A method and system for storing and transmitting data using variable pulse symbology over a fiber optic or ultra wide band system. Data is stored in memory, accessed and transformed into an electronic or photonic pulse and/or space which has a variable duration, the duration corresponding to the bit of data to be transmitted. The duration of the pulse and/or space is selected from a list of predetermined durations, each corresponding to a different base 10 number. The pulses and spaces may both be used to represent data, or the spaces may be used for meta data. Variable duration pulses may also be used to store data on an optical storage medium or fiber optic cable.