TelecomsTech has previously covered the potentially game-changing and cost-saving G.Fast technology. Earlier reports focused on Bell Labs’ research into a related spin-off, XG-Fast, which demonstrated an impressive 10 Gbps over existing copper landline infrastructure.
Those top speeds were recorded under controlled laboratory conditions, so real-world performance may differ because of environmental factors and signal degradation. Nevertheless, progress in practical trials is moving forward.
BT announced in October that it would run G.Fast trials in collaboration with Huawei. Industry sources now suggest BT may reveal results from this partnership imminently at the Broadband World Forum.
Trevor Linney, Head of Access Network Research, commented: “G.Fast is an exciting technology that has significant potential. We’ve been trialling its capabilities in our labs at Adastral Park and as a proof of concept in the field, and we’re excited to share some of our findings at the Broadband World Forum this year. Hopefully this will contribute to the global debate around future use of G.Fast.”
The so-called “last mile”—the cable that runs into homes—has historically been the most costly part of network deployments. G.Fast could offer operators a cost-effective way to deliver high-speed internet directly into homes by extending fiber close to premises and using existing copper for the final connection, provided trials show favorable results.
Reflecting on Bell Labs’ XG-Fast achievement, Federico Guillén, President of Alcatel‑Lucent’s Fixed Networks business, said: “The Bell Labs speed record is an amazing achievement, but crucially in addition they have identified a new benchmark for ‘real-world’ applications for ultra‑broadband fixed access.
“G‑FAST can help operators accelerate FTTH deployments, taking fiber very close to customers without the major expense and delays associated with entering every home. By making 1 gigabit symmetrical services over copper a real possibility, Bell Labs is offering the telecommunications industry a new way to ensure no customer is left behind when it comes to ultra‑broadband access.”
If field and interoperability trials in 2015 prove successful, commercial roll-out could follow around 2016, bringing faster broadband to more homes without the high cost of replacing the final stretch of wiring.
Do you think G.Fast will live up to expectations? Share your views in the comments.