Data transport of 10 gigabits per second over 100 meters of copper data cable is currently standard. According to cable specialist Leoni, an increase to an initial 25 Gbit/s or 40 Gbit/s over 30 meters of copper data cable is part of an international standardization project. Leoni 's Datacom division, together with partners, has now been able to demonstrate that data rates of 100 GBit/s via 4-pair symmetrical copper cabling systems are not only technologically feasible, but also advantageous from an economic point of view. The theoretical and practical proof of a transmission of 100 GBit/s via symmetrical copper cables with a length of at least 30 meters represents a major technological leap, it is said - and creates a decisive basis for the future information technology infrastructure.

As a partner in a research project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), Leoni developed data cable models for integration into the 100 Gbit/s transmission system. According to the manufacturer, the knowledge gained in the project forms the basis for the development of new cable technology and forward-looking solutions for the next generations of Ethernet components.

In addition to Leoni, Harting Electronics and Reutlingen University (Prof. Dr. Albrecht Oehler) were also involved in the project, which was funded by the BMWi and is scheduled to run for around two years. The Harting Technology Group, based in Espelkamp, Westphalia, specializes in connector technology and networking solutions in the industrial and automation environment. Reutlingen University is one of the most important research institutions in the field of communications engineering and information systems and has extensive experience and qualifications.

The support of the joint project through a corresponding federal funding measure ensures the transfer of the research results to the participating companies, it says and continues: The project also serves to prepare a new standardization project at national and international level.