A number of Japanese telecom companies have created a high-capacity 6G wireless device that can transmit data at up to 20 times the 5G speed. Up to 330 feet (100 meters) can be covered by the device’s 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) data transmission capability.
In preparation for the launch of 6G, the companies have been working together since 2021 to develop sub-terahertz technology.
For the project, a collaboration consisting of DOCOMO, NTT Corporation, NEC Corporation, and Fujitsu was created. These businesses have been working together on sub-terahertz device research and development since 2021, anticipating the arrival of the 6G era.
“Ultra-high-speed 100 Gbps transmissions in the 100 GHz and 300 GHz bands at distances of up to 100 meters” have been achieved in tests, the businesses said in a statement.
Challenges of the frequency frontier
The main differences between 5G and 6G are the electromagnetic spectrum frequency bands in which they operate. Operating in higher bands is usually connected with faster speeds.
5G communications are generally carried out at frequencies lower than 6 GHz and extended into “millimeter-wave bands,” or bands about 40 GHz.
However, it is projected that 6G will use higher-frequency bands known as “sub-terahertz” bands, which fall between 100 and 300 GHz.
Unlike the 28 GHz and other millimeter bands utilized in current 5G systems, the far higher frequencies of the sub-terahertz range would require entirely new wireless devices, which are currently being developed from scratch.
The manufacturers state that in order for the initiative to succeed, it will be necessary to solve several major challenges, such as determining the precise performance specifications that wireless devices operating in the sub-terahertz band must achieve and then putting such devices into production.
Innovative sub-terahertz technology
The four participating businesses each made substantial contributions to the development of sub-terahertz technology, which enabled high-speed 6G devices.
In-depth studies of wireless system setups for 100 GHz applications were carried out by DOCOMO. They then designed wireless transmission devices that can transmit data at up to 100 Gbps over a 100-meter distance.
NTT focused its efforts on 300 GHz devices while pursuing the development of high-end wireless equipment. Their success led to the creation of a state-of-the-art 300 GHz band wireless device with a channel capacity of 100 Gbps over a distance of 100 meters.
NEC dedicated its resources to the investigation of wireless system solutions tailored to the 100 GHz spectrum. This research resulted in the creation of an intricate multi-element active phased array antenna (APAA) with over 100 antenna elements.
Fujitsu concentrated on creating cutting-edge compound semiconductor technologies. Their research produced breakthroughs that allowed for the efficient and high-output amplification of signals in the 300 GHz and 100 GHz bands.
Notably, Fujitsu achieved the highest power efficiency in the world using a high-output amplifier—a crucial achievement for extending communication ranges while reducing power usage.
There are important implications for the development of these sophisticated 6G technologies. The realized capacity allows for the wireless streaming of five HD movies per second, opening up a wide range of potential applications for the high data transfer speeds.
Experts point out that there are countless options for providing seamless connectivity for next technologies, opening up possibilities for real-time control in driverless vehicles and ultra-HD video streaming, among other uses, and raising the need for communication.