Chinese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking communication system that fuses fiber‑optic cables and wireless signals into a single, ultra‑fast network. The “fiber‑wireless integrated fusion communication system,” developed by teams from Peking University, Pengcheng Laboratory, ShanghaiTech University and the National Information Optoelectronics Innovation Center, set a new world record by achieving 512 gigabits per second (Gbps) over a single fiber channel and 400 Gbps over a single wireless channel. The innovation tackles the long‑standing “bandwidth gap” between wired and wireless technologies, a hurdle that has slowed the rollout of next‑generation 6G networks and limited the speed of AI data centers. By using integrated photonic devices that operate above 250 GHz, the new system can switch seamlessly between fiber and wireless modes, offering stronger resistance to interference and the ability to handle massive data loads. In tests that simulated a future 6G environment, the system delivered real‑time 8K video across 86 channels—more than ten times the bandwidth of today’s 5G networks. Experts say the technology could soon be used in 6G base stations and high‑speed wireless data centers, laying the foundation for the ultra‑wideband communications that will power everything from smart cities to immersive virtual reality.
Read moreChinese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking communication system that merges fiber‑optic and wireless technologies, setting new world records for data speed. Published in *Nature* on February 19, the study describes a self‑developed “fiber‑wireless integrated fusion communication system” that can transmit 512 Gbps over fiber and 400 Gbps over wireless on a single channel. The achievement closes the long‑standing “bandwidth gap” between ultra‑fast fiber links and next‑generation wireless networks, a hurdle that has limited the performance of AI data centers and the upcoming 6G rollout. The project brought together teams from Peking University, Pengcheng Laboratory, ShanghaiTech University, and the National Information Optoelectronics Innovation Center. Using integrated photonic devices that operate above 250 GHz, the system not only delivers record‑breaking speeds but also offers superior resistance to interference and the ability to handle dual‑mode transmission. In simulated 6G scenarios, the researchers demonstrated real‑time 8K video streaming across 86 channels—more than ten times the bandwidth of today’s 5G networks. Experts say the technology could transform 6G base stations, wireless data centers, and any application demanding ultra‑wideband, low‑latency connectivity, laying a solid foundation for the communications landscape of the future.
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