Quantum XGS-PON

[jrref]

For those power users here in the Villages, Quantum Fiber has been deploying XGS-PON network architecture which is capable of up to 10 GBs internet service. You can read about it here -> What Is XGS-PON: A Beginner's Guide (https://www.optcore.net/what-is-xgs-pon/)

Currently, Quantum is using GPON network architecture capable of up to 2Gbs. With XGS-PON I've seen up to 8GBs internet service provided in areas around Bonita.

If you order the 2GBs service or higher they will replace the Q5500K SmartNid with the Q1000K SmartNid. The Q1000K has a 10GB ethernet port available along with a 1GB port in it's build-in switch and is rated for full 10GB service.

I'm sure unless you are running a business or doing something special like high-end gaming all this capability means nothing but I thought it would be interesting to let everyone know about it. What I find interesting is the 2Gbs speed costs $95/month vs Xfinity's 1 GBs plus service for $100 and the higher speeds are not crazy expensive.

It makes me wonder what the future holds for us in regards to connection to the internet since they are investing in this new architecture for a reason. It could be cheaper for them down the line since this new architecture is more efficient?

The cable companies have been deploying DOCSIS 4.0 which takes the improvements of DOCSIS 3.1 and adds full-duplex communication over the existing 32x8 channel configuration. It retains the 10 Gbps theoretical maximum download speed but boosts the upload speed to 6 Gbps. While that's not 1:1 parity at the 10 Gbps level, it does allow for cable providers to offer symmetric cable packages to compete with the variety of fiber packages on the market, like the 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps, and 5 Gbps packages offered by AT&T, Verizon, and so on. This is being deployed by Spectrum and Xfinity in their highly competitive markets mainly up North but not here in the Villages.

So, for those "hard core" Internet folks here in the Villages, I hope you find this news interesting.

[Mleeja]

That was a “pretty deep in the weeds” review. Give us the 35,000 feet version.

[jrref]

That was a “pretty deep in the weeds” review. Give us the 35,000 feet version.
Here is the "High-Level":
Fiber Internet companies such as Quantum Fiber are upgrading the network equipment "driving" their existing optical fiber network to be able to offer internet speeds from the current 1-2 GBs max. to up to 10Gbs max. Cable companies are doing the same but since the copper cable has physical limitations even with the newer modem technologies, it still only approaches what fiber can provide.

Quantum has been upgrading their network with this new technology here in the Villages. In many Villages you can now get 500Mbs for $50, 1GBs for $75 ( unless you got that $35 deal back in December), and 2Gbs for $95. In some areas such as near Bonita Villas you can also get 3GBs, 5GBs and 8GBs service. In addition, the new SmartNid which is the optical network terminator/router installed in our data cabinets in the garage or elsewhere look identical to the older units but now have instead of 1GBs ethernet ports, they have a 10GBs port, faster processor and rated to run at 10GBs. I have one installed in my house and I can tell you yes the internet speeds are a little faster but other than that, it looks and the connections are identical to the older SmartNids.

All this said, it's interesting that Quantum Fiber is investing in the Villages, a place where here on Talk of the Villages many feel 100Mbs is overkill for them and want the cheapest, slowest Internet they can get such as the $20 deal from Spectrum or the $30 Xfinity Now deal to save money.

Even so, I'm not sure how we could use even 2GBs service given that all streaming devices that I know of, only have 1GB ethernet ports and nothing streams anywhere over 80MBs. (Sony has a service where they stream high definition movies at this speed). With my fairly new Dell XPS computer using OpenSpeedTest as a server I was only able to test up to 8GBs over a hardwired ethernet connection when I was testing the max capacity of the Cat5E cabling installed in my house. Even if you are running a business, streaming, video conferencing, etc.., I'm still not sure how you utilize 8GBs. But on the other hand, if you were a Target, Costco, or other large busines, then 8GBs service may be in order. Just a thought.

So to the "experts" out there who like to perdict the future, why do you think Quantum is offering this new technology here in the Villages?

I was reading in the Sun this morning that Sumter County is trying to attract data centers and distribution centers and other large businesses to build and invest in our area. Maybe Quantum is laying out the infrastructure to accomodate these potential customers and us Villagers are just in the middle getting the benefit?

I remember back in 2004 in NY when Verizon FiOS was first being deployed, they offered 10Gbs service or the "faster" 20GBs service. Back in the day we couldn't believe how fast that was and we were amazed to have that kind of speed at home. Now it's 20 years later and whether you think we need it or not, 500MBs and 1GBs service is very common in the home.

Please post your thoughts.