MaxLinear announced that it has become the first silicon vendor to achieve DOCSIS 3.1 Verified for Interoperability (VFI) certification using its Puma 8 reference platform, marking a key milestone in the industry’s transition toward DOCSIS 4.0 deployment.
The interoperability milestone was achieved as part of the early DOCSIS 4.0 certification process led by CableLabs.
The company said the achievement validates Puma 8’s interoperability within existing deployed broadband networks while preparing operators for future DOCSIS 4.0 rollouts.
DOCSIS 4.0 is expected to support higher broadband speeds, lower latency, and improved network capacity for next-generation connected services and AI-enabled home experiences.
MaxLinear said Puma 8 also integrates the company’s MaxAI framework, which uses on-chip AI acceleration to support intelligent home network optimization, troubleshooting, and personalized broadband services.
According to the company, the platform is designed to help broadband operators improve network management while enabling advanced in-home AI-driven applications.
Puneet Sethi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Network Infrastructure and Carrier at MaxLinear, said the Puma 8 platform is helping accelerate the transition from certification testing to commercial deployment.
He said the combination of Puma 8 and MaxAI enables service providers and OEM partners to support both DOCSIS 4.0 and DOCSIS 4.0-upgradable deployments.
Following the interoperability milestone, several OEM partners have also progressed with Puma 8-based platforms.
DOCSIS 4.0 embedded multimedia terminal adapters (eMTAs) developed by Gemtek and Hitron Technologies using Puma 8 have achieved DOCSIS 3.1 VFI status.
Additional OEM companies, including Askey, are also expected to participate in the certification process.
MaxLinear said the growing OEM ecosystem will help operators establish scalable and diversified supply chains for future DOCSIS 4.0 deployments.
JR Walden, Senior Vice President Technology and Chief Technology Officer at Mediacom Communications, said the partnership supports ongoing broadband innovation and creates a foundation for future deployments.
Henrick Marin said early interoperability validation is important as operators prepare for the DOCSIS 4.0 transition.
Greg Fisher said collaboration with MaxLinear is helping align interoperability and deployment readiness within scalable broadband platforms.
MaxLinear said it is now supporting early Puma 8-based deployments as operators move from laboratory validation toward commercial rollout preparation.
The company also confirmed ongoing development work for future broadband gateway technologies, including support for emerging in-home connectivity standards such as Wi-Fi 8.
MaxLinear plans to showcase its next-generation DOCSIS and connectivity roadmap at ANGA COM 2026 in Cologne.
