Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), together with Sumitomo Electric and European partners, transmitted data at 1.02 petabits per second (Pbps) through a standard 19-core optical fiber spanning 1,808 km, setting a new world record. This shatters the previous high of 402 Tbps and demonstrates reliable transmission over long distances
How Fast Is That?
- 1.02 Pbps = ~125 terabytes per second—enough to transfer 1 million GB every second
- That could theoretically download the entire Netflix library or all of Wikipedia within a second
- It’s roughly 3.5 million times faster than the average U.S. connection, and 16 million times faster than India’s
The Science Behind the Feat
The breakthrough uses a 19-core optical fiber, equivalent in diameter to current cables (0.125 mm), but with 19 parallel channels—like a superhighway for data. It also employs advanced amplifiers across multiple wavelength bands (C and L) and digital signal processing to maintain speed and stability over almost 1,800 km
Why It Matters
Short-Term:
This was a lab demonstration, not a consumer‑grade deployment—but it showcases the potential of ultra‑high‑speed backbones using existing fiber lines
Long-Term:
This could revolutionize infrastructure for:
- Cloud computing & data centers
- Gen AI networks
- 5G/6G connectivity
- IoT, VR/AR, autonomous vehicles
Research shows this setup achieved the highest capacity-distance product—1.86 exabits·km—over a standard-diameter fiber The Indian Express
What’s Next
- Commercial deployment is still years away: manufacturing multi-core cables, compatible hardware, and real-world testing are needed .
- Could serve as a model for upgrading existing networks, simplifying infrastructure upgrades without laying new fiber .
- Opens the door for smart, high-capacity global pipelines capable of powering next-gen digital services and AI at unprecedented speeds.
In summary, Japan’s 1.02 petabits-per-second milestone isn’t just a record—it’s a glimpse into the future of ultra-fast, globally connected networks. With implications from AI to smart cities, this breakthrough sets the stage for tomorrow’s digital world.
