By combining high-speed electronics and photonics, the innovation unlocks a wider spectrum for data transmission, paving the way for faster, more reliable wireless networks.
Traditional wireless systems, like Wi-Fi and 5G, operate below 6 GHz, where congestion limits data speed. Researchers from University College London (UCL) have achieved a milestone in wireless communication, transmitting data at an astonishing 938 Gigabits per second (Gb/s). This speed, 9,380 times faster than the UK’s average 5G download rate of 100 Megabits per second (Mb/s), was achieved over a frequency range spanning 5–150 GHz. This new total bandwidth of 145 GHz is five times broader than the previous wireless transmission world record.
The researchers addressed this bottleneck by innovatively merging radio and optical technologies to enable data transmission over a wider spectrum. Their research reveals how the combination of high-speed electronics (5–50 GHz) and photonics (50–150 GHz) can unlock faster, more reliable wireless networks. This approach solves the capacity bottleneck between user devices and the fiber network. By leveraging more frequency resources while maintaining signal quality, the new system promises lightning-fast data transfer. With this a 4K Ultra HD movie (about 14 GB) could be downloaded in just 0.12 seconds, compared to 19 minutes on current 5G speeds.
This advancement could transform not only home Wi-Fi networks but also mobile services, particularly in densely populated areas where bandwidth demand is high. Future 5G and 6G networks powered by such technology would allow seamless performance at large-scale events, ensuring more users can connect at higher speeds without interruption. The team mentioned that the wireless technology is crucial for applications where cabling isn’t practical, such as complex factory setups. Although the current achievement was demonstrated in a lab, the team is now working on prototypes for commercial testing.
