Network equipment giant Nokia collaborated with Alphabet’s GFiber Labs to successfully test 50 GB/s broadband speeds over existing fiber networks in what they claim is the first live demonstration in the U.S.
Nokia said the demonstration shows that operators can use its Lightspan MF fiber platform to upgrade existing fiber networking to meet the demand of faster connectivity either in the home or in businesses. The demonstration builds on GFiber Labs and Nokia’s 25G PON deployment last year.
Additionally, the new testing displays how different PON technologies can be combined on the same fiber to evolve their broadband offerings, Nokia said.
In the demonstration, GFiber Labs was able to simultaneously run 10/25G PON along with 25/50G PON broadband service over its fiber network.
Why it matters
Fiber is being used increasingly for connectivity in all forms of high-speed internet services. Currently, operators are using fiber to create new opportunities with 25G PON services. However, it is expected this bandwidth will not be enough for future demands. So, the path to 50G PON upgrades and beyond are being developed.
Nokia said it can support next-generation PON with 10G and 25G products. But it is planning to expand this portfolio to 50G, which is already in trials, and 100G PON in the future.
