High-frequency wireless communication needs to increase bandwidth

Scientists at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology are working on wireless communication at frequencies of tens of GHz. The research should lead to network technology that enables significantly higher bandwidths.

On their website, the researchers write that they are testing wireless connections at 44GHz, 83GHz and 94GHz. Such frequencies are considerably higher than what is currently used for, for example, Wi-Fi connections, which mainly communicate on 2.4GHz and 5GHz. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, the new technology should lead to bandwidths a thousand times higher than what is now common for mobile networks. Nothing has been said about the range yet.

According to the researchers, developing communication at such high frequencies is complicated because high-frequency signals can be easily disrupted. So far they have managed to send out a calibrated signal at 44GHz and 94GHz. The necessary equipment is made with commercially available parts that are also accessible to others, according to NIST. In addition, a channel sounder with 16 antennas has been developed that can modulate signals at 83GHz. The hardware can also measure disturbances and take this into account when forwarding the signal.

The technology being developed by NIST should lead to new standards for network equipment. Darpa, part of the United States Department of Defense, is contributing to the investigation. It is not yet known when the techniques will be ready for commercial use.