Janet6 to offer unprecedented fibre broadband capacity

The government-funded organisation Janet has announced the development of a new high-speed fibre optic-based network.

Janet6 will be able provide a capacity up to 8.8 terabits through the use of an ethernet connection of 100 gigabits.

The service provides speeds that dwarf those of broadband networks commercially available to homes and businesses. 

Janet6 will only be used by institutions of higher education and research that are required to transfer data of a particularly large size, but connecting to the network will be free of charge.

The service uses the most cutting edge fibre optic technology and is an upgrade of the Janet5 version, having taken three years to develop.

Executive Director for Janet6's Development Process Tim Marshall said: "The power, capacity and flexibility of Janet6 will further stimulate and support the exploration that ensures the UK remains at the forefront of global innovation."

It is expected the infrastructure used to develop Janet6 will last for a decade before it is surpassed by more advanced technology.