China Claims to Have Constructed the Fastest Internet Network in the World

18 Nov, 2023

China Claims to Have Constructed the Fastest Internet Network in the World

China has introduced what it claims to be the world's most advanced internet network, boasting speeds several times faster than current networks. The network, capable of reaching 1.2 terabits (1,200 gigabits) per second, could transfer data from 150 movies in one second, as per Chinese tech manufacturer Huawei.

While these speeds are currently theoretical and won't be available to consumers immediately, the implications of a more robust and faster internet service are extensive. It can lead to faster information transfers, provide advantages in stock trading, and has broader implications for national security.

Huawei and China Mobile, in collaboration with Beijing's Tsinghua University and Cernet, officially launched the next-generation backbone network in a press conference. This backbone network, spanning 1,800 miles of optic fiber cables from Beijing to the south, facilitates internet traffic movement and supports data transfers from technologies like 5G and electric vehicles.

Although the network began operating and undergoing tests this summer, its launch comes about two years ahead of expert forecasts. This development aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping's goal to establish the country as a cyber power and accelerate core internet technologies.

The network's focus on infrastructure rather than home internet speeds means it doesn't directly pose a threat to the US in areas like AI, semiconductors, or wireless networking. However, it lays a foundation for Chinese-based businesses that require substantial bandwidth.

Wu Jianping, a professor overseeing the backbone internet project at Tsinghua University, emphasized that the system, including software and hardware, is made, produced, and independently controlled in China. He dubbed it the most advanced network globally.

This unveiling follows a trend of major tech launches aligning with significant events, such as Huawei's Mate 60 Pro smartphone launch during a US visit. The US government later investigated how Huawei had access to advanced chip technology amid efforts to restrict China's access to foreign chip technology.