It was the mid-'90s and I was attending a technology conference. The exciting topic of the day was this new thing called the Internet and, more specifically, how we connected to this source of information. Dial-up modem was the standard and the fastest modem was 33.6 kilobits per second (kbps). I spoke to one of the speakers at the conference and he explained to me the technical reasons that 33.6 was the fastest speed possible on our existing installed network of copper cabling. Although it is dangerous to say we have ever reached the end when it comes to technology, his arguments were quite convincing.
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Well, by 1998, the world agreed on a new standard that allowed new modems, using that same copper cabling, to operate at 56 kbps. A dramatic increase in speed of two-thirds over the previous standard. Wow! So much for theoretical maximum.
Only a couple of years later, that speed became laughable when ADSL, still using that same copper cable, was hitting speeds of 20 megabits per second (Mbps). Almost 600 times faster than the theoretical maximum of copper. This breakthrough was revolutionary, allowing us to harness the vast network of copper wires already laid beneath our feet, sidestepping the colossal costs and logistical nightmares of deploying new cables.
Yet, the relentless march of technology waits for no one. Today, we stand on the brink of another monumental leap in data transmission speeds. Researchers at the UK's Aston University have recently achieved a breathtaking 301 terabits per second (Tbps) using a single fibre optic cable. This feat was accomplished by exploiting the E- and S-band ranges within the optical spectrum, territories previously untouched by commercial data transmission, which primarily relies on the C- and L-bands.
Keen technology buffs may immediately dismiss this claim of the highest speed ever with fibre noting that Japanese researchers hit 319 Tbps several years ago, but that required a novel type of fibre optic cable. The Aston team's 301 Tbps, however, was achieved using standard fibre optic cabling, making this breakthrough significantly more applicable to the existing global infrastructure.
The key to unlocking these dizzying speeds lies in an optical processor developed by the team, capable of operating in the E-band, which is three times wider than the commonly used C-band. This processor enabled the team to control the E-band channels effectively, a feat previously deemed unachievable.
What makes this development particularly exhilarating is the potential to supercharge the vast networks of fibre optic cables already crisscrossing the globe. This isn't just about setting new speed records; it's about exponentially expanding the capacity of our current digital highways without the need for new infrastructure. As internet consumption continues to surge, with data demands growing exponentially, leveraging existing networks to meet this demand is not just practical; it is imperative.
This breakthrough is poised to make a significant impact, offering a "greener" alternative to meet the world's insatiable appetite for data. By making more efficient use of the fibres we've already laid, we can defer the environmental and financial costs of deploying new cables, all while accommodating the ever-growing deluge of digital information.
It seems like such a short journey from 33.6 to 301, but it's clear that the evolution of internet speeds is a testament to human resilience and ingenuity. As we stand on the cusp of this new digital frontier, one thing is certain: the quest for faster, more efficient data transmission is far from over. In this unending journey, each breakthrough serves as both a milestone and a beacon, guiding us towards an ever-more connected and capable world.
