A team of researchers from various institutes breaks the speed record for data transmission via fiber optics with 22.9 petabits per second (Pb/s). That’s 1,000 times faster than technology introduced today.

Dutch, Japanese and Italian researchers jointly break the world record for data transmission via fiber optics. Scientists at the National Institute for Information and Communications Technology (NICT), in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of L’Aquila, have created a remarkable connection that demonstrates the ability to transmit up to 22.9 Pb/s over pure optical cables consisting of several fibers. This record is a double of the 10.66 Pb/s achieved in 2020.

Formula for success

To achieve this breakthrough speed of 22.9 Pb/s, researchers combined the latest multiplexing techniques: Space Division multiplexing (SDM) and Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). SDM is a technique that uses spatial dimensions to provide different data streams simultaneously. These data streams or channels are then combined with multi-bandwidth WDM. This 38-wire, three mode Cable was connected via a Multiband compatible MIMO receiver.

It is the first time that different multiplexing techniques are combined, representing a major advance in data transmission technology. This new technology can process up to 1,000 times more data than existing cables. The research results were submitted and accepted at the 49th European Conference on Optical Communications in Glasgow.

Applicability in practice

Before this ultra-fast technology can be put into practice, significant upgrades are required to the current telecommunications centers that use this infrastructure. In addition, several speed records have been broken recently and the feasibility of these developments needs to be tested.