Researchers create the Internet so quickly that they can download all Netflix in one second

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan has set a groundbreaking data record: a data transfer rate of 1.02 petabit per second (approx. 127,500 GB/s) over 1,802 kilometers (about 1,120 miles) reports.

This is about 3.5 million times faster than the average US broadband internet connection, which, according to the speed test, was around 289 Mbit / s from May 2025. At this new record speed, you could download the entire Netflix library in less than second.

Glass fiber look with 19 kernels

The key to the data record is a new optical fiber with 19 cores, which are installed in a cable with a diameter of only 0.125 millimeters (the standard size for existing networks). Compared to conventional cables with one core, this fiber transmits the 19 -fold more data with minimal data loss due to an even light line. For the transfer of 1,120 miles comparable to New York, reinforce the signal 21 times to Chicago-Wurde.

The new record doubles more than doubles the number of the previous year of 50,250 GB/s. In 2023, the NICT team reached similar speeds, but only over a third of the distance. Advances in signal reinforcement and reduction of data loss have made this new area possible.

Compatible with existing fiber optic cables

Technology could meet the growing demand for data worldwide, since according to Nielsen's law, the data volume rose by around 50 percent annually.

In general, the new technology is exciting and also interesting for countries in which the expansion of the fiber opticians stagnates, especially because these new cables fit into existing infrastructures.

The recording has not yet been verified independently, but shows how glass fiber could further shape the future of the Internet.

Further reading: These are the 10 most respected Netflix shows ever