In a groundbreaking feat, scientists from Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) have achieved a record-breaking internet transmission speed of 402 terabits per second (Tbps). This incredible leap surpasses the previous world record of 321 Tbps, which was set in 2023, according to a media release from the institute.

Download an Entire Game in a Blink

To put this into perspective, at 402 Tbps, downloading a massive game like Elden Ring, which is over 18 gigabytes in size, would take less than a millisecond. This achievement showcases the extraordinary potential of data transmission far beyond what today’s commercial internet speeds can deliver.

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Standard Fibre, Extraordinary Performance

What makes this milestone even more remarkable is that the research was carried out using commercially available fibre optic cables—the same type that forms the backbone of current communication networks. NICT’s team successfully transmitted an enormous 37.6 terahertz (THz) of bandwidth across a 50-kilometre span of fibre, demonstrating the untapped potential of existing infrastructure.

The researchers developed the world's first O- to U-band transmission system capable of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) on standard optical fibre, expanding the usable frequency bands far beyond conventional limits.

Advanced Amplifiers 

This technological breakthrough was powered by advanced amplifier technology, involving a customised combination of six doped-fibre amplifier types, along with lumped and distributed Raman amplification. These innovations allowed the team to push the data-carrying capacity of fibre optics to levels previously thought impossible.

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A Glimpse Into the Internet of the Future

While such astronomical speeds are not yet practical for consumer or commercial use, the results provide a glimpse into the future of ultra-high-speed internet infrastructure. According to NICT, the findings hint at what could one day power the data centres, internet backbones, and undersea cables of the world.

Ready For Homes? 

Despite the record, the path to real-world deployment remains distant. Present-day consumer hardware—ranging from Ethernet ports to solid-state drives—simply cannot handle data flows at this speed. However, the insights gained from this research are expected to influence the next generation of high-capacity network systems.

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Preparing for a ‘Beyond 5G’ Future

NICT’s media statement highlighted that future ‘Beyond 5G’ services will require far greater data rates than today’s systems support. Expanding into new wavelength regions will allow existing fibre networks to carry much more data, effectively extending the useful life of current infrastructure. The researchers also pointed out that adopting new frequency bands, paired with innovative optical fibres, could help meet the surging demand for faster communication services across industries.