Japan Sets New Internet Speed Record

In a historic accomplishment, Japanese researchers have broken the previous record for internet speed, sending more than 125,000 gigabytes of data per second across 1,120 miles (1,802 kilometres). Compared to the average internet speed in the United States, this is an astounding 4 million times faster. For comparison, the full Internet Archive could be downloaded in less than four minutes with such speeds.

The previous world record of 50,250 Gbps, set by a different group of scientists in 2024, is surpassed by the new speed. The team created a new kind of optical fibre that can transmit data at these astounding speeds over long distances—roughly the distance between New York and Florida—in order to accomplish this amazing feat.

The development of a novel optical fibre is essential to this accomplishment. This fibre is made to work better for long-distance transmission and has a data transmission capacity equal to 19 standard fibres. This new cable reduces light fluctuation and minimises data loss because, in contrast to existing cables, all 19 fibres interact with light in the same way. At only 0.127 millimetres in diameter, the optical fibre is remarkably small—about the same size as single-fiber cables that are currently in use.

An important advancement in optical communication systems is represented by this development. Although the team had previously accomplished comparable gearbox speeds over shorter distances in March 2023, increasing the range while reducing data loss was the true challenge. The team was able to resolve these problems and boost the signal strength, which allowed the data to travel 1,120 miles.

This innovation may open the door to long-distance, high-capacity optical communication systems that can handle the expanding demand for data around the world. Given the anticipated sharp rise in data traffic, this technology may be essential to the development of the world’s internet infrastructure in the future.