European Supercomputer Sets Record: Secure Data Transfer Achieves 1.2 Tbps Across 3,500 Kilometers

Breakthrough in Secure, High-Speed Data Transmission

A European supercomputer has shattered existing barriers in data transfer, demonstrating a remarkable leap in both speed and distance. In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers achieved a secure data transmission rate of 1.2 terabits per second (Tbps) over an impressive 3,500-kilometer link—setting a new benchmark in the world of high-performance computing communications.

Collaborative Effort: CSC, SURF, and Nokia Lead the Way

This historic achievement is the result of a strategic partnership between CSC – the IT Center for Science in Finland, Dutch research network SURF, and global technology leader Nokia. Together, these organizations successfully established a resilient, high-capacity optical fiber connection resistant to quantum attacks, bridging facilities in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Kajaani, Finland. This cross-border superfast infrastructure is designed to support the growing needs of scientific research throughout Europe.

Advanced Technology Powers Unprecedented Performance

Nokia played a pivotal role by providing its state-of-the-art IP/MPLS routing and quantum-safe optical gear. Their technology leveraged Flexible Ethernet (FlexE), enabling the seamless management of massive, continuous data streams. The high-capacity optical transport system was evaluated (using both real and synthetic datasets) to handle the demanding workloads typical of high-performance computing (HPC) projects—including the growing data and AI model training needs.

Network Collaboration Across Europe

The test engaged five major research and education networks: NORDUnet (the Nordic backbone), Sunet (Sweden), SIKT (Norway), and Funet (Finland’s CSC network), highlighting the importance of interconnected European infrastructure in facilitating collaborative scientific breakthroughs.

Product Features, Advantages, and Market Relevance

This implementation not only demonstrates superior throughput and quantum-resilient security but also efficiently accommodates the exponential increase in research data—crucial for areas like artificial intelligence and large-scale simulations. Nokia’s solution sets it apart in a competitive market aiming to serve academic, scientific, and industrial requirements for secure, ultra-high bandwidth data transfer across long distances.

Practical Applications and Future Impact

Real-time, secure transmission of vast volumes of data is essential for international research teams, supporting next-generation discoveries in fields ranging from genomics to climate science. This test run paves the way to improve operational research networks and lays a foundation for future-proof infrastructure. Johnny Myyry, Senior Network Specialist at CSC, noted: “We design research networks with future needs in mind.” Notably, the CSC's Kajaani data center currently hosts the LUMI supercomputer—one of Europe’s most powerful HPC facilities.

Looking Ahead

As data-driven research surges and artificial intelligence models scale up, the demand for secure, high-throughput, international connectivity will only intensify. This successful demonstration delivers valuable insights for improving data storage, transfer, and secure networking, ensuring that Europe’s research infrastructure remains at the cutting edge for years to come.