Scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China have created a new way to keep data safe while it travels through fiber optic cables. According to Interesting Engineering, Professor Lilin Yi and his research team recently developed what they call “integrated encryption and communication technology” that can send 1 terabit of data per second over 750 miles while making it nearly impossible for hackers to steal the information.
What Makes This Encryption Special?
This new technology is special because it hides the encryption in the actual light signals that carry the data. Think of it like mixing a secret message into the very ink of a letter, not just writing in code.
Traditional encryption adds protection after the data is already packaged, like putting a letter in a locked envelope. But this new method builds security into the light waves themselves, making it much harder to break.
| Traditional Encryption | New Light-Based Encryption |
|---|---|
| Works at software level | Works at physical light level |
| Can be broken with enough computing power | Nearly impossible to decode without key |
| Added after data is created | Built into the data signal itself |
How It Works
The system uses artificial intelligence to create random patterns in how the light signals are shaped. Only the sender and intended receiver know these patterns. A terabit is a huge amount of data – equal to downloading about 125 high-definition movies in one second!
The researchers tested their system over a simulated 1,200 km (750 mile) fiber optic network – about the distance from Delhi to Mumbai. This makes it practical for real-world use.
Why This Matters
This breakthrough solves major security problems in telecommunications while handling the massive amounts of data modern internet needs. The best part? It can be added to existing systems with just a software update.
- Super secure – reduces what hackers can steal to almost zero
- Very fast – 1 terabit per second
- Works over long distances – 750 miles
- Can be added to existing systems easily
- Supports 26 different light wavelengths
Technical Details Made Simple
The encryption works by changing how the light waves are shaped (called “constellation shaping”) in ways that look random to anyone listening. The system keeps what’s called “mutual information” below 0.2 bits per symbol for eavesdroppers – basically meaning they get almost no useful data.
In conclusion, this new technology represents a major leap in keeping our digital communications safe and fast. By building security into the very physics of light signals, Chinese researchers have created a system that could protect everything from banking transactions to private messages while handling the enormous data needs of our connected world.
