China achieves secure 1 Tbps data transmission over 1,200 km, solving a key telecommunications challenge
One of the most compelling aspects of IEAC is its compatibility with existing infrastructure. Unlike quantum encryption methods that require specialised equipment, IEAC can be implemented on standard optical hardware, potentially requiring only firmware upgrades.
China has made a historic leap in telecommunications by achieving a secure data transmission speed of 1 terabit per second across a distance of 1,200 kilometres. This development eliminates a long-standing industry trade-off between speed and security.
A team led by Professor Lihui Yi at Shanghai University developed a new technology called IEAC (Integrated Encryption and Communication). Instead of relying on traditional software-based encryption methods like TLS or IPsec, IEAC encrypts the light signal itself. The system uses light patterns managed by AI that constantly change, creating a virtually unbreakable optical ‘one-time pad’ visible only to receivers using the same network scheme.
The system operates with 26 wavelengths over a 3.9 THz range and uses dual-polarised signals. The team tested the network under realistic conditions, simulating 1,200 km of optical fibre with minimal interference. The error rate remained below 2 × 10⁻², with almost no data leakage.
Unlike quantum encryption, IEAC does not require new infrastructure. It can work on existing fibre-optic networks and may only need firmware updates. This makes global adoption faster and more affordable.
Why this matters for future digital standards
This advancement is important for the future of digital standards because it shows that high-speed, ultra-secure communication is possible without building new infrastructure from scratch. As data traffic grows, driven by AI, finance, and sensitive communications, standards will need to support both speed and security at scale. IEAC could become a model for next-generation encryption protocols that are both efficient and accessible, shaping how we define and implement secure communication across global digital networks.
