ITU pushes G.fast speeds to 2Gbps
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ITU standards experts have doubled the access speeds achievable with the G.fast standard, achieving the capability of enabling data rates of up to 2Gbps over traditional copper telephone last mile connections.
The new standard has achieved first-stage approval, and is expected to see final approval by the end of the year, the ITU said.
The third amendment of the G.fast standard doubles the aggregate net data rate achievable to 2Gbps using spectrum up to 212 MHz.
According to the ITU, the update tot he standard maintains spectral compatibility with VDSL2, offering operators the ability to switch customers between the connection technologies as their demand fluctuates.
“The amendment extends G.fast’s application to coaxial cable, enabling the coexistence of G.fast and satellite signals in coaxial cable infrastructure,” the ITU said in its announcement.
“The amendment also specifies a mechanism for dynamic time assessment, functionality that enables upstream or downstream transmission to exploit G.fast’s full aggregate net data rate.”
In addition, the ITU has completed and achieved first-stage approval for standards detailing commonalties in SDN and automatically switched optical networks, tools to meet the expected synchronization demands of 5G systems, and the characteristics of next-generation optical fiber.
Questions & Answers
Q.What new capabilities does the updated G.fast standard offer beyond increased speeds?
What new capabilities does the updated G.fast standard offer beyond increased speeds?
The amendment extends G.fast's application to coaxial cable, allowing coexistence with satellite signals. It also specifies a mechanism for dynamic time assessment, enabling transmissions to fully exploit the aggregate net data rate.
Q.When is the new G.fast standard expected to receive final approval?
When is the new G.fast standard expected to receive final approval?
The new G.fast standard, which has already achieved first-stage approval, is anticipated to receive its final approval from the ITU by the end of the current year.
Q.How does the updated G.fast standard affect operators who currently use VDSL2?
How does the updated G.fast standard affect operators who currently use VDSL2?
The update maintains spectral compatibility with VDSL2, meaning operators can switch customers between G.fast and VDSL2 technologies. This offers flexibility to manage demand fluctuations for their services.