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South Africa’s Fibre Leap: DFA Breaks World Record with 1.6 Tbps on a Single Wavelength
When it comes to global tech milestones, South Africa has just etched its name onto the map in bold. Dark Fibre Africa (DFA), working with US-based networking giant Ciena, has pulled off a world first: transmitting a staggering 1.6 terabits per second (Tbps) over a single wavelength.
This was not tested in a distant laboratory. It happened right here on home soil, between Isando and Midrand in Johannesburg, over DFA’s existing core network. The 40 kilometre stretch, already a workhorse for the city’s digital backbone, became the testing ground for the future of connectivity.
A Record That Redefines Speed
To put the achievement into perspective, a single 1.6 Tbps link can handle the equivalent of streaming millions of high-definition videos simultaneously. Just a few years ago, a similar trial on the same route managed 400 Gbps. That means South Africa has quadrupled its performance in a very short time, leapfrogging international standards.
Andreas Uys, the chief technology officer of DFA’s parent company Maziv, said the results show how easily the company can expand its existing network to onboard next-generation services without starting from scratch. In practical terms, this means South Africa could see faster rollouts of high-capacity internet services in key areas before the technology spreads nationwide.
Behind the Scenes: The Technology
The trial used Ciena’s WaveRouter technology, which allows different service speeds, from 400 Gbps all the way up to 1.6 Tbps, to run through a single router. Instead of patching together multiple systems, DFA can now combine routing and optical technology into one integrated design.
Ciena’s Navigator Network Control Suite was also part of the trial, giving DFA a central point of control to automate and scale traffic. In plain terms, this allows the network to adapt quickly as demand for data grows, whether it is for businesses, streaming, or the expanding Internet of Things.
Why This Matters for South Africa
The timing could not be better. South Africa is in the middle of a digital transformation wave, where everything from banking to healthcare depends on strong, reliable internet infrastructure. DFA’s achievement shows that our networks are not just keeping up with the rest of the world but, in this case, are setting the benchmark.
The trial comes on the back of DFA’s R800 million network upgrade, which included upgrading underground distribution cabinets in busy city hubs. This foundation made it possible to test bleeding-edge technology on real infrastructure instead of relying on theory.
Virginie Hollebecque, Ciena’s regional vice president, called the move a bold step in meeting South Africa’s growing connectivity needs. It also positions Johannesburg as more than a financial hub. It is now proving to be a testing ground for global-first digital technology.
Social and Local Reaction
On local tech forums and social media, the announcement was met with a mix of pride and impatience. Many celebrated the fact that South Africa, often criticised for lagging in infrastructure, had beaten global players to a new record. Others quickly asked the harder question: how soon will ordinary South Africans feel the benefits in their homes and offices?
The reality is that while such trials are major breakthroughs, it will take time for the ripple effect to reach every suburb and township. Still, the trial gives confidence that the technology is not only possible but already within the country’s grasp.
Looking Ahead
For now, the achievement may sound like something for engineers and data scientists to celebrate. But as demand for data continues to surge in Johannesburg and beyond, this milestone will eventually translate into everyday benefits: faster streaming, stronger business connectivity, and more reliable digital services.
South Africa has not just joined the conversation about the future of fibre. It has taken the lead.
Also read: From Negotiator to Tycoon: How Ramaphosa’s Business Web Forged His Billion-Rand Legacy
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Source: MyBroadband
Featured Image: Lightwave Online
