Nuremberg, 8 August 2013 – Leoni, the leading provider of cables and cable systems to the automotive sector and other industries, is a partner in the 100 Gigabit research project, which is subsidised by the Federal Ministry for the Economy and Technology and aims to achieve a technological leap in data transmission. Speeds of up to 100 Gigabit per second are being studied.
The growing importance of the internet and the rapidly rising data volumes in computer centres and on storage area networks call for new transmission technologies. Currently it is possible to carry no more than 10 Gigabit per second (Gbit/s) across a 100 metre copper data cable. An increase to initially 40 Gbit/s is currently being researched. With the participation of the Leoni Group's Business Unit Infrastructure & Datacom, the objective is now to demonstrate that data rates of 100 Gbit/s across 4-pair symmetrical copper cable are technically possible and commercially feasible.
Providing the theoretical and practical evidence of a transmission of 100 Gbit/s across a symmetrical copper cable of more than 30-metre length will be a great technological leap – and will establish a crucial basis for future information technology infrastructure. As part of this project, Leoni is developing data cable models for incorporation into the 100 Gbit/s transmission system. The findings from the research project will be the basis for developing new cable technology and trend-setting solutions for the next generation of Ethernet components. This will entail significant strengthening of Leoni’s competitive position. By participating in this cooperative project the company is demonstrating its technological edge and its ambition to innovative in the field of high-speed networks.
Working alongside Leoni on this project, which is subsidised by the Federal Ministry for the Economy and Technology and is planned to run for about two years, are HARTING Electronics GmbH and Reutlingen University (Prof. Albrecht Oehler). The HARTING technology group, based in Espelkamp, Westphalia, is a specialist in connector technology and networking solutions in the industrial and automation environments and most recently generated sales of EUR 479 million. Reutlingen University is among the most significant research facilities in the field of information technology and systems, and has extensive experience and qualifications.
The support for this cooperative project in the form of a subsidy from the Federal Government ensures that the research results are shared among the participating organisations. The project simultaneously serves to prepare for a new nomination process on both the national and international levels.
About the Leoni Group
Leoni is a global supplier of wires, optical fibers, cables and cable systems as well as related services for the automotive sector and further industries. Leoni develops and produces technically sophisticated products from single-core automotive cables through to complete wiring systems. Leoni’s product range also comprises wires and strands, standardised cables, special cables and cable system assemblies for various industrial markets. The group of companies, which is listed on the German MDAX, employs about 60,000 people in 32 countries and generated consolidated sales of EUR 3.81 billion in 2012.
