China has launched world’s first next-generation internet service – more than 10 times faster than existing major routes.
The high speeds were achieved through extensive optical fiber cabling Spanning over 3,000 kilometers, the network links Beijing, Wuhan, and Guangzhou through an extensive optical fiber cabling system. Officially operational since July, the network’s reliability and efficiency have been thoroughly tested and proven. This groundbreaking achievement results from a collaborative effort involving Tsinghua University, China Mobile, Huawei Technologies, and Cernet Corporation.
The backbone network – so called because it forms a principal data route between cities – can transmit data at 1.2 terabits (1,200 gigabits) per second between Beijing in the north, central China’s Wuhan and Guangzhou in the southern province of Guangdong.
This new network is likened to a superfast train track, replacing multiple regular tracks to carry the same amount of data, as described by Tsinghua University’s Xu Mingwei. This analogy underscores the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the new system, making it easier to manage while handling a significantly higher data load.
Beyond its technical abilities, the network is crucial for national education, research, and emerging needs in data transfer for applications such as connected electric vehicles and industrial 5G technology. The FITI project, supported by the government and managed by the Education Ministry, represents a remarkable milestone, not only in internet technology but also in China’s pursuit of technological independence.