Germany

Exchange

Tax

Cars

University researchers achieve record-breaking internet speed


Aston University researchers achieved a new milestone in optical fiber communications, setting a new world record with data transmission rates (internet speed).

BIRMINGHAM: Aston University researchers achieved a new milestone in optical fiber communications, setting a new world record with data transmission rates (internet speed).

According to the Aston University report, researchers achieved a speed of 402 terabits per second, surpassing the previous record of 301 terabits per second.

The research is groundbreaking as it has the potential to revolutionise global data infrastructure and substantially enhance internet speed.

Read more: Global initiative identifies critical sites to safeguard Earth’s biodiversity

The research was led by Dr Ben Puttnam and Dr Ruben Luis of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Tokyo, Japan. The international team includes members from Aston University’s Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT). Professor Wladek Forysiak, Dr Ian Phillips, Dr Mingming Tan, Dr Aleksandr Donodin, and Ms Dini Pratiwi.

The global collaboration also involved Nokia Bell Labs (United States), Amonics (Hong Kong), University of Padova (Italy), and University of Stuttgart (Germany).

The breakthrough centers on the development of an advanced optical transmission system that spans six distinct wavelength bands: O, E, S, C, L, and U. Traditionally, optical communication systems utilise one or two bands.

However, the team’s innovative approach significantly expands this spectrum. The expansion not only will enhance data capacity but also set a new benchmark in the field of high-speed data transmission.

At the core of the research are the U-band Raman amplifiers developed by Aston University. The amplifiers play a critical crucial role in extending the wavelength spectrum covered by the optical transmission system.

Unlike conventional amplifiers that are limited in the range they can support, U-band Raman amplifiers enable data to be transmitted over longer distances without signal degradation. Thereby maximising the potential of existing optical fiber networks.

Dr Ian Phillips explained, “Our discovery could revolutionise single fiber capacity, meeting global communication needs as data demands grow.” The capability is particularly important as the world increasingly relies on digital communication for business, education, healthcare, and everyday connectivity.

The research team’s achievements were presented as a post-deadline paper at the 47th International Conference on Optical Fiber Communications (OFC 2024) in the US.

The benefits of the research extend beyond speed records. By utilising commercially available optical fiber and enhancing its capacity through innovative technologies like U-band Raman amplifiers, the team has demonstrated a practical path towards significantly improving global data infrastructure.

Read more: Google advances quantum computing with new research programme

The approach will avoid the costly and disruptive installation of new specialised cables, making it a viable solution for scaling up data capacity while keeping broadband costs stable.

You May Also Like