Breakthrough: Wireless Data Transmission 9,000 Times Faster Than 5G Paves Way for 6G
A Breakthrough in Wireless Technology: Researchers Develop System for High Frequency Data Transmission
Today’s wireless technologies, whether it be home Wi-Fi or the 5G network on smartphones, typically operate in frequency ranges below 6 gigahertz (GHz). However, a research team at UCL has made a significant advancement by extending their system to use a wider frequency range between 5 and 150 GHz.
To tackle this challenge, the team combined advanced electronics and millimeter wave photonics. For the lower part of the frequency spectrum (5-50 GHz), conventional digital-to-analog converters were utilized for data transmission via radio waves. However, these converters struggle with high frequencies. Therefore, for the upper part (50-150 GHz), an innovative photonic system was developed using lasers to generate radio signals and enable data transmission in previously unused high frequency ranges.
The integration of these two technologies resulted in a broadband transmission system capable of sending massive amounts of data. With speeds of up to 938 Gb/s, users in densely populated city centers or at large events can expect seamless mobile internet connectivity without slowdowns. For instance, a 4K movie that currently takes 19 minutes to download on existing 5G networks can be downloaded in just 0.12 seconds using this technology.
Prof. Izzat Darwazeh, a co-author of the study, believes this is just the beginning for wireless technology. He highlights the flexibility it offers in terms of space and location. The research team has already initiated discussions with smartphone manufacturers and network operators, indicating that their work could lay the groundwork for future 6G technology.
While the technology has only been demonstrated in a laboratory setting thus far, commercial testing is expected to commence soon. If successful, this new wireless system could be seamlessly integrated into consumer devices and networks within the next three to five years. The possibilities for faster, more efficient data transmission are endless, opening up new opportunities for connectivity in the digital age.
