Over the past decade, America has embarked on a technology transformation powered by constant connectivity. Today, most Americans have access to high-speed internet networks that have changed the way we live, work, learn and play. But ensuring that the U.S. remains a global internet leader means that our networks have to stay ahead of demand. We are transitioning from an era defined by megabits to one in which gigabit connectivity is unleashed. Thanks to technologies already being deployed and some coming soon, that future — one with 10 gigabit speeds — is just around the corner.
Most of America already has access to home internet speeds of 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) via cable’s broadband networks. Millions of miles of fiber-rich broadband networks have been deployed over the last several decades, powering our video and broadband internet experiences. New technologies have dramatically improved the ability to transfer data at a much higher rate. In the near future, further development and deployment of these technologies will enable the same networks to deliver 10 Gigabit speeds in the coming years.
10G is the broadband platform of the future that will deliver residential internet speeds of 10 gigabits per second – 10 times faster than today's networks. With upgraded power and capacity, 10G will enable creators and innovators to fulfill their dreams while providing reliability and security.
Reaching 10Gbps speeds requires innovation. Deployment of several types of DOCSIS technologies will improve performance of our existing networks, without having to update the infrastructure. For example, DOCSIS 3.1 gives the ability to transmit up to 50 percent more data, enabling improved quality of video conferencing, virtual reality, live gaming, and connected devices. It also supports symmetrical upload and download speeds, therefore shortening response time to 1 millisecond, and removing lag time, or "latency."
With new advancements, downloading or streaming large files can happen in your home or on the go, thanks to the seamless connection 10G will bring. As so much data moves across the network, fiber optic technologies will enable the current cable infrastructure to manage increased internet traffic far into the future — saving energy and cost, while doubling capacity. Also, advancements to Wi-Fi technologies will improve consumer connectivity so they can move freely around cities without experiencing any gap in connection.
The Internet of Things has exploded in the last few years, and the surge is far from over. According to forecasts, the number of IoT devices globally is expected to reach 22 billion by 2025, which comes to about three devices per person—triple the amount there are today. But with this growth comes security risks, and users will need to be protected from vulnerabilities and threats.
CableLabs recently introduced one such approach currently in the works. CableLabs® Micronets is an advanced network management system that can identify and organize connected devices in order to isolate security threats and prevent them from damaging the network.
Mobility: 10G Helps 5G Wireless
With a high-speed network that covers most of America, wireless operators will use broadband for mobile backhaul to transmit a call over distances, with wireless signals only being sent at the two end-points. This will reduce the strain on the mobile network, and improve wireless service —10G broadband technology is going to enable the wireless 5G future.
Gigabit speeds are already here, and many cable ISPs have rolled out service across the country. Gigabit availability has increased significantly, and that's especially important given today's consumer demand for networks that can deliver advanced technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and 4K streaming (and soon, 8K).
