Ehud Kedar, Marketing Work Group Chair at HomeGrid Forum writes how G.hn technology is supporting connectivity in multi-dwelling units
In an era where high-speed internet is fundamental, the disparity between homes passed and homes connected reveals a significant challenge. According to industry statistics, while fibre optic networks have now passed over 60% of households in the US, in many urban areas the percentage of homes actually connected to these networks remains markedly lower. This gap highlights a critical issue – how to extend high-speed fibre connectivity efficiently and economically to every dwelling, particularly in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) such as apartment buildings and condominiums.
The current challenges
Deploying fibre optics in MDUs presents a number of unique challenges. Traditional fibre installations involve extensive cabling, which can be both disruptive and costly, particularly in buildings with pre-existing structures. This is because the conventional approach of running fibre directly to each unit is often impractical in these situations, due to space constraints, complex logistics, and high costs associated with individual installations.
At the same time, MDUs often have shared infrastructure that complicates the installation of new cabling. Adding to this complexity are the varying technical requirements and regulations for each building, which can create additional hurdles for service providers aiming to offer high-speed internet to all residents.
G.hn technology: a game-changer for fibre extension
Enter G.hn technology, a major breakthrough offering a solution to these significant connectivity challenges. G.hn, which stands for ‘Giga Home Networking,’ is a standard developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) which enables high-speed networking over the existing wiring found within buildings. G.hn technology can utilise existing coaxial cables or phone lines (both Single and Dual pairs) to create a robust network capable of supporting high-speed data transmissions of more than 1.5Gbps.
Instead of laying new fibre cables to every individual unit, G.hn empowers service providers to use the existing internal wiring. This drastically reduces installation costs by more than 50%, all while minimising potential disruption to residents. The technology leverages the existing infrastructure to extend high-speed internet throughout the building without the need for extensive new cabling.
G.hn technology also simplifies the process of expanding fibre networks. It provides a straightforward way to deliver high-speed internet to multiple units by creating a network over existing wiring. This approach significantly reduces the time and complexity associated with fibre deployments and enables quicker and more efficient service rollouts. On top of this, G.hn utilises the same cost-effective chipset for both the DPU (Distribution Point Unit) and the CPE (Customer Premises Equipment), reducing the cost and complexity of stock associated with chip stock management.
Of course, networks need to be high performant, which is why G.hn supports speeds comparable to fibre optics, making it an effective solution for delivering gigabit speeds. The technology ensures that each unit receives reliable and high-performance connectivity, crucial for meeting the demands of today’s bandwidth-intensive applications and services. The technology includes TR management, Quality of Service (Qos), rate limit, and power control to meet operator needs.
As the demand for faster internet continues to grow, G.hn technology offers scalability that can accommodate increasing bandwidth requirements. The network can be designed in a ‘pay as you grow’ architecture, while adding additional ports as more dwelling units join the service.
The importance of standards
A significant driver behind the adoption and promotion of G.hn technology are not-for-profit organisations like the HomeGrid Forum. These are crucial when it comes advancing G.hn technology and its ecosystem. Through G.hn specific standards, innovations can be achieved faster, providing a platform for collaboration among industry stakeholders. Through its efforts, these organisations help to ensure interoperability between different G.hn devices, promote best practices, and drive the widespread adoption of G.hn technology.
This is accelerated through G.hn specific work groups. HomeGrid Forum, for example, employs a task group names GigaWire (G.hn Access), which covers the G.hn solutions on the fibre/5G access technology, putting together both manufacturers and service providers to help strengthen, challenge, certify and evangelise the G.hn-Access solutions.
A look to the future
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for efficient and scalable connectivity solutions continues to increase. However, G.hn technology represents a crucial step forward in addressing the connectivity challenges faced by multi-dwelling units both now, and in the future. By leveraging existing infrastructure and offering high-speed performance, G.hn provides a viable path to bridging the gap between homes passed and homes connected.
It’s for this reason that service providers and property managers alike should consider the advantages of G.hn technology; it should be considered an essential part of any strategy for expanding fibre networks. With its cost-effectiveness, ease of deployment, and high-performance capabilities, G.hn stands out as a powerful solution for overcoming the growing demands of today’s connected world.
While the percentage of homes connected to fibre networks remains a pressing issue, G.hn technology offers a promising pathway to enhancing connectivity in multi-dwelling units. By harnessing this innovative approach, we can move closer to ensuring that high-speed internet is not just a luxury but a ubiquitous and accessible resource for all.
Author: Ehud Kedar, Marketing Work Group Chair at HomeGrid Forum
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