Domestic researchers successfully demonstrated a sixth-generation (6G) wireless link (wireless connection). This proved that South Korea possesses top-level 6G technology.
The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on the 23rd that it has developed a proof of concept (PoC) system for 6G mobile communication and successfully demonstrated the world's first 200 Gbps 6G wireless link.
ETRI researchers demonstrated a multi-point transmission technology that utilizes a 10 GHz bandwidth to transmit data in the sub-terahertz (sub THz) frequency band. The demonstration confirmed that four base station wireless units (RUs) simultaneously transmitted signals in the same frequency band, and the device minimized interference from signals coming from the four RUs. The transmission speed achieved 200 Gbps by combining four channels at the maximum transmission speed of 50 Gbps each.
The sub-terahertz frequency band used in this research is higher than the frequency bands used in existing mobile communications. High frequencies have a shorter propagation range, making them suitable for small cell applications or sensor technologies utilizing a wide frequency bandwidth. When the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the international standard-setting organization that establishes mobile communication standards, reflects this in 6G standard technology, it can be used for providing various mobile communication services.
ETRI established its 6G vision in 2020 and has been announcing core source technologies, including hosting a source technology festival since 2022. ETRI plans to showcase a large number of 6G-related technologies at MWC2025, which will be held in Spain in March.
Baek Yong-soon, head of ETRI's 3D Communication Research Institute, said, "By successfully demonstrating the world's first 200 Gbps 6G PoC system, we have proven that South Korea is leading in 6G technology," adding, "We will do our best to lead global 6G standardization and industrialization."
Kim Il-kyu, head of ETRI's Mobile Communication Research Division, noted, "We plan to demonstrate a real-time remote collaborative performance metaverse service based on a nationwide ultra-precise network that connects Daejeon, Seoul, and Busan at the ETRI conference event to be held in early June this year at COEX."