LG Successfully Demonstrates 6G THz Data Transmission And Reception

LG Electronics has successfully conducted the wireless transmission and reception of 6G terahertz (THz) data over a distance of 320 meters outdoors. The test was done on September 7 at the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) in Berlin, Germany.

LG Successfully Tests 6G THz Data Transmission

This marks a major milestone for LG, as it could bring the technology another step closer to the commercialization of 6G THz in indoor as well as outdoor urban areas. The South Korean firm had previously transmitted 6G THz data over a distance of 100 meters outdoors back in August last year. The company appears to have made significant progress as it has now managed to achieve a coverage of 320 meters.

Dr. Kim Byoung-hoon, CTO and executive vice president of LG Electronics, stated, “With the success of our latest demonstration, we are one step closer to realizing 6G speeds of 1 terabit (TB) per second in both indoor and outdoor urban areas.” The CTO added that LG will continue to work with research institutes and industry innovators for advancement in 6G technology. He believes that 6G will be “a major driver of future business and new user experiences.”

What is 6G?

As telcos across the world offer 5G services, (and India lags behind), companies are rushing to innovate in the 6G space. LG predicts that 6G will increase the pace of development. LG says in its statement that 6G will enable “all kinds of innovations, from ultra-realistic mobile holograms to the next phase of IoT (Internet of Things) and ambient computing, which will provide more adaptive, personalized experiences by organically connecting people, objects and spaces.”

6G has a short range as it utilises ultra-wideband frequencies. Hence, there’s more likelihood of power loss when the 6G signals travel over longer distances. LG, Fraunhofer HHI, and Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) have therefore teamed up to develop a power amplifier to boost the transmission strength. It has also employed a low-noise amplifier at the receiver side to filter out disturbances, thus enhancing the quality of incoming signals.

6G Network Standardization: Expected Timeline

LG shared that discussions on 6G network standardization will commence around 2025, and commercialization of the tech is expected to happen in 2029. LG will announce the full results of the 6G test at the upcoming 6G Grand Summit which is scheduled for September 23, 2022.