What is 10G?
10G is the broadband network of the future that is being deployed today and will ultimately deliver internet speeds of 10 gigabits per second.
The 10G platform will not only deliver the speed, security, and reliability that bandwidth-heavy technologies and applications will increasingly require but also provide creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs the continued ability to build the technologies of our future.
How is 10G an Upgrade from Today’s Internet Technology?
10G represents the collective efforts of the cable industry to stay ahead of the increased demand for faster and more powerful networks.
By leveraging innovative technologies, 10G’s more efficient and robust network infrastructure will usher in an era of ultra-fast, reliable, and secure internet connectivity.
1. Ubiquity
The cable industry has the technologies and infrastructure already in place to make 10G a reality.
Built upon existing hybrid fiber coaxial networks, 10G will improve internet performance nationwide without requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades.
2. Speed
Most Americans have access to 1G broadband internet speeds, which transmit data at one billion bits per second. A critical milestone on the path toward 10G, one-gigabit speeds exponentially outperform the various megabit broadband speeds (Mbps) tiers that are widely available (1 gigabit = 1000 megabits).
With speeds up to 10 gigabits per second, 10G will ultimately be ten times faster than today’s 1G networks.
3. Latency
10G aims to provide near-zero latency, or one-millisecond response times, critical for enhancing real-time user experiences, such as video conferencing and online gaming.
By minimizing delays in data delivery, cable providers are paving the way for future immersive experiences and advanced technologies.
4. Reliability
Network reliability must keep pace as digital technologies continue to evolve and become integral to our daily lives.
For instance, the average number of connected devices in households is increasing – from smart home appliances and wearables to gaming consoles and VR headsets. This influx of internet-connected devices, combined with technological advancements that emerge during the Fourth Industrial Revolution, underscores the importance of a dependable network.
10G’s advanced technologies enable continuous monitoring and self-healing mechanisms, proactively detecting and resolving issues before they disrupt the user experience.
5. Security
10G networks will be able to swiftly detect and isolate potential threats to prevent them from spreading. If one device is compromised, the network can isolate the affected device and ensure the rest are safe.
Where Does 10G Stand?
Cable providers have reached significant milestones in advancing 10G:
- Comcast launched Xfinity 10G to 10 million locations in February 2023. Since then, over 40 markets have benefited from network enhancements, with Comcast aiming to deliver multi-gig speeds to over 50 million locations by 2025.
- Mediacom began transitioning its Iowa operations to its 10G platform. West Des Moines is the first service area to receive upgrades, with completion slated for July 2023. Mediacom will announce updates for additional areas at a later date.
- Charter Communications successfully demonstrated greater than 8.5 Gbps downstream and 6 Gbps in January 2022, validating the enormous potential of 10G.
- Cox, GCI, and Midco have continued to reaffirm their commitments to the 10G initiative and are investing in building and rolling out 10G networks over the next several years.
What’s Next for 10G?
As our reliance on the internet and technology grows, the 10G network will drive innovation to provide more meaningful connections, engaging work and educational experiences, robust network speeds, and more.
We partnered with the Future Today Institute to imagine what the 10G future could look like:
- Entertainment - AR and VR experiences will revolutionize how we watch TV and provide a new level of immersion.
- Healthcare - Increased connectivity will allow us to monitor our health 24/7 and get health checkups from the comfort of our living rooms.
- Agriculture - Intelligent farming will reduce pollution, reduce waste, and enable indoor urban farming.
- Education - Education will become more immersive, with experiential learning enhanced by AI technologies.
Learn more about 10G and the work being done to develop the future high-speed network here.