Deutsche Telekom reaches 512Gbps optical fiber data speed
updated 03:15 pm EST, Mon March 5, 2012
OSIRIS project reaches 512Gbps speeds in Germany
German operator Deutsche Telekom has made a milestone achievement by reaching a data transmission rate of 512Gbps. The real-world speed was achieved over a single optical fiber channel over a 734km (456mi) distance between Berlin and Hannover and back again. The project, dubbed Optically Supported IP Router Interfaces (OSIRIS), was performed by DT's Berlin-based T-Labs team.
Deutsche Telekom clarified that the usable per-channel bitrate would be limited to 400Gbps, though this would still be a four-fold increase over the 100Gbps speeds afforded by modern networks.
With 48 channels available in the fiber strand used in the T-Labs system, it should still theoretically result in total throughput of 24.6Tbps at its peak. DT compared the speeds to sending the music stored on 3,696 CDs at the same time on a single optical fiber.
DT also stated that existing network only need new end equipment rather than all-new cable to achieve these speeds. Timelines for the rollout of the technology aren't immediately available, however, as network gear makers need to adopt the technology. [via GigaOM]
