China Telecom Achieves Milestone in Hollow-Core Fiber Transmission Technology

In a remarkable advancement for optical communication, China Telecom has announced the successful completion of a groundbreaking experiment utilizing hollow-core fiber for over 100 kilometers. This achievement not only sets a new standard in the field but also signifies a significant breakthrough in quantum-classical co-fiber transmission technology.

Key Performance Indicators

The experiment achieved four critical performance indicators that highlight its groundbreaking nature:

• Transmission Distance: A remarkable 101.6 kilometers.
• Power Transmission: Support for high-power transmission at 21 decibel milliwatts (dBm).
• Transmission Capacity: An astonishing capacity of 37.6 Terabits per second (Tbps).
• Security Key Rate: A stable key rate of 5 kilobits per second (kbps), which is a marked improvement over existing technologies, aligning with commercial application needs.

Global Recognition and Research Contributions

The results of this study have been showcased on prominent international academic platforms, including the Journal of Optical Communications and Networks and the European Optical Communications Conference (ECOC). The achievement exemplifies not only China’s independent control over core technologies but also its capability to offer global solutions in the quantum communications sector. This positions the country as a significant player in the global telecommunications landscape.

Commercial Advancements

In October, China Telecom made headlines by establishing the world’s longest commercial hollow-core optical fiber transmission system, stretching an impressive 110 kilometers in total, with 100 kilometers made up of hollow-core optical cable. This innovative system connects the securities trading data centers between Dongguan and Hong Kong, constituting the first cross-border hollow-core optical cable.

Benefits of the New Technology

Utilizing the OSU transmission system, this optical cable sets a new benchmark for ultra-low latency communication channels, achieving an unprecedented two-way delay of just 0.93 milliseconds. This delay is currently the lowest in the industry, demonstrating the potential for enhanced performance in financial transactions and critical data exchanges.

Future Implications

As the telecommunications sector continues to evolve, the successful implementation of hollow-core fiber technology by China Telecom could pave the way for further innovations. The capacity for higher transmission rates and greater security could influence various industries, including finance, telecommunications, and beyond, fostering more efficient and reliable communication networks.

Conclusion

This monumental achievement in hollow-core fiber transmission marks a pivotal moment for China Telecom and the field of optical communications. As this technology advances, it may redefine industry standards and enhance global communications capabilities. The implications for both local and international markets are profound, setting the stage for future developments in this cutting-edge domain.