Scientists Test World's Fastest Wireless Network

MojoKid writes "Scientists in Pisa, Italy claim to have set a new world record for the fastest wireless data transmission. They report that they were able to achieve throughput speeds above 1.2 Terabits per second, which they say beats the previous wireless data transmission speed record of 160 Gigabits per second, achieved by Korean scientists. The technology that the Pisa scientists utilized actually shares a significant similarity with fiber optics. Unlike Wi-Fi or microwave communications, which use radio-based transmissions, the Pisa scientists used a technology called free-space optical communications. In free space optics, an energy beam is collimated and transmitted through space rather than being guided through an optical cable."

I always knew...

[Anonymous Coward]

I always knew those scientists in Pisa leaned toward having faster networks. They've always towered over the rest of the world, technologically.

Re:I always knew...

[NotBornYesterday]

I disagree. Many of their innovations look impressive, but upon examination, the underlying science, the "foundation", if you will, is weak, requiring extensive engineering after the fact to try to keep it stable.

CMCps

[xigxag]

Another way to look at that is 6/10ths of a Comcast Monthly Cap per second.

Re:Not really wireless

[Adambomb]

Sounds like a good replacement in terms of energy use for microwave bridging and other methods that require LoS already.

Of course, packetloss due to geese...

Re:CMCps

[InfiniteLoopCounter]

Another way to look at that is 6/10ths of a Comcast Monthly Cap per second.

Actually, I think you'll find that it's actually 3/5ths of a Comcast Monthly Cap per second.

ludicrous speed!

[glindsey]

they were able to achieve throughput speeds above 1.2 Terabits per second

Unfortunately, what they didn't tell you was that all those bits were zeroes.

Re:Not really wireless

[SleepingWaterBear]

Of course, packetloss due to geese...

And depending on the power of the laser, there's the inevitable worry of gooseloss due to packets.

Re:Not really wireless

[Adambomb]

I suppose, but then microwave bridging with enough power makes for christmas.

You there, Boy! What day is this!

Re:I always knew...

[Anonymous Coward]

Whooosh.