Japan has claimed the credit for the world’s first 6G high-speed 6G device that is 500 times faster than 5G. Japanese companies DOCOMO, NTT, NEC, and Fujitsu have demonstrated their 6G device transmitting data at 100 Gbps speed across up to 100 meters.
The companies stated that the test realized the “ultra-high-speed 100 Gbps transmissions in the 100 GHz and 300 GHz bands at distances of up to 100 meters.
In telecommunication, companies use higher frequencies to achieve higher speeds. It’s the same scenario with 5G which is why the speed is remarkably faster than those found in 4G and 3G.
To elaborate, 5G is often broadcast in a spectrum lower than 6 GHz. However, there are three separate bands for 5G– low band, mid band, and high band. The high-band is also referred to as millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands. 6G, on the other hand, is said to widely make use of frequencies between 100 to 300 GHz. In the terminology, these are called sub-terahertz. Because of their high-frequency characteristics, the transmission speed will be much higher even higher than 5G, but coverage will be skeptical.
The higher frequency band will require different wireless devices something the firms are developing from scratch.
How was this achieved?
Each firm made a contribution to this research. DOCOMO ran comprehensive analyses for 100 GHz telecom applications. They developed transmission equipment that can develop data rates of up to 100 Gbps at a distance of 100-meter range.
Similarly, NTT took to the development of wireless equipment while also focusing on 300 GHz devices. They developed a 300 GHz band wireless device that could achieve the same surreal speed over 100 meters. Check out: China Achieves 6G Speed Breakthrough, Tops 206.25 Gbps
NEC used its resources to research 100 GHz wireless system solutions with more than 100 antenna elements. Fujitsu was into compound semiconductors that contributed to amplifying signals in the 300 GHz and 100 GHz bands.
However, the firms also pointed out some challenges to overcome. These include precise performance standards for wireless devices operating in the sub-terahertz band and developing those devices.
5G brings high-speed, and low latency while 6G extends them to new levels. 6G will realize ultra-low power consumption, autonomy, and ultra-safety/reliability, etc.
Successor to 5G, the 6G wireless communication standard is said to be commercial around 2030.