China Unveils World's Fastest Internet Backbone Network at 1.2 Terabits per Second
In a groundbreaking technological leap, China has revealed the world's fastest internet speed service, reaching a remarkable 1.2 terabits per second. Unveiled at Tsinghua University, this achievement is part of China's Future Internet Technology Infrastructure (FITI) project, showcasing a collaboration between the university, China Mobile, Huawei Technologies, and CERNET.com Corporation.
The "backbone network," operational since July, covers a 3,000-kilometer fiber-optic network connecting Beijing, Wuhan, and Guangzhou. Contrary to expert predictions, this ultra-high-speed network defies expectations, providing speeds faster than the world's existing internet backbone networks at 100 gigabits and surpassing the United States fifth-generation Internet2 with a minimum speed of 400 gigabits per second.
FITI project leader Wu Jianping emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that the backbone network equips China with advanced technology to build an even faster internet. Huawei Technologies Vice President Wang Lei added a practical perspective, highlighting the network's ability to transfer data equivalent to "150 high-definition films in just one second."
China's ambitious initiative extends beyond domestic connections, as the backbone network's potential for faster information transfers and national security implications could have broad implications for businesses and stock trading advantages.
President Xi Jinping views this development as a strategic move, establishing China as a "cyber power" and accelerating the promotion of core Internet technologies. Although not a direct threat to the U.S., it could offer a foundation for Chinese-based businesses requiring substantial bandwidth.
Developed domestically, this network, operational since July 31, utilizes IPv6-only technology and aims to create an open research and test platform across 40 universities in 35 cities.
While this achievement is notable, it's important to note that other countries, such as Japan, have achieved even faster internet speeds. In 2021, Japanese engineers set a world record with 178 terabits per second over 1,865 miles.
China's unveiling of the world's fastest internet backbone network positions the nation at the forefront of internet technology, with implications reaching far beyond domestic connectivity.
