Hackers extend Toslink audio cables to 143 kilometers, achieve IP data transmission

Hackers extend Toslink's range to 143 km and achieve IP data transmission.

: Two hackers extended Toslink cables from 10 meters to 143 kilometers, showcasing new potential for optical data transmission. At the 38th Chaos Communication Congress, Benjojo introduced the enhancement, and Manawyrm further showcased IP data transmission over Toslink. The project linked data centers in London, achieving speeds of 1.47 Mb/s. Despite limited practical application, the experiments highlight the potential of repurposing outdated technology.

Two hackers have extended the range of Toslink audio cables significantly, from the typical 10 meters to a staggering 143 kilometers. This demonstration occurred during the 38th Chaos Communication Congress in Germany, where Benjojo revealed this achievement, followed by Manawyrm, who demonstrated IP data transmission over the same cables.

Benjojo's experiment was made possible through a complex setup involving SFP ports, converters, and an oscilloscope within data centers in London's Docklands. This setup connected two facilities, using a fiber pair and a CWDM multiplexer to test the limits of Toslink technology for data transmission.

Although the maximum speeds reached were only 1.47 Mb/s, the main takeaway is the flexibility of Toslink cables when repurposed. These results don't suggest a replacement for existing broadband connections but instead point to the innovative uses of seemingly outdated technologies for niche applications.