Why it matters: A technological leap in fiber optics has shattered previous limitations, achieving what experts once considered impossible: transmitting data at 1.02 petabits per second – enough to download every movie on Netflix 30 times over – across 1,808 kilometers using a single fiber no thicker than a human hair.

At the heart of this breakthrough – driven by Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) and Sumitomo Electric Industries – is a 19-core optical fiber with a standard 0.125 mm cladding diameter, designed to fit seamlessly into existing infrastructure and eliminate the need for costly upgrades.

Each core acts as an independent data channel, collectively forming a “19-lane highway” within the same space as traditional single-core fibers.

Unlike earlier multi-core designs limited to short distances or specialized wavelength bands, this fiber operates efficiently across the C and L bands (commercial standards used globally) thanks to a refined core arrangement that slashes signal loss by 40% compared to prior models.

The experiment’s success relied on a complex recirculating loop system. Signals traveled through an 86.1-kilometer fiber segment 21 times, simulating a cross-continental journey equivalent to linking Berlin to Naples or Sapporo to Fukuoka.

To maintain integrity over this distance, researchers deployed a dual-band optical amplification system, comprising separate devices that boosted signals in the C and L bands. This enabled 180 distinct wavelengths to carry data simultaneously using 16QAM modulation, a method that packs more information into each pulse.

At the receiving end, a 19-channel detector, paired with advanced MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) processing, dissected interference between cores, much like untangling 19 overlapping conversations in a crowded room.

Schematic diagram of the transmission system

This digital signal processor, leveraging algorithms developed over a decade of multi-core research, extracted usable data at unprecedented rates while correcting for distortions accumulated over 1,808 km.

The achievement caps years of incremental progress. In 2023, the same team achieved 1.7 petabits per second, but only across 63.5 km. Earlier efforts using 4-core fibers reached 0.138 petabits over 12,345 km by tapping the less practical S-band, while 15-mode fibers struggled with signal distortion beyond 1,001 km due to mismatched propagation characteristics.

The new 19-core fiber’s uniform core design sidesteps these issues, achieving a capacity-distance product of 1.86 exabits per second per kilometer – 14 times higher than previous records for standard fibers.

Image diagram of 19-core optical fiber.

Presented as the top-rated post-deadline paper at OFC 2025 in San Francisco, this work arrives as global data traffic is projected to triple by 2030.

While challenges remain, such as optimizing amplifier efficiency and scaling MIMO processing for real-world use, the technology offers a viable path to petabit-scale networks. Researchers aim to refine production techniques for mass deployment, potentially enabling transoceanic cables that move entire data centers’ worth of information hourly.

Researchers aim to refine production techniques for mass deployment, potentially enabling transoceanic cables that move entire data centers’ worth of information hourly.

Sumitomo Electric’s engineers, who designed the fiber’s coupled-core architecture, note that existing manufacturing lines can adapt to produce the 19-core design with minimal retooling.

Meanwhile, NICT’s team is exploring AI-driven signal processing to further boost speeds. As 6G and quantum computing loom, this breakthrough positions fiber optics not just as a backbone for tomorrow’s internet, but as the central nervous system of a hyperconnected planetary infrastructure.

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

France experiences a sudden surge in cryptocurrency interest as one-third of its population now intend to purchase digital coins in 2025. This represents a huge increase in potential adoption even after recent market slowdowns. The trend indicates an increasing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies throughout Europe with different rates of adoption in different countries.

French Crypto Appetite Grows To New Heights

In a recent study entitled “Web3 and Crypto in France and Europe,” 33% of French users intend to buy crypto assets by 2025. The research, carried out by the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (Adan), indicates that there is a 10-percentage point uptick in interest in coin investments among the French compared to what was previously indicated.

The annual report collected views from 2,000 residents of France as well as some 1,000 respondents across five other countries in Europe.

Source: Association for the Development of Digital Assets

Only 10% of French individuals own crypto assets while the interest in these assets grows consistently. This positions France behind several other European nations, such as the United Kingdom (19%), the Netherlands (17%), and Belgium (17%), in real world adoption rates.

However, as enthusiastic as they are, the French are not the most enthusiastic digital currency users in Europe. That laurel falls to the Italians with 37% of the population stating interest in acquiring Bitcoin in 2012.

Restitution de l’étude annuelle Adan sur le Web3 et les crypto en France et en Europe

Rejoignez-nous le 10 avril au Ministère de l’@Economie_Gouv en compagnie de Madame la Ministre @ClaraChappaz pour la présentation de notre étude annuelle, réalisée en partenariat avec… pic.twitter.com/6Khrq2rE81

— Adan (@adan_asso) March 17, 2025

Banking And Financial Platforms Drive New Adoption

The crypto sector’s growing legitimacy plays a key role in attracting new investors. Based on the research findings, mainstream financial platforms like Revolut have become major gateways to cryptocurrency ownership. The neobank now serves as the second-largest acquisition platform, used by 24% of crypto users.

Laurent Ovion, the president of Adan, explained that “companies in the sector are demonstrating sound ambitions and high resilience, despite ongoing challenges related to financing and access to banking services.” This indicates that the sector is still expanding despite challenges experienced in the traditional financial markets.

The French economic newspaper Les Echos outlined the results as follows: “Although the percentage of French people who own cryptocurrencies is falling slightly, almost one third of French people would be willing to purchase Bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies have never been so popular with the French.”

Image: Gem Wallet

Beyond Investment: New Use Cases Emerge

The report informs that the adoption of cryptocurrencies goes beyond basic investment purposes. The research determined that 48% of respondents have positive sentiments towards crypto in decentralized digital identity systems. Further, 24% support cryptocurrencies as a payment method, and 22% find opportunities in decentralized finance (DeFi).

European Adoption Indicates Progress Varied

The in-depth research, which is in its fourth edition, was conducted in collaboration with Deloitte professional services network and multinational market research company Ipsos. The research tries to monitor the evolution of crypto asset adoption by the wider population and examine the dynamics of the Web3 sector.

Featured image from Alexander Spatari via Getty Images, chart from TradingView

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.