The ‘optics’ of a high-speed data transmission breakthrough

Researchers from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Japan, Aston University in the U.K. and Nokia Bell Labs in the U.S. have shattered data transmission records, achieving unprecedented speeds of 402 terabits per second using standard optical fiber.

For context, a terabit is a unit of measurement for 1 trillion bits.

And for context for the context, at this speed, one could download 50,000 high-definition movies in just one second. This breakthrough could revolutionize global communication networks and enhance data services worldwide as demand for near-instant communications is straining networks.

These networks are comprised of optical fibers, each strand the thickness of a human hair, which transmits data by light over long distances at high speeds. To achieve even higher speeds, the team used advanced amplification technologies and multi-band wavelength division multiplexing: Imagine a multi-lane highway where each lane represents a different color of light, allowing massive amounts of data to travel simultaneously without interference. Researchers used sophisticated amplifiers to boost these light signals, covering a broad range of wavelengths, or colors, to achieve the high data rate.

This approach enabled a massive optical bandwidth of 37.6 terahertz. One terahertz is equal to 1,000 gigahertz, which is then equal to 1,000,000 megahertz, making it an incredibly high frequency capable of carrying vast amounts of data.

Highway to high speeds

As our world becomes increasingly digital, the demand for faster, more reliable internet connections is skyrocketing. The Internet of things, 5G and 6G and advanced AI applications require robust and high-capacity data networks. This new technology can help meet these demands by significantly boosting the capacity of existing optical fibers without the cost of installing new cables.

Real-world use cases are abundant. In health care, faster data transmission could mean real-time remote medical consultations and rapid sharing of large imaging files, perhaps increasing the reliability in remote surgeries and enhancing patient care. Faster data processing might bring more efficient fiscal operations. And seamless streaming and immersive experiences in virtual reality could become not only accessible, but more enjoyable. Less buffering, anyone?

The research team presented their findings at the 47th International Conference on Optical Fiber Communications, highlighting this milestone in optical communications.

The next steps for NICT and its partners include developing new amplifier technologies and components to further extend the capabilities of optical fibers. This includes exploring new transmission windows and enhancing the transmission range, ensuring that the rapidly growing data demands can be met sustainably.