Siemens claims it has cracked a world record for data transmission capacity, enabling higher bandwidth capability for Australian carriers on existing infrastructure.
The global optical network technology provider, which supplies its optical networks to Telstra, claims to have doubled its previous world record for transmitting data on a standard optical fibre network, for a total capacity of 3.2 terrabits of traffic per second.
Previously the company had set the world record of 7 t/b per second under laboratory conditions.
The 'live' tests were carried out using WorldCom fibre network routes in the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area using the Siemens TransXpress Infinity DWDM platform.
Siemens has built on the world's largest DWDM networks, stretching from Cairns to Perth, and spanning almost 6,000 kilometres.
Siemens' Network General Manager for Australia-New Zealand, David Huck says the world record proves that carriers don't have to invest in next generation fibre to get higher bandwidth speeds.
"It could eliminate the need for carriers to spend large amounts on deploying new fibre infrastructures," Huck said. "The new technology is a step forward in delivering greatly increased bandwidth across existing infrastructure," he said.
"It's the fastest data transmission rate under live conditions," he said.
Huck claims it is the first time a company has managed to transmit faster capacity over standard fibre, proving there is available capacity on existing infrastructure.
According to Huck, the new findings will put pressure on carriers to bring the prices down for broadband delivery within Australia.
