In a high-stakes operation at CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), two network engineers recently achieved a milestone that pushed the boundaries of data transfer speeds. Located deep within a warehouse, Joachim Opdenakker and Edwin Verheul from SURF, a Dutch IT association, successfully established a groundbreaking data link connecting the LHC in Switzerland to data storage facilities in The Netherlands.
This new link boasts speeds of up to 800 gigabits per second (Gbps), surpassing the average UK home broadband speed by over 11,000 times. The primary objective of this achievement is to enhance scientists’ access to data generated by experiments at the LHC.
The successful deployment followed rigorous testing in March with specialized equipment from Nokia, confirming the feasibility of achieving the desired speeds. Mr. Verheul highlighted the critical role of the transponder used in these tests, describing it as a sought-after piece of technology booked well in advance due to its high demand.
Despite reaching near-terabit speeds, some undersea cables exceed these capabilities by several hundred times, utilizing multiple fiber strands to achieve such high speeds.
Advancements in Fiber Optic Technology
Across global labs, engineers are developing fiber optic systems capable of pushing data even faster, reaching speeds measured in petabits per second (Pbps), which are hundreds of millions of times faster than average home broadband connections in the UK. This unprecedented speed opens new possibilities for data-intensive applications in the future.
The optical cable linking CERN to data centers in The Netherlands spans approximately 1,650 kilometers (1,025 miles), passing through Geneva, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Overcoming the challenges posed by such vast distances, including the attenuation of light signals, was crucial in achieving the 800 Gbps milestone.
Future Prospects and Technological Innovations
Looking ahead, CERN anticipates a significant increase in data production with an upcoming upgrade to the LHC by 2029, which aims to amplify collision rates and consequently generate more scientific data. Despite the impressive speeds achieved, researchers continue to push the boundaries of data transmission capabilities.
In November, researchers in Japan set a new world record with data transmission speeds reaching 22.9 petabits per second (Pbps), demonstrating the potential for even higher bandwidths in controlled laboratory environments.
Implications for Global Connectivity and Beyond
While such speeds currently surpass practical needs for everyday internet users, the demand for bandwidth continues to grow rapidly, driven by expanding content provision such as social media, cloud services, and video streaming. As technological advancements pave the way for faster and more reliable internet connections, the challenge remains to ensure widespread access to these capabilities.
Andrew Kernahan, from the Internet Service Providers Association, acknowledges the existing gap in broadband speeds across the UK, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and understanding among consumers about the benefits of advanced infrastructure.
In conclusion, the recent achievements at CERN underscore a significant leap in data transmission capabilities, laying the groundwork for future innovations and addressing the escalating demand for bandwidth in an increasingly interconnected world.
