Nokia and Deutsche Telekom show how XG-FAST technology can extend copper network speeds and meet future data demands

Espoo, Finland – Nokia has completed a laboratory trial with Deutsche Telekom that has demonstrated how XG-FAST, a new fixed ultra-broadband access technology, can be used by service providers to meet ever-growing demands for high-quality Internet services delivered over their existing copper networks. The lab trial was conducted end of 2015 by Nokia’s subsidiary Alcatel-Lucent.

XG-FAST is a Bell Labs-developed extension of Nokia’s commercially available G.fast technology. The trial conducted at Deutsche Telekom’s cable laboratory in Darmstadt, Germany, generated data throughput speeds of more than 10 gigabits-per-second (Gbps), approximately 200 times faster than speeds in the average residential broadband connection today. In providing fiber-like speeds, the copper-based technology could enable a two-hour HD movie to download in less than 10 seconds, or for 1,000 photos to be uploaded in less than two seconds.

Deutsche Telekom’s network – which uses VDSL2 Vectoring as well as fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology – currently offers customers access speeds of up to 100 megabits-per-second (Mbps). In enabling Deutsche Telekom to make efficient use of its existing copper network infrastructure, the innovative XG-FAST technology could also enable it to deliver further on commitments to Germany’s national broadband targets for providing more bandwidth to more people.

Key Facts:

• Technologies such as G.fast and XG-FAST use the last section of existing copper networks to deliver fiber-like speeds to homes and offices. XG-FAST is in the early stages of lab testing, but has exceeded expectations in trials with several customers so far.
• The XG-FAST trial with Deutsche Telekom demonstrated an aggregated bandwidth exceeding 11Gbps on two bonded pairs of Category 6 cable at 50 meters in length. Similar tests using standard drop cable illustrated the feasibility of XG-FAST for fiber-to-the-front door applications, achieving aggregate rates that exceed 8Gbps over 50m.  All trials were performed using prototype equipment from Bell Labs under laboratory conditions.
• XG-FAST is also capable of delivering 1Gbps symmetrical services at distances of 70m enabling operators to deliver fiber-like speeds inside buildings using existing telephone lines, eliminating the need to install new cabling. This allows for faster installation times and less hassle for the end-user.
• Nokia’s fixed ultra-broadband access portfolio offers service providers a comprehensive mix of fiber and copper access technologies to suit the needs of any deployment.

Federico Guillén, President of Fixed Networks, Nokia, said: “As a global leader in ultra-broadband fixed access we are offering operators a mix of fiber and copper technologies to deploy high-quality services more quickly and cost-effectively. The XG-FAST trial with Deutsche Telekom represents an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to extend the potential of copper for delivering ultra-fast speeds, while also bringing fiber closer to residential and business users.”

Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, CTO of Deutsche Telekom, said: “Working on this demonstration we can see the future possibilities of XG-FAST in maximizing existing assets. This will provide another technology option which could enable us to offer high-speed connectivity to our customers quickly and cost-effectively, and at the same time, move our fiber infrastructure closer to our customers.”