NTT DOCOMO INC., NTT Corporation, NEC Corporation, and Fujitsu conducted validation trials employing sub-terahertz frequencies, achieving data transmission speeds of 100Gb/s.
They emphasized that this speed is 20 times faster than the maximum rates of existing 5G networks. The companies underscored in a collective statement that this ultra-high-speed capability was demonstrated through outdoor testing on the 100GHz band and indoor trials utilizing the 300GHz spectrum.
DOCOMO claims to have developed wireless transmission equipment capable of transmitting data rates equivalent to 100Gb/s over 100 meters, whereas NTT's wireless device, which uses wideband mixers, achieved the same result in the 300GHz band.
NEC contributed a multi-element, active phased array antenna with over 100 antenna elements, while Fujitsu provided a high-output, high-efficiency signal amplifier to increase range and reduce power consumption in sub-terahertz bands.
According to the statement, high-capacity wireless communication will be achieved by taking advantage of the abundant bandwidth available in the sub-terahertz band ranging from 100GHz to 300GHz. However, in contrast to the 28GHz and other mmWave bands used in today's 5G networks, the higher frequencies of the sub-terahertz band will necessitate the development of new wireless devices.
In 2021, the four companies began research and development (R&D) on sub-terahertz equipment in preparation for the 6G era. The following year, DOCOMO announced plans for experimental trials with Nokia.
This achievement paves the way for ultra-fast and efficient data transmission, which could revolutionize various industries reliant on high-speed connectivity, such as telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation. It also underscores the potential of sub-terahertz frequencies in enabling next-generation communication networks, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and innovation in the digital age.
