To achieve this ultra-high-capacity transmission, the researchers combined a 200-GBaud-class ultrafast signaling technique with a low-noise optical amplification method they developed.
Fukutaro Hamaoka, from NTT Network Innovation Laboratories, will present this research at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC), the largest annual gathering of optical networking and communications professionals, which will take place from March 15-19, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
"The backbone of the internet—the long-distance fiber optic systems that connect cities and countries—must grow in capacity to meet the explosive demand generated by video streaming, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and emerging applications like virtual reality," Hamaoka noted. "Ultimately, this technology could ensure that consumers and businesses continue to enjoy fast, reliable, and affordable internet, even as data demand grows."
Reliable Transmission at Higher Speeds:
In this study, researchers used 200-GBaud-class ultrafast signaling to pack more data into each channel. This resulted in a significantly higher average data rate per wavelength channel, exceeding 1 Tb/s. Transmitting more data per channel means fewer wavelength channels are needed to achieve the same total capacity, which can simplify network equipment and reduce costs.
Because ultrafast signals are extremely susceptible to degradation over long distances, the researchers further developed a low-noise, direct Raman amplification technique, ensuring high-quality transmission of the 200-GBaud signals over 2,000 km.
Expanding capacity to meet data demand:
To test the approach, the researchers built a triple-band S+C+L testbed, covering a much wider range of the light spectrum than commercial systems. They used it to transmit 92 wavelength channels over 2,000 km, each channel carrying ultrafast 200-GBaud-class signals, exceeding 100 Tb/s of total capacity.
"This work demonstrates the impact that high symbol rate transmission and low-noise Raman amplification can have on expanding the capacity of long-distance networks," said Lidia Galdino, chair of the OFC program. "Achieving more than 100 Tb/sa across the S, C, and L bands over 2,000 km is a significant step toward future ultra-high-capacity backbone systems."
The researchers plan to continue refining and improving these technologies to enable even greater long-distance transmission capacity, with the goal of meeting the growing demand of future communication networks.
