Researchers Say They Can Double Fiber Optic Cable Range

Despite the public's growing demand for data, a fiber optic cable can handle only so much before the signal deteriorates. And the more power you add to the signal, the more distortion you get, in effect preventing a longer reach. But a new technique known as "combing" has enabled researchers at the University of California in San Diego to send data over 7,456 miles with no need to boost the signal using repeaters. Partially funded by Google and fiber optic cable maker Sumitomo Electric Industries, the project is designed to eventually enable building an all-optical network. See video.

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