The 10G platform: next great leap for broadband?
Worldwide, and more people are connecting to the internet, each with a larger number of devices. In 2016, the average household had 10 connected devices, which is expected to be five times higher soon. What’s more, the applications people use are increasingly demanding. According to Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI) figures 28 Billion devices will be online in 2022. IP video traffic will make up 82% of all internet traffic, quadrupling from 2018 to 2022. Gaming internet traffic is expected to be 9 times greater in 2022 than it was in 2017, claim Intel.
These figures, however, predate the global coronavirus pandemic. By mid-April 2020, online traffic across 20 different industries increased by 25.4 percent compared to a reference period (January and February 2020). Compared to this index period, online transactions increased by 42.8 percent. According to OECD figures, Cisco Webex, the most prevalent cloud-based videoconferencing application, is peaking at 24 times higher volume. The New York Times claims Facebook saw increases of 100% on voice calls and 50% on text messaging via the WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Instagram platforms. Business and education have now largely shifted to broadband access networks and this is not likely to revert to the ‘old’ situation.
The 10G Platform will allow networks to manage this vast demand. It combines wired, wireless, mobile, and fixed networks to provide a ubiquitous and seamless converged communication platform for the future.‘10G’ refers to 10 Gb/s speed and has nothing to do with fifth generation of mobile broadband - ‘5G’. 10G broadband will gradually be built on existing infrastructure, and not introduced everywhere simultaneously. Combining advanced technologies, from optical fibre densification to DOCSIS and wireless connections will improve existing network performance without requiring infrastructure updates. To enable 10Gs symmetrical connectivity, wireless and wireline networks will merge. Enhanced integrated management and security features will help identify and organize connected devices and prevent security threats from damaging the network.
This doesn’t only mean better performance with familiar applications – a 4K UHD movie can be downloaded in one minute, for example – but also enabling advanced new applications, from holodecks and 360° video to virtual and augmented reality. Trials are currently underway – we will keep you updated on progress!
