Commercial 5G networks launched in 2019 with promises of lower latency and higher data rates. To expand this functionality, it is thought that 6G networks will need to utilise the higher frequency Terahertz bands.
However, at higher frequencies these waves become harder to manage, making it easy to lose connection. New algorithms must also be developed that will allow processing to happen at the new bandwidth and completely new hardware will need to be designed that can function in this new zone.
A team from the University of Southern California (USC) has been conducting tests on proposed 6G frequencies to start the work of addressing these challenges. They are attempting to learn enough about the nature of each frequency and then engineer novel devices that will work within them.
Andy Molisch, USC professor of electrical and computer engineering, explained that their early work suggests we have more options for communications at 6G frequency than previously...