6G: Sub-THz device reaches 100 Gbps data rate

The announcement made by NTT DOCOMO, Inc., NTT Corporation, NEC Corporation, and Fujitsu Limited on March 22, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the field of wireless communication technology. The consortium of Japanese tech giants revealed the successful development of a groundbreaking sub-terahertz (Sub-THz) device that is capable of achieving an ultra-high-speed data transfer rate of 100 Gigabits per second (Gbps). This achievement is considered a crucial step towards the upcoming 6th generation (6G) of mobile communication technology.

Sub-terahertz (Sub-THz) frequency bands refer to the spectrum between 100 GHz and 3 THz. These bands have gained increasing attention due to their potential to support extremely high-speed wireless communications with low latency and increased capacity. The consortium's R&D efforts in this area began in 2021, with the shared vision of addressing the growing demand for high-speed connectivity in various industries such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and immersive entertainment.

The 100 Gbps transmission speed achieved by the consortium is approximately ten times faster than the current 4G LTE technology and significantly surpasses the expected peak speeds of 5G technology. This high-speed capability is made possible by employing advanced technologies such as massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems, advanced modulation techniques, and sophisticated signal processing algorithms.

The development of this Sub-THz device is expected to pave the way for the commercialization of 6G technology in Japan and potentially worldwide. The consortium's achievement is a testament to the collective expertise and resources of its members, each of which brings unique strengths to the table. NTT DOCOMO is a leading mobile network operator in Japan, while NTT Corporation is a global technology and consulting firm. NEC Corporation is a renowned provider of IT, network, and communications technology solutions, and Fujitsu Limited is a leading IT services company.

The successful demonstration of this high-speed Sub-THz device is an essential step towards realizing the full potential of 6G technology. The consortium's achievement is expected to attract further attention and investment in this area, potentially leading to more breakthroughs in wireless communication technology. The implications of this technology extend beyond just faster internet speeds, as it could also lead to advancements in areas such as remote surgery, real-time data processing, and enhanced virtual reality experiences.

In conclusion, the joint development of a 100 Gbps Sub-THz device by NTT DOCOMO, NTT Corporation, NEC Corporation, and Fujitsu Limited is a significant milestone in the field of wireless communication technology. This achievement marks an essential step towards the commercialization of 6G technology and is expected to have far-reaching implications across various industries. The consortium's success is a testament to the collective expertise and resources of its members and is expected to attract further investment and attention in this area.