On the Potential of Millimeter-Wave Propagation in Digital Subscriber Line Technology

A novel method for enabling the next-generation of copper access technologies in already deployed copper cabling, would be to exploit millimeter-waves and their corresponding higher-order propagation modes. As opposed to the conventionally used transmission-line mode which makes use of the copper wires for conducting currents, this approach relies on the plastics present in these cables to act as a low-loss waveguide. The energy in such a system is propagating wirelessly through the plastic, but is kept closely confined to the wire by the waveguide-like structure. Recent research [1] has indicated large potential in copper access for millimeter-waves, with data-rate estimations of up to 1 Tbps for a reach of 100 m. As these results are very attractive, but obtained under highly optimal modeling conditions, we will further investigate the true potential of millimieter-waves in copper access by refining the assumptions taken and obtaining a more realistic estimate of achievable data-rates.