Nokia claims breakthrough with demo of 10Gbps data over cable networks

In a world first, Nokia Bell Labs has demonstrated 10Gbps symmetrical data speeds using traditional HFC cable plant with a prototype technology called XG-Cable.

The test used point-to-point cable topologies to deliver 10Gbps data speeds upstream and downstream over coaxial cable using 1.2Ghz of spectrum. The test demonstrates how existing cable systems can be used to deliver symmetrical ultra-broadband access services, said Nokia Bell Labs, which developed the XG-Cable access porotype based on ‘echo cancelling’ technologies.

The vendor hailed the achievement of symmetrical services as a major breakthrough for the cable industry. It has been exploring the feasibility of delivering symmetrical service over HFC cable plants since 2014, believing that high-speed upload demands will grow due to applications such as HD video uploads, real-time gaming, live streaming video and virtual or augmented reality.

Still considered a proof of concept, Nokia Bell Labs said XG-Cable can easily integrate into the CableLabs new Full Duplex DOSCIS 3.1 concept that the cable industry body is exploring for similar service functions. By using XG-CABLE, operators can effectively use existing HFC cables over the last 200 meters to provide upstream speeds never before achievable due to the limited spectrum available, according to the company.

On the telco front, Israel-based chipmaker Sckipio is touting a new bandwidth technology for G.fast. Based on dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA), it is also designed to boost the upstream bandwidth available to customers on copper-based networks.

Sckipio claims its approach could support connection speeds of up to 750Mbps in each direction on today's chipsets. Telus and AT&T are mentioned as two telcos interested in using, or at least evaluating, the technology, which is in demonstrations with broadband equipment vendor Adtran.

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