‘150 films in 1 second’: China launches world’s fastest internet

Chinese companies have unveiled the world’s fastest internet network that can transmit data at 1.2 terabits (1,200 gigabits) per second. Most of the world’s Internet backbone networks (so called because they form a principal data route between cities) operate at 100 gigabits per second. The project is a collaboration between Tsinghua University, China Mobile, Huawei Technologies, and Cernet Corporation. Spanning over 3,000 kms, the backbone network links Beijing, Wuhan and Guangzhou through an extensive optical fibre cabling system. The network is “capable of transferring the data equivalent of 150 high-definition films in just one second”. A speed of 1Tbps can enable more advanced technologies in cities, including electric vehicles and industrial 5G. These technologies exchange data rapidly at large volumes that demand out-of-this-world internet speeds.