fiber-to-the-home using a passive optical network architecture

Given growing demand for customer capacity, lower latency, reduced operating costs, and improved sustainability, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) is emerging as the future of fixed access networks. As hybrid-fiber-coaxial (HFC) remains part of today’s infrastructure, this article examines the technical and strategic factors involved in migrating from HFC to passive optical networks (PONs). Operators face three main options: upgrade to DOCSIS 4.0, fully transition to FTTH with a PON architecture, or deploy a unified HFC/PON platform that supports both technologies. Key performance indicators and capacity needs are central to this choice. The article also presents a case study with a service provider demonstrating a proof-of-concept for network virtualization. This approach enables coexistence of HFC and PON, providing a smoother transition to full fiber. Results show that a hybrid strategy maximizes existing infrastructure investments while enhancing flexibility, scalability, and long-term sustainability. Overall, the study supports the unified HFC/PON platform as a practical, future-ready solution for operators shifting toward all-optical networks.