Arris ARCT01145 C4 2Dx12U Cable Access Module

The Arris ARCT01145 (also known as C4-CAM-01122W or CAM-01122W) is a Cable Access Module (CAM) for the Arris C4 Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS). It provides a 2 downstream x 12 upstream (2D x 12U) configuration, functioning as a line card for DOCSIS and EuroDOCSIS cable access networks in Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) architectures. The module processes RF signals for downstream transmission to cable modems and receives upstream signals from customer premises equipment, supporting high-speed data, VoIP, and video services.This module features 2 downstream channels with support for 64-QAM and 256-QAM modulation, delivering data rates up to approximately 55.62 Mbps per channel (depending on Annex A/B and channel width). The 12 upstream channels operate in the 5–65 MHz frequency range (DOCSIS) or 5–65 MHz (EuroDOCSIS), with modulation schemes including QPSK, 16-QAM, 32-QAM, and 64-QAM, providing up to 30.72 Mbps per upstream channel. It supports DOCSIS 2.0/3.0 features such as upstream channel bonding (up to 4 channels in Release 8.x software), dynamic load balancing, and upstream agility for optimized performance in varying RF conditions.

The ARCT01145 installs as a hot-swappable plug-in card into the Arris C4 CMTS 21-slot chassis. It uses external F-type RF connectors on the front panel for upstream and downstream interfaces and connects to the mid-plane backplane for power, control, and data transport to System Control Modules (SCM), Fabric Control Modules, and Network Access Modules. Physical Interface Cards (PICs) are required for specific slot positions (even/odd/spare). The card is engineered for carrier-class reliability with support for continuous operation in head-end environments.

Key operational capabilities include spectrum management tools, automatic power leveling, integrated upstream agility, and compatibility with advanced CMTS software releases (Release 5.2 through 8.x and later). It integrates with DOCSIS features such as BPI+ security, multicast, IPv6 (in later releases), and PacketCable services when the appropriate system licenses and software are applied. The module supports flexible mapping of upstream and downstream channels within the CAM and works in configurations with dedicated upstream-focused cards (12U/24U) or downstream cards (16D/XD).

This Cable Access Module is deployed in cable operator networks for scaling upstream capacity, particularly in scenarios with growing return-path traffic from bonded DOCSIS 3.0 modems. It is backward-compatible within the C4 CMTS platform and commonly used for capacity upgrades, maintenance spares, or replacement in existing DOCSIS 2.0/3.0 deployments.

Installation involves insertion into a designated CAM slot, connection of RF cables to the F-connectors, and configuration via the CMTS CLI, SNMP, or management interface. Commissioning requires verification of RF signal levels (upstream receive input -16 to +29 dBmV), channel acquisition, bonding groups, and performance metrics. Maintenance includes monitoring of per-channel statistics, firmware/software alignment with the CMTS release, and field replacement as a hot-swappable unit.

The Arris ARCT01145 helps operators deliver reliable broadband services while maintaining high system availability in the modular C4 CMTS architecture.