The short version

Key points

  • NBN Co demonstrated a wholesale download speed of 8.7Gbps and an upload speed of 1.5Gbps over HFC.
  • The trial used distributed access architecture, a CommScope DOCSIS 3.1 DAA node and a DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem.
  • The upgraded equipment is intended to increase HFC capacity, performance, resiliency and reliability, while potentially reducing power consumption.
  • The demonstration shows possible future technical capability, not a confirmed retail rollout or guaranteed customer speed.
  • Pat expects HFC customers may eventually be able to access multi-gigabit services, but noted that more technical details are needed.

Multi-gigabit speeds demonstrated over HFC

NBN Co has announced a live field trial demonstrating multi-gigabit speeds across its hybrid fibre coaxial, or HFC, access network. The trial achieved a wholesale download speed of 8.7Gbps and an upload speed of 1.5Gbps.

The demonstration forms part of NBN Co’s planned evolution of the HFC network. The company says its network upgrades are intended to support faster and more reliable connections as customer data demands increase.

How the trial worked

The trial used distributed access architecture, known as DAA, on the HFC access network. It paired a CommScope DOCSIS 3.1 DAA node with a new-generation DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem.

The upgraded approach digitises the optical node in the street. NBN Co says this, together with deeper fibre deployment, is expected to increase network capacity and improve the performance, resiliency and reliability of HFC connections. It may also reduce power consumption.

The use of a DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem is significant for customers because existing equipment is designed around current connection speeds. If faster HFC plans become available, customers would need compatible new equipment to use them.

What the technology could enable

NBN Co says DAA technology and amplifier upgrades are intended to expand the available radio frequency bandwidth across the HFC network. This would allow more DOCSIS 3.1 channels to be used, with DOCSIS 4.0 equipment aggregating those channels.

According to the announcement, the technology could provide wholesale capacity approaching 10Gbps. The successful trial demonstrates the potential for HFC to deliver fibre-like higher speeds in both downstream and upstream directions, supporting the future data requirements of households and businesses.

The result is relevant because NBN Co is expected to introduce multi-gigabit plans in the future, while 1Gbps is currently the maximum speed discussed in the video. The trial provides an indication that HFC may be included in that evolution, rather than requiring every HFC area to be replaced with fibre first.

Important limitations and unanswered questions

The trial does not confirm that customers will receive 8.7Gbps services, or that these speeds will be offered as retail plans. The demonstrated figures are wholesale results, and NBN Co has not provided a rollout timeframe in the supplied announcement.

The distance covered by the HFC cable during the trial was also not provided. Performance may vary depending on network design, cable length, amplifiers and how many customers share the available capacity. Shared or more complex arrangements, including some apartment deployments, may require additional planning before comparable services could be offered.

Further details are therefore needed about the customer speeds, pricing, availability, equipment replacement and network upgrades that would be required.

TechManPat’s conclusion

I see this as encouraging news for HFC customers because it shows the network has a possible path to multi-gigabit services without an immediate fibre replacement. However, I would not treat the 8.7Gbps trial result as a promised customer speed. I want to see more information about cable distances, shared networks, rollout timing and the practical speeds that will eventually be offered.
Source note

This knowledge-centre summary is based on the linked TechManPat video and reflects the information available when it was published. Check current pricing, availability and policies before acting.