For the first time, scientists have combined two existing wireless technologies – high-speed electronics and millimeter-scale photonics – to achieve record wireless data transfer rates. Scientists have set a new wireless speed record by sending data over the air at speeds of up to 938 gigabits per second (Gbps).

The new record of approaching 1 terabit per second (Tbps) is equivalent to downloading a 30 gigabyte (GB) 4K Ultra HD movie in 0.26 seconds. For comparison, using average 5G connections in the US ranging from 140 to 230 megabits per second (Mbps), the download will take approximately 17 to 29 minutes. In the UK, where the researchers are located, the average speed of 5G is around 100 Mbps, which means the resulting data transfer speed is approximately 9,380 times faster.

Scientists achieved this by combining radio and optical technologies for the first time, allowing them to use radio frequency (RF) waves up to 150 gigahertz (GHz). They outlined their method in a new study published Oct. 15 in The Journal of Lightwave Technology.

Most 5G connections transmit data at “narrow” frequencies below 6 GHz. But these transmission lines are highly congested, which means speeds are often much lower than the theoretical maximum speed of 20 Gbps for 5G.

But future 6G transmission speeds will likely occupy higher frequencies than the narrowbands of 5G, allowing communications networks to use much higher speeds. According to the Global Mobile Carrier Association (GSA), these bands include “upper mid-range” frequencies from 7 to 24 GHz, as well as “subterahertz bands” from approximately 90 to 300 GHz.

“Today’s wireless systems are struggling to keep up with the growing demand for high-speed data access, with bandwidth in the last few meters between the user and the fiber optic network holding us back,” said senior study author Zhixin Liu, a professor. in electrical engineering at University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. expression.

“Our solution is to use more available frequencies to increase bandwidth, while maintaining high signal quality and providing the flexibility to access different frequency sources. The result is ultra-fast and reliable wireless networks and overcomes the bottleneck between user terminals and the Internet.”

Liu added that the new approach combines two existing wireless technologies – high-speed electronics and millimeter-scale photonics – for the first time. The latest technology uses photonics, or light, to generate radio frequency signals in the millimeter range. This hybrid system allows the transmission of large amounts of data over the wireless network over frequency bands that can be used in future systems such as 6G.

Scientists combined electronic digital-analog signal generators operating in the 5 to 75 GHz range with light-based radio signal generators that allow data to be transmitted at frequencies between 75 and 150 GHz. According to the scientists, the total bandwidth of 145 GHz was five times greater than the system used to achieve the previous world record in wireless transmission.

This hybrid technology can be used to emit wireless signals from masts in crowded areas so people can connect to those 5G (and eventually 6G) speeds from their smartphones. This will allow more people to use wireless networks in densely populated areas, such as large concerts, without experiencing network traffic or slow speeds.

The scientists have only tested their system in the laboratory but plan to create a prototype that can be used in commercial settings. If successful, they hope to incorporate their technology into commercial equipment within the next five years.