Performance Evaluation of MGfast Systems Over Coaxial Cables

Abstract

A trend for the 5th generation fixed broadband access networks is to provide data rates as high as 10 Gbps to the subscribers. Since fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity is still expensive, the use of alternative architectures is attractive in some scenarios. In this context, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is standardizing the MGfast access technology to provide multi-gigabit transmission over copper media. This paper evaluates the performance of MGfast systems adopting RG-59, RG-6 and RG-11 coaxial cables as interface between the distribution point units (DPUs) and the customer premises equipment (CPE). The operation mode of MGfast is assumed to be synchronized time division duplexing (STDD) and a simple loading method for power allocation is employed. Simulation results show that, for loop lengths less than 100 m, data rate as high as 11 Gbps can be achieved using a transmission profile that goes up to 848 MHz. Assuming a profile that goes up to 1696 MHz, the data rates can be as high as 23 Gbps.