nbn has completed an XG-FAST trial that achieved throughput speeds of 8 Gigabits per second (Gbps) in lab conditions – in association with Nokia.
The lab trial demonstrated the capability of XG-FAST to meet nbn’s future demands for Internet services using copper infrastructure.
XG-FAST, a Nokia Bell Labs-developed extension of Nokia’s G.fast technology, enables broadband service providers to generate fiber-like speeds of more than 10Gbps over short distances using existing copper infrastructure. Nbn has already completed a significant part of the broadband network using existing copper networks. Nbn is testing XG-FAST as a potential asset for future upgrades.
The XG-FAST trial conducted in nbn’s North Sydney-based lab facilities generated peak aggregate data throughput speeds of more than 8 Gbps over a 30-meter twisted-pair copper cable typically deployed in field. A 5Gbps peak aggregate speed was achieved over 70 meters of twisted-pair copper cable.
Dennis Steiger, CTO at nbn said: “Though XG-FAST is in its very early stages of development, the lab trials we have conducted demonstrate the huge potential that the technology offers. XG-FAST gives us the ability to deliver multi-gigabit speeds over copper lines – virtually on a par with what is currently available on Fiber-to-the-Premises – but at a lower cost and time to deploy.”
Federico Guillen, president of Nokia’s Fixed Networks business group, said the telecom network and software company is committed to further developing the technology to eventually support 2Gbps or more at 100 meters, enabling longer distances to effectively cover buildings and clusters of homes without the need to rewire.
