Chinese researchers set fiber optic record of 3.2 petabits per second

A research alliance in China has established a new world record for real-time data transmission via fiber optics, achieving a speed of 3.2 petabits per second (Pbps) over a 24-core cable spanning 10.3 km.

The breakthrough was achieved through a collaboration between the National Key Laboratory of Optical Technology and Optical Communication Networks (under CICT), Pengcheng Laboratory, and Fiberhome Fujikura. This new milestone surpasses the previous record of 2.5 Pbps set by the same group earlier in 2026.

Technically, the achievement utilized Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM) combined with S+C+L multi-band transmission technology. The researchers successfully addressed physical challenges regarding signal crosstalk and interference between adjacent cores within the 24-core structure.

In practical terms, a bandwidth of 3.2 Pbps could theoretically allow for the downloading of over 20,000 4K resolution films in a single second. If commercialized, this capacity could provide 1 Gbps broadband connections to approximately 3.2 million households simultaneously. The technology is considered vital for the growth of the artificial intelligence industry, large-scale computing centers, and 6G wireless backbone networks.