The hidden network that makes the internet possible - Sajan Saini

Explore how fiber optics uses light to transmit data over long distances, and with integrated photonics, expands our virtual world beyond the internet.

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In 2012, a team of researchers set a world record, transmitting 1 petabit of data— that’s 10,000 hours of high-def video— over a fifty-kilometer cable, in a second. This wasn’t just any cable. It was a souped-up version of fiber optics, the hidden network that links our planet and makes the internet possible. What is fiber optics and how does it work? Sajan Saini explores the vital technology.

Lesson by Sajan Saini, directed by Artrake Studio.

[parnikajain]

Whoa, it's almost as if this channel can answer any inquiry that comes to mind.

[bubbly]

I’ve watched your animations since I was 6, I found your channel on my moms iPad and made it my goal to watch all of the videos you already had posted. I watched every single one of your videos every time they uploaded. Until now. I’m 12 now.

[scienceogram]

The narrative and animate are top notch as always. Inspiring !!! Hope we get 6G sooon lol

[SilverDawnArrow]

While we're all in lockdown and can't see each other in person, I've been video calling my dad every weekend. I'm in London and he's in Singapore, and it's almost unbelievable how little delay there is, given that it takes a person 14 hours to fly that distance.

[megatron]

Informative video bro
Keep up the good work

[agarsrish]

The animation, as usual, never disappoints. It almost feels like it's getting better and better!! Every animation team understands the brief so well, and they just know what the subject matter needs. Well done again, Ted-Ed!

[scoopam_art]

It still amazes me how humans managed to capture audio, photo/video and transfer them around the globe in the form of electromagnetic waves...so magical

[sonialin]

Thanks Ted-Ed, your videos are always so nicely presented and great to watch. New Zealand isn't on the map at 2:46...

[ChazTFC]

This video was accurate up until the 2:58

1.) Most data centers moved to fiber optics between server racks years ago, with some racks using fiber optic exclusively for high bandwidth applications.

2.) "Integrated photonics" is currently a pipedream next to everyday quantum computing, way too much has to happen before we can use the technology, like figuring out how to build it.

3.) We have a technology to convert electricity to light, it's called a modem.

4.) Researchers maybe working THz tech, but we have enough issues with day to day 60Ghz wireless, to the point, it's not used commonly yet due to pitfalls.

Also, the THz spectrum is approaching the visual light spectrum. You'll need more more power as you go up to get the same results, like 300x ~ 1000x the power of used by current Wi-Fi. Also, while using that much power, it won't be able to penetrate anything whatsoever.

5.) Good luck running fiber to all those nodes that will provide coverage, even if you could convince a large Telecom to pay for that bill. The FCC or equivalent government bodies would have to give up all control on the spectrum in use and where nodes could be placed.

6.) 6G, lol, come talk to me in 25 years, then maybe we'll be there. We still haven't finished 4G, the original standard called for 1Gbps, you're lucky if you can get 2.5% of that.

[jokrwx]

Making it understandable to public is a real hard work thank you so much

[-subscriberswithahammerad]

If it can make the internet possible, then it can make skynet possible

[MarkWTK]

some say the fire, wheel and electricity are the most important manmade inventions. i agree and i think the internet should be up there with them too

[yuvalamitay]

I never missed any Ted Ed video, and this one is definitely one of my favorites. Thank you so much for creating this amazing content!

[noahi.]

I love TED. Every video puts me into a new perspective, whether it's a talk, riddle, or Q&A.

[dh]

Keep doing what you guys do! Such a great and informative channel! These videos make my day!

[li-omfc]

Wow Ted-Ed never stops amazing me. Thank you!

[Itsfinababy]

Great Video!!! I wounder why the ice is melting

[thecommentdoggo]

*2:46*
There's a dinosour above Australia.
Lol

[AntiParallali]

I had no idea they were all on the ocean floor! I mean, now thinking about it, that makes sense, but still way cool!!

[torguttormsyvertsen]

“The more wonderful the means of communication, the more trivial, tawdry, or depressing its contents seemed to be.”
― Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008)