10G Milestones: Advancing the Future of Connectivity

The cable broadband industry achieved significant milestones in 2024, pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation in the pursuit of the 10G platform's promise. These achievements reflect progress across the four core pillars of 10G: increased reliability, lower latency, enhanced security, and faster speeds.

Here's how these advancements are shaping the future of intelligent, adaptive networks:

Increased Reliability

Current internet applications, like video streaming and online gaming, require networks to be highly reliable and adaptable. To meet these demands, CableLabs introduced Network as a Service (NaaS) - a new approach that simplifies how applications interact with networks.

• NaaS uses standardized tools to help developers quickly connect their apps to network services.
• For example, Charter Communications worked with CableLabs to launch Bryte IQ, a NaaS platform that makes it easier and more secure for developers to access Spectrum's networks.

Lower Latency

Latency, or the delay before data moves through a network, is critical for activities like immersive gaming and video calls that require real-time responsiveness. In 2024, CableLabs took steps to reduce these delays:

• They organized events where developers and engineers worked together to improve how next-generation applications communicate with broadband technology like DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0.
• A major achievement was creating a new system to prioritize traffic for activities that need instant response times. This makes connections smoother and more enjoyable for users.

Enhanced Security

As networks become smarter and more connected, security remains a top priority. CableLabs introduced new tools and practices in 2024 to strengthen defenses:

• The Routing Security Profile (RSP), a guide to prioritizing cybersecurity by protecting sensitive internet data and managing risks, was released.
• In partnership with member companies, the Zero Trust and Infrastructure Security (ØTIS) Best Common Practices document was introduced. This approach ensures every part of the network - from passwords to data storage - is protected against threats.

Faster Speeds

Speed is one of the most visible improvements in broadband technology, and 2024 was a record-breaking year:

• CableLabs helped accelerate the development of hardware and software that would achieve even faster speeds, achieving the new record of over 9 gigabits per second on the latest DOCSIS 4.0 technology.
• Comcast expanded multi-gigabit speeds to over 10 million locations nationwide.

The progress made in 2024 demonstrates the industry's unwavering commitment to a future-ready, intelligent network. By building on these milestones, the cable broadband industry is laying the foundation for seamless, context-aware connectivity that adapts to users' needs in real time.

As we look ahead, the promise of 10G is not just about faster speeds but also about creating a platform that empowers innovation, enhances digital experiences, and drives economic growth.