How fast is too fast

Abstract

This paper discusses how super-fast Internet access can be achieved with a new technology that involves channel bonding to take access speeds over cable into the hundreds of megabits per second. A key element of this cable broadband service technology is DOCSIS 3.0, which allows several downstream and upstream radio frequency carriers to be bundled into a single logical channel to multiply capacity. It has been estimated that speeds up to 1 Gbit/s could theoretically be achieved by bonding an n number of RF channels. Apart from an obvious marketing advantage, operators can use the technology as a way of increasing network efficiency since statistical multiplexing works more effectively with wider channels.