China has announced the launch of the world’s fastest internet network, capable of transmitting data at a staggering 1.2 terabits per second (Tbps). This speed is over 10 times faster than most current major internet routes and can transfer 150 HD movies in just one second.
The network, which runs on 1,800 miles of optic fiber cables between Beijing and Guangzhou, is part of China’s Future Internet Technology Infrastructure (FITI) project that started in 2013. The project is a collaboration between institutions such as Tsinghua University, China Mobile, Huawei Technologies, and China Education and Research Network (Cernet) Corporation, with the support of the Chinese government.
The launch of the network, which took place in November 2023, defies industry predictions, as experts anticipated the emergence of 1 Tbps ultra-high-speed networks by around 2025. The US recently completed its transition to fifth-generation internet, capable of delivering 400 gigabits per second (Gbps). China’s achievement represents a significant leap in the field of wired data transmission and demonstrates its ambition to become a “cyber power” and a leader in innovation.
The network is not intended for home internet use, but rather for national education and research purposes, as well as to support China’s 5G networks and connected electric vehicles, whose usage is on the rise in the country. The network can also enable faster information transfers, stock trading advantages, and other national security implications. Wu Jianping, a professor at the department of computer science and technology at Tsinghua University who is overseeing the backbone internet project, said that the system, including software and hardware, was made in China, produced and is independently controlled. He also called it the most advanced network in the world.
The cabling work for the network was completed as early as July, but the network was launched only after all operational tests were completed and systems operated reliably. China’s achievements in wired data transmission come shortly after the country boasted about the installation of 3.19 million base stations, demonstrating 5G dominance in wireless telephony. China is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing, among other cutting-edge technologies, to compete with the US and other global rivals.
China’s internet breakthrough has raised both admiration and concern from the international community, as it showcases its technological prowess and its potential to shape the future of the internet.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
