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News
Issue #2002 - 05
(February 2002)
(Updated Feb.
6, 2002)
TECHNOLOGY
Wireless Transfer Rate of 10 Gbps
Possible, NTT says
Always stretching the
boundaries of wireless communications is Japanese telecom NTT.
The company’s most recent accomplishment was achieving a peak
data transfer rate of 2.5 Gbps, breaking the recorded rate of 1 Gbps;
NTT researchers now believe they will eventually break the 10 Gbps
barrier.
As the airwaves become increasingly congested, exploring
uncharted airwaves could pay NTT high dividends in the future.
As an article in ComputerWire explains, NTT's solution has been
to harness new electronic and optical technologies to access the
empty 120 GHz radio band. Optical systems are used to generate the
original signal which is passed, using amplitude modulation to a 300
GHz photodiode, which creates an electrical signal that is passed to
a direct slot antenna. The key to the whole process is the 300 GHz
photodiode, which harnesses optical technology, in this case the
Lithium Niobate substrate originally designed for light switching,
to the business of generating an electrical signal.
Commercial viability is still a ways off. At the moment, the
sustained 1.25 Gbps signal generates a range of only 50 cm.
Nevertheless, as demand for wireless services out strips available
spectrum, NTT will no doubt find itself swarmed by partners and
competitors alike.
For more information: http://www.ntt.com
(Additional source Computerwire)
Mobileinfo Comments & Advisory: This
test may appear a technological break-through but we would be
happier if we saw some progress on the distance side. Scientists
should work on the problem of extending the coverage area for a
given throughput. That is where the real potential lies.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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