The present document is intended to provide an introduction to the Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) architecture. The CCAP architecture has been specified in an integrated and a modular implementation. The present document describes both the integrated and modular architectures and discusses the various specifications that contain normative requirements pertaining to the CCAP. In addition@ the present document describes the architectural entities and interfaces that make up the integrated and modular implementations@ as well as the protocols they support. For the modular implementation@ the present document provides an overview of the operation of Packet Shelf and Access Shelf devices@ as well as the interface between them.