Operators become bigger players in mobile and wireless and continue to deploy other forms of wired networks

 That thinking is also emerging as "cable" operators become bigger players in mobile and wireless and continue to deploy other forms of wired networks, including PON-based platforms, on a still-targeted basis. Some are pursuing mobile and wireless by deploying Wi-Fi, striking MVNO deals and/or investing in fixed wireless companies and technologies, and several CableLabs members around the globe are also MNOs (mobile network operators) in their own right.

To help support a blending of those disparate network types, CableLabs is focusing on how to define a cohesive framework for this converged access architecture by linking multiple elements, including the aforementioned access networks and transport components, a cloud-native, common hardware platform, and a converged operations system that can underpin them all. computer science major jobs, Sorond said, is peering through a "broad lens" to define these network convergence frameworks and work is underway to move ahead with proof-of-concepts and tech trials.

"This will definitely be done in phases," Sorond said, noting that some elements, such as the convergence of billing platforms, is underway now. However, the time necessary to achieve ultimate network convergence "will be years."