MaxLinear Inc. (NASDAQ: MXL) announced it became the first silicon vendor to achieve DOCSIS 3.1 Verified for Interoperability (VFI) using its Puma 8 reference platform as part of the early DOCSIS 4.0 certification process at CableLabs.

The milestone validates interoperability in deployed networks as the industry advances toward full DOCSIS 4.0 certification. The Puma 8 platform incorporates MaxLinear's AI framework, MaxAI, which uses on-chip AI acceleration to support network optimization and troubleshooting capabilities.

Following MaxLinear's VFI achievement, OEM partners Gemtek and Hitron have achieved DOCSIS 3.1 VFI for their DOCSIS 4.0 eMTAs based on Puma 8, with Askey expected to follow. The company stated this expanding ecosystem provides operators with a supply chain for high-volume deployments.

"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 at MaxLinear. "The transition to DOCSIS 4.0 will deliver higher capacity and new AI-enabled experiences."

MaxLinear is supporting early Puma 8-based deployments, allowing operators to move from laboratory testing to commercial readiness. The company plans to showcase its roadmap at ANGA COM 2026 in Cologne.

The information is based on a press release from MaxLinear.