China has reportedly completed a 1,007-kilometer (626-mile) test of hollow-core optical fiber, demonstrating simultaneous high-speed data transmission in both directions over a record distance. The experiment achieved a transmission capacity of 64 terabits per second (Tbps) in each direction, as reported by China’s Central Television (CCTV) on November 8.

The milestone marks a significant step toward next-generation communication networks. It also demonstrates the potential of hollow-core fiber to support faster data transfer with lower latency, particularly as demand for computing power and AI data processing continues to grow.

Most optical fiber networks today rely on solid-core fibers, which carry light signals through a silica glass core. Hollow-core fibers use a different approach, transmitting signals primarily through an air-filled channel.

The latest experiment used a 1,007.48-kilometer (625.7-mile) fiber link to verify the technology’s performance over long distances. It achieved simultaneous bidirectional transmission of 64 Tbps signals, meaning the same capacity was available for uploads and downloads.

According to CCTV, this is equivalent to transferring 160 4K movies, each measuring 50 GB, every second. A signal traveling one way across the entire link took just 3.43 milliseconds, setting a new record for real-time transmission using hollow-core fiber.

The technology improves on conventional solid-core fiber. According to the report, it doubles transmission capacity and extends transmission distance by 60 percent compared with the best-performing solid-core fibers currently available. The latest test also extended the transmission distance by 50 times compared with previous hollow-core fiber trials of the same type.

Huo Xiaoli, chief expert of next-generation information and communication at China Telecom, said hollow-core fiber transmits signals through gas rather than solid glass, reducing latency by 30 percent.

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