Faster broadband

An Australian researcher from the University of Melbourne's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has come up with an idea to make broadband up to 100 times faster without multi-billion dollar investments in cabling infrastructure.

Dr John Papandriopoulos said his technique can dramatically reduce the interference which slows down data transmission in typical DSL networks and use less power in the process.

Dr Papandriopoulos used complex mathematical modelling and optimisation techniques to develop the idea, which he said can be used with existing telecommunications networks without laying kilometres of expensive fibre optic cabling.

He said to facilitate the faster data transmission speeds, however, telecommunications providers would need to change their operational systems and consumers purchase new modems. But, he added, the new technology could deliver between 100 and 250 megabits per second, compared to typical speeds ranging from between one megabit (ADSL) and 20 megabits (ADSL2+).

With the assistance of Melbourne Ventures, the technology commercialisation arm of the University of Melbourne, Papandriopoulos has filed for two patents relating to his idea, and the university is now seeking parties who are interested in licensing deals.