Researchers at University College London (UCL) have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in wireless data transmission by successfully sending data at a staggering speed of 938 Gigabits per second (Gb/s). This achievement utilizes a record frequency range of 5–150 Gigahertz (GHz), significantly surpassing current wireless standards.
Record-Breaking Speed
To put this into perspective, the new transmission speed is up to 9,380 times faster than the average 5G download speed in the UK, which typically stands around 100 Megabits per second (Mb/s). Additionally, the total bandwidth of 145 GHz achieved in this experiment exceeds the previous world record by more than five times, demonstrating a remarkable advancement in wireless technology.
Overcoming Frequency Bottlenecks
Current wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi and 5G, primarily operate at lower frequencies, typically below 6 GHz. The congestion in this frequency range has constrained the speed and efficiency of wireless communications. To tackle this limitation, the UCL team employed an innovative approach that combines both radio and optical technologies, enabling the transmission of data across a much wider frequency spectrum.
Dr. Zhixin Liu, the senior author of the study, explained, “Current wireless communication systems are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for high-speed data access… Our solution is to use more of the available frequencies to increase bandwidth, while maintaining high signal quality.”
Technological Innovation
The researchers developed a unique system that integrates high-speed electronics (effective in the 5–50 GHz range) with millimeter-wave photonics, which uses light for generating radio signals and operates effectively between 50–150 GHz. This combination allows for the generation of high-quality signals across a broader frequency range, leading to unprecedented data transmission speeds.
Impact on Wireless Technologies
The implications of this technology extend beyond mere speed. It has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, particularly in enhancing Wi-Fi connectivity in homes and public spaces. It promises to enable faster mobile internet speeds and more reliable connections, especially in densely populated urban areas or during large events.
For example, downloading a two-hour 4K Ultra HD film (approximately 14GB of data) would take about 19 minutes over standard 5G. With the new UCL-developed technology, this download could be accomplished in just 0.12 seconds.
Professor Izzat Darwazeh, a co-author of the study, emphasized the flexibility of wireless technology, noting its suitability for environments where optical cabling may be impractical, such as factories with complex equipment arrangements.
Future Directions
While the technology has been validated in a laboratory setting, efforts are already underway to develop a prototype system for commercial testing. If successful, this innovative wireless solution could be incorporated into commercial equipment within the next three to five years.
Professor Polina Bayvel, another co-author, expressed gratitude for the support from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which have played a crucial role in establishing cutting-edge experimental capabilities essential for advancing the UK’s national communications infrastructure.
In summary, the new record set by UCL researchers represents a monumental leap in wireless communication technology, promising to meet the growing demands for high-speed data access in our increasingly digital world.
You Might Be Interested In:
