With the commercial launch of 5G, discussions about it have been abundant recently. Those familiar with 5G know that 5G networks primarily operate on two frequency bands: sub-6GHz and millimeter waves (Millimeter Waves). In fact, our current LTE networks are all based on sub-6GHz, while millimeter wave technology is the key to unlocking the full potential of the envisioned 5G era. Unfortunately, despite decades of advancements in mobile communications, millimeter waves have yet to truly enter people’s lives due to various reasons.
However, experts at the Brooklyn 5G Summit in April suggested that terahertz waves (Terahertz Waves) may compensate for the shortcomings of millimeter waves and accelerate the realization of 6G/7G. Terahertz waves possess unlimited potential.
In April, the 6th Brooklyn 5G Summit was held as scheduled, covering topics such as 5G deployment, lessons learned, and the outlook for 5G development. Additionally, Professor Gerhard Fettweis from the Dresden University of Technology and Ted Rappaport, the founder of NYU Wireless, discussed the potential of terahertz waves at the summit.
The two experts stated that researchers have already begun studying terahertz waves, and their frequencies will be a crucial component of the next generation of wireless technologies. During his speech at the summit, Fettweis reviewed previous generations of mobile communication technologies and discussed the potential of terahertz waves in addressing the limitations of 5G. He pointed out that we are entering the 5G era, which is significant for the application of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR). Although 6G shares many similarities with previous generations, it will also address many deficiencies.
So, what exactly is terahertz waves, which experts hold in such high esteem? Terahertz waves were proposed by the United States in 2004 and listed as one of the “Top Ten Technologies That Will Change the World.” Their wavelength ranges from 3 micrometers (μm) to 1000 μm, and their frequency ranges from 300 GHz to 3 terahertz (THz), higher than the highest frequency used in 5G, which is 300 GHz for millimeter waves.
From the diagram above, it can be seen that terahertz waves lie between radio waves and optical waves, which gives them different characteristics from other electromagnetic waves to a certain extent. In other words, terahertz waves combine the advantages of microwave communication and optical communication, such as high transmission rates, large capacity, strong directionality, high security, and strong penetration.
Theoretically, in the field of communication, the higher the frequency, the greater the communication capacity. The frequency of terahertz waves is 1 to 4 orders of magnitude higher than the microwaves currently used, and it can provide wireless transmission rates that microwaves cannot achieve. Therefore, it can solve the problem of information transmission being limited by bandwidth and meet users’ bandwidth demands.
Terahertz waves are expected to be used in communication technology within the next decade. Although many experts believe that terahertz waves will revolutionize the communication industry, it is still unclear what specific deficiencies they can address. This is because mobile operators around the world have just launched their 5G networks, and it will take time to identify shortcomings.
However, the physical characteristics of terahertz waves have already highlighted their advantages. For example, terahertz waves have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than millimeter waves. This means that terahertz waves can transmit data faster and in larger quantities. Therefore, introducing terahertz waves into mobile networks may address the deficiencies of 5G in data throughput and latency.
Fettweis also presented test results during his speech, showing that the transmission speed of terahertz waves is 1 terabyte per second (TB/s) within 20 meters. Although this performance is not particularly outstanding, Ted Rappaport still believes firmly that terahertz waves are the foundation for future 6G and even 7G.
As a pioneer in the field of millimeter wave research, Rappaport has proven the role of millimeter waves in 5G networks. He admitted that thanks to the frequency of terahertz waves and the improvement of current cellular technologies, people will soon see smartphones with computing capabilities similar to the human brain in the near future.
Of course, to some extent, all this is highly speculative. But if the development trend continues as it is currently, we can expect to see mobile operators applying terahertz waves to communication technology within the next decade.
Concept Microwave is a professional manufacturer of the 5G RF components in China , including the RF lowpass filter , highpass filter , bandpass filter , notch filter/band stop filter , duplexer,Power divider and directional coupler . All of them can be customized according to your requirements .
Welcome to our web : www.concept-mw.com or mail us at: sales@concept-mw.com
Post time: Nov-25-2024