Post #34 Much (Much!) Faster Internet

Super-fast internet speed; who wouldn’t like that. That’s not what I’m currently able to purchase for my personal computer. Though I did purchase quite a good speed upgrade recently. Of course, there are multiple factors affecting the actual internet speed we receive. My own country was not listed recently in those having the top 10 average internet speeds.

Until recently, Singapore was credited with fastest internet speeds in the World, with an “average internet speed of 286.66 Mbps”.

In comparison, U.S.A. “has ramped up its internet infrastructure [to] a median download speed of 242.38 Mbps by Feb. 2024”. For 6th place globally.

& It’s been reported in the news now that a startlingly high internet speed was recently achieved. Through “an international collaboration” between 3 countries. University researchers in the U.K. then achieved “an internet data transmission speed [of] a staggering 4.5 million times faster than the average home broadband [speed in the U.K.].” Amazing. Such a high speed of service not available to the public anytime soon though, I would surmise.

How did they do this?  Well briefly; apparently: “using a single, standard optical fiber … & utilizing specific new wavelength bands… not previously used”.  & by developing & using “new … optical amplifiers & optical gain equalizers”.

This speed breakthrough could lead to “vastly improved connections for end users”. The new technology developments (& using alternate wavelength bands) might also “help to keep the cost of providing this bandwidth down”.

It’s also said by some to be a ‘greener solution’ since it makes greater use of the *existing*, “deployed fibre network” (rather than setting down more/newer fibres & cables). Increasing the capacity & prolonging the useful life & commercial value of the existing network.

Sounds like progress.