Nokia Bell Labs achieves world’s first 10 Gbps symmetrical data speeds over traditional cable access networks

May 16, 2016

Achieving ‘symmetrical’ services – where the network can simultaneously support 10 Gbps data speeds for both uploading and downloading content – is a major breakthrough for the cable industry. With the need for high-speed upload services growing due to demand for HD video uploads, real-time gaming, live streaming video and virtual or augmented reality, Nokia Bell Labs started to explore the feasibility of delivering symmetrical service over HFC cable plants in 2014. Demonstrating for the first time that the concept is valid and achievable, the XG-CABLE test used point-to-point cable topologies to deliver 10 Gbps symmetric data speeds over coaxial cable using 1.2 Ghz of spectrum.      

Still considered a proof of concept, XG-CABLE can easily integrate into the CableLabs new Full Duplex DOSCIS® 3.1 concept, which is focused on providing cable operators with technology innovations that can transform the industry. By leveraging the XG-CABLE technology, 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.  This will enable operators to more effectively bring ultra-broadband services to consumer locations that were not physically or economically viable unless fiber was brought all the way to the residence. XG-CABLE will also provide operators with greater agility in how they use and manage their spectrum.

Federico Guillén, President of Fixed Networks, Nokia, said “The XG-CABLE proof of concept is a great example of our ongoing effort and commitment to provide the cable industry with the latest innovations and technology needed to effectively address the growing demand for gigabit services. The proof of concept demonstrates that providing 10 Gbps symmetrical services over HFC networks is a real possibility for operators; it is an important achievement that will define the future capabilities and ultra-broadband services cable providers are able to deliver.”.” 

Dr. Robert Howald, Vice President, Network Architecture at Comcast Cable, said:  “While it is still early in the development of full duplex, Nokia’s XG Cable proof of concept shows that multi-Gigabit symmetrical speeds over HFC, as targeted in the CableLabs FDX initiative, are achievable. As we continue our DOCSIS 3.1 deployments this year, this development further illustrates the power and flexibility of the DOCSIS 3.1 as a tool to deliver next-generation broadband performance.”

Click to Tweet: XG-CABLE proof of concept by @Nokianetworks brings world record speeds to cable industry demonstrating 10Gbps symmetrical speeds

Nokia is a global leader in the technologies that connect people and things. Powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs and Nokia Technologies, the company is at the forefront of creating and licensing the technologies that are increasingly at the heart of our connected lives. 

With state-of-the-art software, hardware and services for any type of network, Nokia is uniquely positioned to help communication service providers, governments, and large enterprises deliver on the promise of 5G, the Cloud and the Internet of Things. http://nokia.com