MaxLinear is continuing to build strong momentum around the DOCSIS 4.0 ecosystem, moving closer to certification and real-world deployment. This progress builds on early interoperability success and growing OEM adoption of its Puma 8 platform.
As part of the initial DOCSIS 4.0 certification process at CableLabs®, MaxLinear became the first silicon vendor to achieve DOCSIS 3.1 Verified for Interoperability (VFI) using its Puma 8 reference platform.
This milestone confirms that the platform can seamlessly interoperate with existing deployed networks, an important step as the industry transitions toward full DOCSIS 4.0 certification.
Puma 8 is further strengthened by MaxLinear’s AI framework, MaxAI, which enables operators to deliver more personalized broadband experiences while improving network optimization and troubleshooting at the platform level.
By leveraging on-chip AI acceleration, MaxAI supports smarter, more responsive in-home connectivity.
The broader ecosystem is also gaining traction. Following MaxLinear’s VFI milestone, OEM partners such as Gemtek and Hitron have achieved DOCSIS 3.1 VFI for their Puma 8-based eMTAs, with additional players like Askey expected to follow.
This growing ecosystem gives operators access to a more diverse and scalable supply chain for large-scale deployments.
Looking ahead, MaxLinear is continuing to evolve Puma 8 for next-generation gateways, with plans to support future in-home connectivity standards such as Wi-Fi 8. The company is also set to highlight its roadmap at ANGA COM 2026 in Cologne.
With interoperability validation progressing and OEM platforms coming online, MaxLinear is now supporting early Puma 8–based deployments. This allows operators to move from lab to commercial readiness with confidence that the hardware is stable and interoperable.
Leadership Comments
“Puma 8 is enabling the ecosystem to move from certification milestones to real deployments,” said Puneet Sethi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Network Infrastructure and Carrier, MaxLinear. “The transition to DOCSIS 4.0 will deliver higher capacity and new AI-enabled experiences. Puma 8 and MaxAI enable our service provider partners and OEM customers to accelerate DOCSIS 4.0 and DOCSIS 4.0-upgradable deployments.”
“Mediacom strives to remain at the forefront of broadband innovation, and this partnership with MaxLinear and our OEM partners creates a strong foundation for others to follow,” said JR Walden, SVP Technology and CTO of Mediacom Communications.
“Early interoperability validation is critical as the industry transitions to DOCSIS 4.0,” said Henrick Marin, General Manager of Gemtek North America. “Puma 8 provides a solid foundation for scaling next-generation cable gateways with confidence.”
“Hitron is committed to delivering broadband platforms that align with operators’ deployment timelines,” said Greg Fisher, President and CTO of Hitron Technologies Inc. “Our work with MaxLinear on Puma 8 brings interoperability and DOCSIS 4.0 readiness together in a scalable platform.”
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