Internet speed sets new world record

Researchers suspect a data transmission speed of 301 Tb/s with just one fiber optic cable, 4.5 million times higher than today's.

According to Ofcom's announcement released in September 2023, home broadband networks globally reached an average speed of 69.4 Mbps. The new record surpasses this figure by 4.5 million times, helping to download an average 70 GB 4K movie in just two seconds.

Newly developed optical processing equipment increases transmission speeds over fiber optic cables. Illustration photo: Republicgeeks

This is the research result of a collaborative team from Aston AIPT Institute of Photonic Technology (UK), Japan's National Institute of Information and Technology (NICT) and Nokia Bell Laboratory in the US. The team of scientists used optical fibers (small tubular glass fibers) that are capable of transmitting information using light and reaching speeds that copper cables cannot meet. Combined with that is the opening of new wavelengths that have never been used in current fiber optic cable systems. Different wavelength ranges correspond to different colors of light transmitted down the fiber.

According to the research team, the data transmission speed can reach the above figure thanks to the newly developed optical processing device. Dr Ian Phillips, who is responsible for developing the device at Aston University, said data is essentially sent over fiber optics like existing connections in offices or homes.

"In addition to the two bands C and L that are still used commercially, we use two additional spectrum bands, E and S. These bands are usually not needed because the C and L bands are enough to meet the needs of customers. users today," he explained.

The doctor said that over the years at Aston University, he has developed optical amplifiers that operate in the E band, which is adjacent to C in the electromagnetic spectrum but is about three times wider. Before the above device was developed, no one had accurately simulated gated E-band channels.

Professor Wladek Forysiak (AIPT) added: "By increasing the transmission capacity in the backbone network, our test can significantly improve connectivity for end users."

The research results show the potential to increase Internet speeds without deploying new cables, making commercial Internet speed upgrades easier and more environmentally friendly. In the context of increasing information consumption, the new achievements of the group of scientists are expected to develop new technology to help future Internet speed keep up with user needs.