Fiber optics, a technology now integral to global communications, began its journey with a pioneering publication in November 1960. In this groundbreaking article, physicist Narinder Singh Kapany detailed the principles of data transmission through glass fibers, illustrating how light can be directed across these fibers to enhance communication efficiency. This foundational work laid the groundwork for the development of modern fiber optic networks that underpin the digital economy today.
In the decades since Kapany’s publication, the technology has evolved dramatically. Fiber optics have largely replaced traditional copper wiring in both industry and consumer markets, primarily due to their superior latency and bandwidth capabilities. The phenomenon known as “attenuation,” which measures the loss of light between the input and output of signals, showcases the advantages of fiber optics. Unlike copper cabling, which suffers significant signal loss over long distances, fiber optics maintain signal integrity much more effectively.
Transforming Communication Networks
The transition to fiber optic technology has resulted in significant advancements in communication speeds and reliability. Consumers have experienced these benefits firsthand with the introduction of fiber optic broadband services over the past decade. The substantial speed improvements over traditional copper-based options are evident, with fiber optics enabling faster internet access and enhanced data transmission.
Noteworthy milestones in transmission speeds illustrate this progress. In 2006, researchers from NTT achieved a remarkable transmission speed of 111 gigabits per second. The following years saw even more impressive developments, including a record from Bell Labs in 2009, where speeds reached 15.5 terabits per second across a single 7,000-kilometer fiber cable. Most recently, researchers at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) set a new benchmark with a staggering transmission capacity of 22.9 petabits per second.
Continuous improvements have been made in fiber optic efficiency and technology. A study conducted in 2025 highlighted the potential of plastic optical fiber (POF) technology, particularly for applications in data centers and networking. Researchers from Keio University in Japan developed innovative plastic-based options that promise to address critical issues affecting artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Their work, presented ahead of the Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC), focuses on achieving lower latency and ultra-high capacity communications between graphics processing units (GPUs) and accelerators.
Significantly, the research demonstrated that plastic-based optics not only reduced manufacturing costs compared to traditional glass alternatives but also maintained transmission speeds and signal integrity. Such advancements could revolutionize the efficiency and capability of data transmission networks, aligning with the increasing demands of AI technologies.
As fiber optics continue to evolve, the implications for global communication networks remain profound. The transition from traditional copper wiring to fiber optics has already transformed industries and consumer experiences alike, and ongoing innovations promise to push the boundaries of what is possible in data transmission. By building on the foundational work of pioneers like Narinder Singh Kapany, researchers and engineers are driving the future of connectivity, ensuring that the digital world remains fast, efficient, and accessible.