In addition, the Japanese EPON FTTx vendors have the roadmap under control. They are quite far along with 10G/1G EPON solutions and will develop 10G symmetrical as components become available.
Partnerships between the leading CMTS vendors and the leading Japanese EPON vendors may provide the best chance for winning market share.
If a Sumitomo or Mitsubishi were to combine forces with an Arris or Cisco, the result could fulfill the requirements of DPOE while providing confidence to the MSO industry that the solution would maintain their huge investments in DOCSIS.
And let’s face it, a partnership between Huawei and Cisco is very unlikely. The Japanese are probably the only EPON vendors that could approach the CMTS vendors and be greeted with an open door. An open door does not guarantee a working partnership, but it is a positive first step.