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Paving the Way for Ultra-Broadband Using G.Fast

With subscribers driving the demand for higher bandwidth to access the Internet faster, download/upload information more quickly, and benefit from the potential of OTT and IPTV, operators and content providers are clamouring for new fiber technologies to deliver higher bit rates than ever before.

While broadband plans are currently hovering around an aggregate speed of 30 Mbit/s up to 100 Mbit/s, several deployments offering aggregate speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s are happening today. The challenge for operators is to find the right technology mix and devices to hit their broadband targets, all while minimizing deployment costs. Let’s face it, while operators want to use FTTH to deliver ultra-broadband to more subscribers, the effort to overhaul their existing infrastructure adds levels of complexity and costs that are nearly second to none.

Enter G.fast.

As a DSL standard and short-loop technology, G.fast enables network operators to bring truly high-speed broadband connectivity to the millions of existing copper lines that reach homes and businesses. G.fast is indeed a robust and cost-effective solution to achieve ultra-broadband performance today, thanks to its:

  • Ease of installation
  • Flexible downstream/upstream ratio
  • Power efficiency to better manage power demands throughout the network
  • Notching features for ADSL2+/VDSL2 co-existence
  • Vectoring-enabled capabilities
  • Potential to future-proof operator networks (e.g., ready for 4K UHD TV)

Some operators are already performing trials in the field with G.fast and observing that they can keep their costs per subscriber low, go to market faster, and increase revenues sooner by harnessing the power of their current copper infrastructure.

However, despite G.fast being the potential panacea for quickly offering impressive bandwidth to subscribers, it nevertheless requires the appropriate testing procedures and equipment to ensure a seamlessly deployment and subsequent quality of services and quality of experience. Because G.fast works on existing copper cable, it is not immune to copper faults, such as cable and disturber problems as well as noise-immunity issues. G.fast testing is quickly becoming a hot topic to address these challenges.

EXFO’s latest webinar, Mass Deployment of Ultra-Broadband G.fast is Now Reality, is co-presented with Nokia, which is already overseeing 34 G.fast trials and supporting four current G.fast customers. The webinar provides compelling insight into the business case for G.fast and how operators are achieving results today with this new technology.

Moreover, viewers will better understand EXFO’s approach to G.fast testing, with its brand-new MaxTester 635G—the world’s first handheld testing solutions for G.fast, VDSL2 and copper technologies. If you are thinking of deploying G.fast in the near future or looking for the best testing equipment for existing G.fast deployment, be sure to check out this webinar today!

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