Over the past decade, the United States has witnessed and arguably led a technology revolution driven by uninterrupted connectivity. This has become the underlying dynamic in the transformation of daily life, including how we work, how we become educated, how we obtain medical care, how we’re entertained and how we engage with others. To maintain its position as a global internet leader, the country must continue to meet the increasing demands for high-speed internet.

Shifting from Megabit to Gigabit Speeds

The nation is now on the brink of what for some will be an incremental upgrade and for others will be the difference between night and day, from megabit to gigabit connectivity. This shift promises lower latency, increased capacity, real reliability, and astonishing speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second. The deployment of fiber-rich broadband networks and cutting-edge technologies will allow households within the service area to enjoy home internet speeds of 1 gigabit per second. It’s a huge change from 30, 20, or even 10 years ago.

Eliminating Latency

Advancements in DOCSIS technologies (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) have further improved the performance of existing coaxial cable lines without the need for extensive infrastructure updates. This is really exciting because it has the power to change our experiences. DOCSIS is primarily used by cable operators who have hybrid-fiber coaxial (HFC) infrastructure. It simplifies access to the network for users in private households where it otherwise would be expensive to install fiber optics. For example, DOCSIS 3.1, for example, has increased data transmission capacity by up to 50%, enabling enhanced experiences in video conferencing, virtual reality, live gaming, and connected devices. Symmetrical upload and download speeds have also reduced response times to as low as 1 millisecond, eliminating lag time or latency.

Welcome to the 10G Era

The emergence of the 10G era has brought even greater improvements to broadband networks. With improved capacity, exceptional reliability, reduced latency, and faster speeds, the 10G era redefines the customer experience for a broad user base. Upgraded power and capacity enable 10G to unleash the creative potential of innovators while providing unparalleled reliability and security.

As a result of DOCSIS technologies, existing networks can now deliver data more efficiently, reaching speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second. Response times as low as 1 millisecond have seriously upgraded the user experience for video conferencing, virtual reality, and real-time applications.

While progress has been made in expanding access to these speeds, pinning down an actual number of U.S. households that specifically have gigabit speeds depends on who you ask. Some groups talk mostly about who has access, a potentially wide category that would include those who subscribe as well as those who have the potential to subscribe. Others pin down the number of subscribers. For example, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reported that in 2020, 84% of Americans had access to gigabit speeds. Some question this number as too high. A trade association for the cable industry goes further and claims 90% of U.S. homes have access to gigabit internet speeds. But OpenVault, a leading provider of technology solutions, reported in 2022 in its Broadband Insights report that 15% of broadband subscribers were on gigabit tier plans, up by 35% over 2021 numbers of 11.4%. Other data suggests that a significant number of households are still awaiting basic broadband speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. Most available data suggest demand is increasing greatly.

Higher Speed and Lower Latency

Let's delve into the power of 10G networks. Thanks to its deployment of various DOCSIS technologies, existing networks can deliver data more efficiently, reaching up to 10 gigabit speeds. Response times as low as 1 millisecond transform the user experience for video conferencing, virtual reality, and real-time applications.

Capacity and Reliability

A salient benefit of 10G is that it ensures seamless connectivity at home or on the go. As data flow intensifies, fiber optic technologies enable current cable infrastructures to handle increasing internet traffic well into the future. Advancements in Wi-Fi technologies further improve consumer connectivity, enabling smooth mobility across cities without any interruptions.

Empowering the Future with Enhanced Security

As the Internet of Things (IoT) rapidly expands, so does the need for enhanced security. The number of IoT devices is expected to reach a staggering 22 billion worldwide by 2025. To address the accompanying security challenges, CableLabs® Micronets, an innovative network management system, identifies and organizes connected devices to isolate security threats, safeguarding the entire network.

10G and the Transformative Power of Healthcare

The rise of 10G is set to revolutionize healthcare as we know it. Telehealth will become more regular, allowing medical care to reach patients wherever they may be. Enhanced security measures will facilitate the safe collection of personal health data, empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being. With 10G, smart home devices will contribute to personalized in-home wellness, revolutionizing the healthcare experience. Cutting-edge technologies will enable remote surgeries, transforming rural hospitals into connected surgical centers, and making medical specialists' expertise accessible nationwide.

Wi-Fi 6 and Beyond: Efficiency Redefined

Wi-Fi 6, or IEEE 802.11ax, marks the next generation of Wi-Fi network technology. Its innovative solutions will optimize Wi-Fi functions, reducing network congestion and delivering gigabit connections like 10G. OFDMA, a technology in Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, divides Wi-Fi channels into smaller sub-channels, enhancing network performance even with multiple devices connected. Modulation improves data packaging, resulting in a four-fold increase in data rates, and MIMO Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) enables more simultaneous streams, doubling overall data throughput. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6's Target Wake Time feature maximizes battery life for connected devices.

Preparing for a Hyperconnected World

As 10G approaches reality it’s not surprising that even faster speeds are just around the corner. 10G will impact entertainment, education, agriculture, and healthcare as more people gain access to it.