While not its only virtue, one of the primary strengths that makes fibre optics the preferred data transmission medium in the Internet space is its speed and bandwidth capacity. This is why fibre optics has become the global connection of choice: between 70% and 80% of users in Asia prefer it, while more than 60% of users in Europe and 35% in North America, including Canada, also opt for fibre optics. One of fibre optics’ greatest advantages is that it has been continuously researched and improved, and recently, a previously unimaginable record has been broken.

Using fibre optics to transmit nearly 2,000 movies in one second

At Aston University (Birmingham, UK), a team of scientists led by Ian Phillips achieved a new speed and capacity record: 301 terabytes per second, equivalent to transmitting 1,800 4K-quality movies in a single second through a single fibre optic cable. While this achievement is an impressive and hopeful advancement for the future, what’s even more remarkable is that the researchers accomplished this milestone using existing fibre optic infrastructure—no new developments or material innovations were needed.

However, what they did utilize were custom-built, specialized devices. The scientists sent infrared light signals through the same tubular conduits already used in fibre optics but through a previously untapped band of the electromagnetic spectrum known as the “E Band.” This is a significant advancement, pursued by technologists since breaking the 1 Mbps barrier in 2005, steadily increasing fibre optic speed to its current average.

New devices

To maintain a stable connection in this previously unused spectrum region, researchers developed two new devices: “optical amplifiers” and “optical gain equalizers.” The former helps amplify the signal over long distances, while the latter monitors each wavelength channel and adjusts amplitude as necessary. These were implemented in the fibre optic cables to ensure that the infrared light transmitted data without the instability and loss typically affecting connections in these bands.

What to expect from fibre optics in the near future

We can expect these types of advancements in fibre optic speed to continue with some regularity. This is particularly true as the demand for stable, secure, and reliable connections keeps growing, and specific areas around the globe are beginning to experience signs of infrastructure saturation.

With increased capacity, the challenges of providing guaranteed connectivity, despite high performance demands, will be greatly reduced. This leap forward is expected to significantly benefit applications such as augmented reality, telemedicine, industrial robotics, and quality hologram implementation. And let’s not forget one of the star uses of this type of connection: digital entertainment and content streaming.

In addition to this major breakthrough at Aston University, ongoing efforts over the past few years have focused on emerging connection methods related to fibre optics. One example is hollow-core fibre optics, which features a central empty space within the fibre, free of glass filaments—a “channel” through which light can travel up to 46% faster. Quantum fibre optics is another exciting area, combining the physical capabilities of standard fibre optics with the principles of quantum computing and mechanics.

Hollow-core fibre optics has already shown promising results in full-scale test experiences. Quantum fibre optics, on the other hand, still has a longer road ahead before reaching its full potential. This is due to the energy consumption demands of quantum computing, among other obstacles. Furthermore, quantum physics often operates in the realms of theory, speculation, and projection, rather than empirical application. Nevertheless, speeds of 1 Mbps have already been achieved, though far from the record set at Aston.