6G network speed can be 9,000 times faster than 5G network

Researchers in the UK have recently set a new world record for wireless data transmission, reaching speeds of 938 gigabits per second (Gbps) – around 9,000 times faster than current 5G phone networks.

This breakthrough has provided a glimpse of a new era of the world through 6G and is expected to be commercially deployed in the next decade.

The breakthrough discovery was made by a team from University College London (UCL) by combining both radio and optical technologies for the first time, allowing them to exploit radio frequency (RF) wavelengths up to 150 gigahertz (GHz).

“Current wireless communications systems are struggling to keep up with the growing demand for high-speed data access,” said Dr Zhixin Liu from UCL’s Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering. “Our solution is to use more available frequencies to increase bandwidth, while maintaining high signal quality and providing flexibility in accessing different frequency resources. This results in ultra-fast and reliable wireless networks, overcoming the speed bottleneck between the user terminal and the Internet.”

The new record reached 1 terabit per second (Tbps), which is equivalent to downloading a 30-gigabyte (GB) Ultra HD movie in 0.26 seconds. For comparison, the download would take about 17 to 29 minutes on an average 5G connection in the US, which has speeds of 140 to 230 megabits per second (Mbps).

In the UK, where the researchers are based, average 5G speeds are around 100 Mbps, meaning data transmission speeds achieved are around 9,380 times faster.

Most 5G connections transmit data on “narrow” frequencies below 6 GHz. But these transmission bands have the disadvantage of being congested, meaning speeds are often much slower than 5G’s theoretical maximum of 20 Gbps.

But future 6G speeds will likely occupy higher frequencies than the narrow 5G bands, allowing networks to tap into much higher speeds. According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), these bands include frequencies from 7 to 24 GHz, along with sub-terahertz bands from around 90 to 300 GHz.

The technology could be used to transmit wireless signals from cell towers in crowded places so people can tap into 5G (and eventually 6G) speeds from their smartphones.

It will allow more people to use wireless networks in densely populated areas, such as at large concerts, without experiencing network traffic or slow speeds.

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