NTT Researchers Achieve 100 Tb/s Data Transmission Over 2,000 km in Single Fiber — Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC)

Event summary

Researchers achieved 100 Tb/s data transmission over 2,000 km using a single optical fiber, a first for long-haul transmission.
The breakthrough combines 200-GBaud-class ultra-high-speed signaling with low-noise forward Raman pumping.
The testbed used a triple-band S+C+L spectrum, transmitting 92 wavelength channels, each carrying ultra-high-speed signals.
Fukutaro Hamaoka of NTT Network Innovation Laboratories will present the research at the 2026 OFC Conference (March 15–19).

The big picture

This breakthrough addresses the growing need for higher-capacity backbone networks to support increasing data demands from video streaming, cloud computing, and emerging applications like virtual reality. The technology could simplify network equipment and reduce costs by transmitting more data per channel. The research highlights the potential for future ultra-high-capacity backbone systems, aligning with the trends in optical communications and networking.

What we're watching

Technology Scalability: How the 200-GBaud-class signaling and low-noise amplification can be scaled for commercial deployment.
Cost Efficiency: Whether the reduction in wavelength channels needed can lower network equipment costs.
Future Demand: The pace at which data demand from AI, cloud computing, and VR will necessitate such high-capacity networks.