Free-Space Optics: NICT’s System Transmits 2 Tbit/s in Urban Test
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The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has achieved a world-first demonstration of 2 Tbit/s free-space optical (FSO) communication utilizing small optical terminals suitable for satellite and High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) deployment. This experiment, conducted between NICT Headquarters in Koganei, Tokyo, and a site 7.4 km away in Chofu, Tokyo, employed a high-performance FX transceiver and a simplified ST transponder to maintain stable communication despite urban atmospheric turbulence.
Utilizing Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) transmission of five 400 Gbit/s channels, this achievement represents a significant step towards the practical application of Beyond 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). Successful 2 Tbit/s Free-Space Optical Communication Demonstration The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) achieved a world-first demonstration of 2 Tbit/s free-space optical (FSO) communication. This utilized small optical terminals designed for mounting on satellites and High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS). The experiment connected a high-performance FX unit at NICT Headquarters with a simplified ST unit 7.4 km away, maintaining stable communication despite urban atmospheric turbulence. This advancement marks a significant step towards practical Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for future communication standards. This 2 Tbit/s communication was achieved through Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) transmission, successfully sending 5 channels, each at 400 Gbit/s. Notably, this is the first demonstration of terabit-class communication using terminals small enough for satellite or HAPS deployment. The successful test took place in an urban environment, presenting challenges from atmospheric turbulence that can disrupt laser beams – a condition the system overcame to maintain stable data transfer. NICT plans to continue advancing this technology with future demonstrations. These include aiming for 10 Gbit/s communication between a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite (approx. 600 km altitude) and the ground by 2026. Further tests are planned for 2027 to achieve communication between a satellite and a HAPS. The goal is to demonstrate compact, ultra-high-speed data communication, paving the way for Beyond 5G/6G NTN implementation. Future Plans for Expanding Non-Terrestrial Network Capabilities The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) achieved a world-first 2 Tbit/s free-space optical (FSO) communication using small terminals, paving the way for expanded Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities. This demonstration utilized a high-performance FX terminal and a simplified ST terminal separated by 7.4 km in a challenging urban environment with atmospheric turbulence. Stable communication was maintained through Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) transmitting 5 channels, each at 400 Gbit/s, proving the feasibility of terabit-class data transmission with miniaturized equipment. NICT is actively pursuing further miniaturization of these terminals, with plans to implement them onboard a 6U CubeSat. Future demonstrations are targeted for 2026, aiming for 10 Gbit/s communication between a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite (approximately 600 km altitude) and ground stations. In 2027, they plan to demonstrate communication between a satellite and High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), showcasing compact, ultra-high-speed data communication. These advancements are critical for realizing Beyond 5G/6G NTNs. The successful 2 Tbit/s demonstration, along with planned LEO and HAPS experiments, will demonstrate the viability of these technologies for future networks. NICT’s work focuses on enabling compact, ultra-high-speed data communication, addressing a key requirement for expanding network coverage beyond terrestrial infrastructure. Source: https://www.nict.go.jp/en/press/2025/12/16-1.html Tags: Quantum News As the Official Quantum Dog (or hound) by role is to dig out the latest nuggets of quantum goodness. There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that might be considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing space. Latest Posts by Quantum News: U-Michigan AI Improves Cardiac Diagnosis Across 12 Tasks December 16, 2025 Up to 20,000 GPU Hours Available for Quantum Research at NERSC December 16, 2025 Canada Launches $92M Quantum Program to Boost Domestic Tech December 16, 2025