Japanese researchers from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Eindhoven University of Technology, and Laquila University have achieved a groundbreaking transmission, demonstrating the capability to transfer data at a rate of up to 22.9 Pb/s through a single cable composed of multiple optical fibers. This accomplishment surpasses the previous world record of 10.66 Pb/s, more than doubling the speed.
The breakthrough was made possible by combining state-of-the-art research techniques with Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) and Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM). SDM utilizes multiple-core fibers and various transmission technologies to handle over 100 spatial channels, combined with multi-bandwidth WDM. Researchers merged a 38-core, three-mode cable using a multi-frequency-compatible MIMO receiver.
NICT stated that this marks the first time different multiplexing technologies have been combined, resulting in a significant advancement in data transmission technology. The research findings were submitted and accepted at the 49th European Conference on Optical Communication in Glasgow. While the technology is ready for integration into the existing global optical infrastructure, upgrades to telecommunication centers currently using ultra-high-capacity fibers are still required.
In essence, once deployed, this technology is expected to increase the data throughput capabilities of new infrastructure by three orders of magnitude (1000 times). However, as fiber optic transmission speed records continue to be shattered, it remains unclear which approach is the most commercially viable.