Upload and download speeds of up to 10 Gbps over the cable
The battle between cable and fiber optics for fast internet connections initially seemed unfair. Optical fiber potentially has much more capacity (bandwidth) than the ‘old-fashioned’ coax. As a result, cable can never offer the same speed as fiber optic. That is still a fact, but the difference is getting smaller with the introduction of new cable technologies.
Docsis, for data over the cable
At the end of the last millennium, Docsis (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) standard was developed to transport data over the coax cables. Simply put, a standard that ensures, and now I simplify it very much, that the data can be transported faster over the coaxial cable.
With the further development of that standard, the maximum download speed of cable internet connections in particular came closer and closer to what fiber optic providers offer. Most cable providers now use Docsis 3.1, for maximum download speeds of up to 10 Gbps. In practice, the cable companies, such as VodafoneZiggo, offer a maximum of 1 Gbps.
One of the drawbacks of the current Docsis standard is the relatively limited upload bandwidth. That should change with Docsis 4.0. The latest standard supports synchronous data connections up to 10 Gbps. This means that the last important disadvantage compared to fiberglass has been ‘brushed away’
VodafoneZiggo is testing Docsis 4.0 on a live network
VodafoneZiggo is now the first company in the world to conduct a Docsis 4.0 test via the live Ziggo network. With Docsis 4.0 and other adjustments to the network, VodafoneZiggo is ensuring that the network capacity continues to grow considerably. This network capacity will become available to customers in the coming years. When exactly that will happen is not yet known. It is therefore just over a year ago that VodafoneZiggo completed the roll-out of Docsis 3.1, also known as the GigaNet update.
“With the use of Docsis 4.0 in the network, we will offer even greater reliability of the service and more capacity, making even more bandwidth available for all internet and entertainment services on the network. to be dug”, says Leo-Geert van den Berg (Director Fixed Networks).
The Docsis 4.0 test took place at the VodafoneZiggo TEC Campus in Amsterdam. The provider trains its technicians here and network innovations are also tested there. VodafoneZiggo was the first provider in the world to give a Docsis 4.0 demo via a live network.
