A bunch of Japanese telecom companies have created a super-fast 6G wireless device. It can send data a whopping 20 times quicker than 5G. This gadget can shoot out data at a speed of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) and can cover a distance of up to 330 feet (100 meters).
The project involved four big companies: DOCOMO, NTT Corporation, NEC Corporation, and Fujitsu. They joined forces back in 2021 to work on this tech, focusing on sub-terahertz devices, all geared up for the arrival of the 6G era.
The companies reported that their tests successfully reached “ultra-high-speed 100 Gbps transmissions in the 100 GHz and 300 GHz bands, covering distances of up to 100 meters,” as stated in a press release.
High-Frequency Spectrum Hurdles
The main difference between 5G and 6G lies in the frequency ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum they operate in. Faster speeds are usually linked to using higher bands.
For 5G, transmissions typically happen in frequencies lower than 6 GHz and sometimes extend to around 40 GHz bands, called “millimeter-wave bands.”
On the other hand, 6G is expected to utilize even higher-frequency bands known as “sub-terahertz” bands, ranging between 100 and 300 GHz.
The sub-terahertz band, with its much higher frequencies, will need brand-new wireless gadgets. Unlike the current 5G systems, which use frequencies like 28 GHz and other millimeter bands, these new devices are being built completely from the ground up.
The companies mentioned that the project faces several big challenges to succeed. One is determining the exact performance standards that wireless devices operating in the sub-terahertz band must meet. Then, they need to make these devices according to those standards.
Groundbreaking Sub-Terahertz Technology
To create super-fast 6G gadgets, each of the four companies involved made important contributions to improving sub-terahertz technology.
DOCOMO focused on studying how to set up wireless systems for 100 GHz telecommunications. They then built wireless gear that can send data at speeds of up to 100 Gbps over a range of 100 meters.
Meanwhile, NTT worked on making high-quality wireless equipment, with a special focus on devices for 300 GHz. Their hard work paid off with the creation of a top-notch 300 GHz band wireless device capable of handling 100 Gbps per channel over 100 meters.
NEC put its efforts into researching solutions for wireless systems operating in the 100 GHz band. They ended up creating a sophisticated antenna called a multi-element active phased array antenna (APAA), which has over 100 antenna elements.
Fujitsu, on the other hand, concentrated on coming up with new technologies for compound semiconductors. Their work resulted in innovations that allowed signals in the 300 GHz and 100 GHz bands to be amplified with high efficiency and output.
One notable achievement was Fujitsu’s development of a high-output amplifier with the world’s highest power efficiency. This is crucial because it helps extend communication ranges while keeping power usage low.
These advancements in 6G technology have big implications. The data capacity achieved means you could wirelessly stream five HD movies every second, opening up a ton of possibilities for how these fast data speeds can be used.
Experts say that the potential is boundless when it comes to providing smooth connectivity for upcoming technologies. This enables various applications, such as ultra-HD video streaming and real-time control in self-driving cars, while also meeting the growing communication needs.
