Wireless Data Speed Record Approaches 1 Terabit Per Second

Slow Wi-Fi is a common frustration for many, but we may soon see faster speeds. Researchers at University College London (UCL) have achieved a new world record in wireless data transmission, transmitting an impressive 938 Gigabits per second (Gbps) using a combination of radio and light technology.

Wireless data transmission offers greater convenience than installing cables, but it is generally much slower than optical signals used in fiber optics. At present, 5G can reach a maximum of 20 Gbps, though it typically provides only a few hundred Mbps in practical scenarios. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi 7, the newest iteration of wireless technology, peaks at around 40 Gbps.

UCL Team Sets New Wireless Speed Record Nearing 1 Tbps

In the new study, the UCL team has significantly raised the upper limit for wireless communication speeds, nearing the 1-Tbps milestone. Their record is approximately 30% faster than the previous wireless speed record set by a Japanese team just months earlier.

To put this new record into perspective, at 938 Gbps, you could download a two-hour 4K movie in about a tenth of a second—contrasting sharply with a regular 5G connection, which would take around 19 minutes for the same task.

The key to achieving this speed increase was the integration of multiple wireless technologies, allowing for a much broader bandwidth. The UCL team transmitted data over a frequency range of 5 to 150 GHz, exceeding the previous wireless transmission world record by more than five times.

Innovative Signal Generation Techniques to Minimize Congestion

Signals in the 5 to 75 GHz range were generated using high-speed digital-to-analog converters, while frequencies from 75 to 150 GHz were produced using light-based radio generators. By spreading the signals across a wider bandwidth, the team effectively reduces congestion.

However, fiber optics still hold the speed advantage, with the overall data transmission record sitting at an astonishing 22.9 petabits per second, equivalent to 22.9 million Gbps. This capability is essential for transmitting data across continents and oceans to individual homes and buildings. The main bottleneck typically occurs in the final meters, from your router to your devices, so enhancing wireless speeds will improve everyday usability for various devices.

Read the originaal article on: New Atlas

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