
Nokia, CityFibre and University of Glasgow show off a 5G holographic call with backhaul over 25G PON
Press Release
Nokia, CityFibre and University of Glasgow show off a 5G holographic call with backhaul over 25G PON
Glasgow's fiber-based digital campus demonstrates first successful trial of 25G PON for 5G backhaul
Trial shows 25G PON can support 5G networks and that fixed and mobile network infrastructure convergence is now closer than ever
6 December 2021
Espoo, Finland - Nokia and CityFibre have trialled the UK's first 25G PON network to support 5G transport. The digital campus testbed was set up at the University of Glasgow with three 5G sites backhauled to the core. In addition to carrying 5G transport on 25G PON, the same fiber runs XGS-PON to carry office traffic, thereby demonstrating co-existence of multiple wavelengths on the PON.
The University of Glasgow is using the long-term testbed, funded by the Scotland 5G Centre, to explore business cases for enterprises to exploit and adopt 5G. The successful test, carried out on 18th November, used the network for a series of simulations including a holographic call between campus buildings, teleoperation of a robotic arm and 8K video streaming.
Professor Muhammad Imran, Professor of Communication Systems and Director, Communications Sensing and Imaging Group, University of Glasgow, said Backhaul connectivity is the real backbone of 5G networks and could be a bottleneck for achieving high end-to-end performance if not well designed to meet demands. In partnership with Nokia and CityFibre, we have demonstrated on our 5G testbed how Nokia's next-generation 25G PON transport solution can improve 5G user experience by supporting 3D telepresence and remote robotic control use cases.
Matt Yarwood, Network Architect at CityFibre, said Nokia and the University of Glasgow 5G Centre have demonstrated the ease at which CityFibre's Full Fibre passive optical networks can scale and evolve to meet tomorrow's technology requirements. This better-by-design approach to digital infrastructure means we can accommodate the low latency backhaul requirements of 4G & 5G mobile operators and enable the development of new and exciting high-bandwidth applications.
Phil Siveter, CEO Nokia UK, said This trial has been hugely encouraging. 25G PON will be a game-changer with mission-critical 5G networks increasingly requiring more redundancy. And it's proven it can be run on exactly the same fiber running XGS-PON traffic.
Notes to editors
Nokia's 25G PON solution utilizes the world's first implementation of 25G PON technology and includes Lightspan and ISAM access nodes, Quillion based Multi-PON line cards and fiber modems.
Dependent on the optics chosen, 25G PON supports symmetrical bitrates (25Gb/s in downstream and 25G in upstream) and asymmetrical bitrates (25/10).
Usually located in telecom central offices, Nokia's high-capacity access nodes are deployed for massive scale fiber roll-outs. They connect thousands of users via optical fibre, aggregate their broadband traffic and send it deeper in the network. The fiber access nodes can support multiple fiber technologies including GPON, XGS-PON, 25G PON and Point-to-Point Ethernet to deliver a wide range of services with the best fit technology.
Nokia ONT (Optical Network Termination) devices, or fiber modems, are located at the user location. They terminate the optical fibre connection and delivers broadband services within the user premises or cell sites.
Further reading
Web page: Next generation PON
Rights-free images: Quillion chipset and Lightspan access nodes
About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.
As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.
Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
Media Inquiries:
Nokia
Communications
Email: press.services@nokia.com
Share
Europe Stories
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
21/10/2026
Three investigative journalists have been chosen as the finalists for the 2026 Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award. The successful candidates from Nigeria...
21/10/2026
M-Tron Select & Axxess free until 1 December 2026
Soft synth gurus GForce Software have just announced that they are relaunching with updated branding, a fr...
21/10/2026
A simplified approach to multiband compression
DDMF's latest plug-in has been designed to simplify the process of applying multiband compression, and in...
21/10/2026
Full-size keys, more controls and XYZ touch matrix.
Arturia have announced the release of MiniFreak 49, a larger version of their six-voice hybrid synthesiz...
21/10/2026
Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over returns for a seventh series in 2027, with Stacey Dooley MBE getting exclusive access to the homes and lives of Kerry Katona, Lauryn G...
21/10/2026
Expansion builds on broadcasters successful FAST launch and grows portfolio to 12 channels
New channels dedicated to iconic brands including Top Gear, EastEnde...
21/10/2026
Comscore Launches New Monthly Report Highlighting Ad Exposure Figures Across Tel...
21/10/2026
Since 2012, Saorsat has provided coverage in areas where Saorview reception may be challenged. Services from RT , TG4 and Oireachtas TV are currently available ...
20/10/2026
Inspired by late-90s & early-2000s R&B, hip-hop & club music
UJAM have just introduced two new virtual instruments that bring together a versatile selection...
20/10/2026
Synth gains free editor & librarian application
Back at Superbooth 2026, Groove Synthesis gave us a sneak preview of a desktop software application that off...
20/10/2026
With more than 30 years in the Italian broadcast market, Video Progetti will offer the complete Calrec range, giving broadcasters the freedom to choose and scal...
20/10/2026
Focusrite Control 2 updates: MIDI control, Auto Gain improvements, and more
Focusrite Control 2 has received a series of updates, including the introduction...
20/10/2026
Presented by Ger Gilroy this new RT podcast kicks off with an exclusive interview with Mayo GAA star Cillian O'Connor
Ger Gilroy hosts Howler Sport, RT &...
19/10/2026
New compact interface packs in eight mic pres
MOTU's latest audio interface manages to pack a generous amount of connectivity into compact portable encl...
19/10/2026
Eurorack string range gains three new modules
ADDAC System have just announced the launch of three new modules for their innovative Four Strings Series, a s...
19/10/2026
Drum modules now available as pre-built system
Erica Synths have just introduced a new bundle that brings their praised Eurorack drum modules together into ...
19/10/2026
Pick your favourite gear from 2026
The annual SOS Awards are now underway, and as always, we're asking readers to help us choose the best pro-audio rele...
19/10/2026
Adam Ciongoli Stepping Down as Chief Legal & Policy Officer of Fox Corporation, ...
19/10/2026
Slow internet leaves millions apologising for their connectionMonday 19 October 2026
Brits are saying sorry, my Wi-Fi is playing up almost twice a week
Brit...
19/10/2026
The future of quantum technologies will depend not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on whether nations, sectors and communities are given a meaningful voic...
18/10/2026
October 18 2026, 21:30 (PDT) Dolby Cinema Expands Its India Footprint with Kera...
17/10/2026
Two new kit options introduced
Roland's entry-level V-Drum series has just been refreshed, gaining two new kit options that promise the best balance of ...
16/10/2026
Standalone calibration, automatic bass management & digital I/O
The ARC Studio was a significant release for IK Multimedia, and was praised for offering a c...
16/10/2026
Classic compressor returns in 1U form
There are few pieces of gear that have achieved the status held by the SSL Bus Compressor, and it's now officially...
16/10/2026
Latest cinematic instrument unveiled
Zero-G say that their latest creation isn't your typical sample library or collection of instruments, but rather a ...
16/10/2026
Real-time MIDI orchestrator updated
Forma Labs Audio have recently launched a significant update that brings some powerful new features to their real-time M...
16/10/2026
Friday 16 October 2026
The Alessia Cup, powered by Sky, returns with Lioness an...
16/10/2026
Friday 16 October 2026
iPhone Duo now available to pre-order with savings of up...
16/10/2026
Republic of Ireland defenders back their future careers while nominating local c...
16/10/2026
Friday 16 October 2026
LOITV arrives on Sky Glass and Sky Stream
Sky customers in the Republic of Ireland can now enjoy the pulsating SSE Airtricity Men's...
16/10/2026
Nominations Announcement - RT Radio 1 Folk Awards
Celebrating the very best in folk music in Ireland from the past year
Awards event LIVE in Vicar Street and...
16/10/2026
RT has today announced that MaeBee, a brand-new animated series, will premiere ...
15/10/2026
Latest AUv3 plug-in announced
Fred Anton Corvest's latest AUv3 plug-in has arrived, kitting iPad, iPhone, macOS and Apple Vision Pro users out with a po...
15/10/2026
A new take on tape-stop effects
The latest plug-in from Cableguys offers an interesting new take on the classic tape-stop effect, and also promises to make ...
15/10/2026
Combines four independent processing blocks
RYK Modular have just introduced a new Eurorack module which houses a set of four effects blocks that can be com...
15/10/2026
FOX AdStudio Advances to Next Phase as Leading Agency Partners Put Agentic Adver...
15/10/2026
Arqiva accelerates Middle East growth with landmark Gulfsat Satellite Services a...
15/10/2026
Beginning Friday, October 16, at 1 p.m. BST, customers can pre-order iPhone Duo ...
15/10/2026
The Galway Bay Murders starring Kate Mulgrew, Colm Meaney, John Connors, India Mullen, Jack Rowan and Clinton Liberty will air on Sunday 8 November 2026 on RT...
14/10/2026
Staines-upon-Thames, UK, 13, October, 2026 - Yospace, the trusted leader in Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI), has been selected by Court TV to monetize its ad-suppor...
14/10/2026
Tape simulator plug-in gains native version
Universal Audio's recreation of the Empirical Labs FATSO has just become the latest of the company's plu...
14/10/2026
Bitwig Studio now integrates with Rekordbox
Bitwig have joined forces with AlphaTheta to bring together two different areas of modern music creation: DJing ...
14/10/2026
New granular synthesis plug-in revealed
Delta Sound Labs have just launched a new granular synthesis plug-in that allows composers, producers and sound desi...
14/10/2026
Mastering complex signal environments: Rohde & Schwarz launches new R&S ADD607 c...
14/10/2026
As our world becomes increasingly digital, demand for electricity is surging while the transition to cleaner energy systems is creating new challenges. Yet desp...
13/10/2026
Two new MPE-capable libraries announced
Sonora Cinematic's The Founders Locker line-up has just gained two new additions: Penombra Celli and Penombra Vi...
13/10/2026
Debut offering in new oneTHNG plug-in series
Modular synth experts Modbap have just announced the launch of Fidelity Theory, a new creative effect that mark...
13/10/2026
Last week, SGL Carbon celebrated the expansion of its production capacity at its St. Marys site (USA). SGL Carbon has invested around USD 100 million in the exp...
13/10/2026
Rohde & Schwarz presents unique R&S NTS transfer standards for RF power traceabi...