When it comes to the internet, users always want the highest, best speeds available. However, there’s constant innovation in this field. In fact, businesses are continually developing and also testing new methods to speed up the internet speed, keep it stable and also ensure businesses and home users alike get to harness all of its benefits.
Needless to say, things have evolved quite nicely over the years. We went from models to 1 GBPS connections, but we do think that things might get even better. CableLabs is one of the top researchers in the industry and they say we will have 10 GBPS internet sooner than later, most likely within the next 10 years.
However, things are now in motion, since Broadcom and Comcast already showcased their own DOCSIS 4, full duplex system in 2021. This system is set to hit 4 GBPS and the way they do that is they rely on the overlapping spectrum and also echo cancellation features of the device. Additionally, Comcast has already tested a 10G connection with a virtualized cable modem termination system that was based on this unit. While the 10 GBPS is still a dream for researchers and innovators, it’s definitely something within reach. However, it might take some time to do it.
DOCSIS 4 is seen by many as the newest generation of cable internet and it’s very powerful and efficient. The reason why it manages to deliver very high speeds is because it seamlessly combined the fiber and cable broadband with the hybrid fiber coax. This makes it possible for the cable to deliver 10 GBPS downstreams, with 6 GBPS upstreams.
The great thing is that this speed is already achieved in labs. Spectrum/Charter Communications has already showcased a 8.5 GBPS downstream and 6 GBPS upstream, thanks to a dedicated, hybrid HFC. The great thing here is that it all worked without having to set any fiber or cable, it just relied on a current HFC infrastructure.
Armstrong from CableLabs was able to take it even further. He was able to create a 10 GB network in Medina to customers, and it actually delivers 10G access to 3000+ residents and companies in the region. Sure, a large scale infrastructure like this is not possible for the time being, but it’s definitely going to improve in the long term.
Capacity increases
The main focus when it comes to reaching 10-Gigabit internet is to enhance the bit number that’s delivered to users. However, that can be difficult. Which is why in order to help reach the demand, CableLabs is working on a new device. This is named the Coherent Termination device. The way it works is it uses the current fiber assets and it combines them with WDM , which is a wavelength division multiplexing technology. In doing that, the internet provider gets to enhance the number of bits added to the network.
Getting to 10G speeds
CableLabs is committed to bringing in 10 GBPS internet, and they already created a challenge named the 10G challenge. Their focus is to encourage entrepreneurs, students and anyone with the knowledge needed to create 10G apps. Their prize is over $300k, and the entire contest is designed to bring in a lot of growth and innovation into this field. CableLabs will choose 6 winners for this challenge, and their work will be presented at the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2022.
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