Japan sets a new internet speed record with 1.02 petabits: enough to download all of Netflix in one second.

Society is increasingly connected to the Internet , and aspects such as its performance and connection speed have become a global priority. Whether downloading content, working in the cloud, or connecting smart devices, having a fast and stable connection is essential. However, current networks still face limitations that affect millions of users, from slow connections to lack of access in remote areas.

But now that could change, as Japan has taken a giant step toward the future of telecommunications , achieving a record internet speed of 1.02 petabits per second. This figure is more than one million gigabits per second, and to put it into perspective, it's enough to download the entire Netflix library in a single second.

This record was achieved by researchers at Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), who transmitted data over a 19-core optical fiber. The achievement was announced at the end of May, and what's astonishing is not only the speed, but also the fact that this transmission remained stable over 51.7 kilometers, overcoming the signal degradation and interference that have traditionally limited the distances over which this technology can be applied.

The truly innovative aspect of this achievement is the optical fiber design, which includes 19 cores and more than 50 different wavelengths of light. This approach multiplies data transmission capacity without increasing the physical size of the cables, resulting in much greater efficiency.

This breakthrough is not just a laboratory record; it could have practical applications in the near future. Ultra-fast fiber optic networks will enable instantaneous data processing, which would be key for artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, and virtual reality, which require huge volumes of information transmitted in real time.

Millions of 8K videos could be streamed simultaneously, and we could download the entire Steam game catalog in seconds. Furthermore, it would be possible to download 127,500 years of music in a single second. All of this is not only amazing, but also practical for improving global telecommunications infrastructure and cloud computing.

Although this technology isn't yet available to consumers, it's a clear glimpse into what 6G networks could offer in the future, revolutionizing global connectivity and opening up new possibilities in sectors such as entertainment, scientific research, and international telecommunications.