Researchers set new record with 6G download speed

With current 5G technology, top speeds of up to ten gigabits per second are possible. However, for daily use, the data download is limited to 100 to 300 megabits per second.

New 6G record achieved

Accordingly, the 938 gigabits per second that researchers at University College London have now achieved is an enormous leap. And a record for data transmissions with more than one signal, as New Scientist writes.

Converted, this means that users with a 6G smartphone and a correspondingly upgraded mobile network could download over 20 two-hour Netflix films per second – at least in theory.

In practice, 6G is likely to be many times faster than 5G. However, the normal download speeds are likely to be significantly below the record results.

Large frequency range used

To achieve the new top speed, the British researchers used a trick. Instead of only transmitting in the low frequency range of under six gigahertz, as with the current 5G network, the researchers use the range from five to 150 gigahertz.

Radio waves and lasers were also used for light transmission. In order to be able to use the high bandwidth for data transmission, appropriate reception hardware would have to be installed in the smartphones.

Wider streets, more (data) traffic

Zhixin Liu from University College London compares the distribution of signals across different frequency ranges with road traffic. Accordingly, 5G would be equivalent to a congested country road, which with 6G would be equivalent to a ten-lane highway.

“When it comes to traffic, you need wider roads to be able to carry more cars,” Liu said. It’s similar with data.

6G technology in development

Liu believed that the London researchers were already in discussions with smartphone manufacturers and network operators to make their technology a basis for future 6G networks. However, there are a number of other similar approaches currently in development.

While there is already a lot of work being done to develop 6G technology, it will still be a few years before users can enjoy faster download speeds. The commercial introduction of 6G is expected to take place in 2030 at the earliest.