- Researchers establish a new wireless data record in more than 4.6 km with infrared
- Data beams allow many high -speed parallel connections without interference
- Researchers believe that this can close the future 5G and 6G network connectivity gaps
Researchers from the Technological University of Eindhoven (TU/E) have transmitted data between the Tu/E campus and the high -tech campus more than 4.6 km away using infrared light.
This feat occurred at a surprising rate of 5.7 Terabits per second, the equivalent of transmitting 1.9 million Netflix is shown in HD simultaneously, which makes it the fastest wireless data transmission ever demonstrated on this great distance in an urban environment.
The record connection was established using Aircision advanced optical antennas, a TNO spin-off-headquarters on the high-tech campus. These antennas transmit data through invisible infrared beams instead of radio cables or signals. This technique, known as the optical communication of free space (FSO), allows the transmission of ultra fast data and without interference.
Racing the way for their future applications
“We need new ways of satisfying the growing demand for rapid and reliable connectivity,” said Vincent Van Vliet, a doctoral researcher you/and involved in the project. “Infrared wireless communication combines high speeds of known data from optical fibers with the flexibility of wireless communication systems.”
The team used the Reid Photonloop test Bed to achieve progress. This permanent configuration allows experiments with high -speed wireless communication and uses cutting -edge technology to combine multiple wavelengths in a single transmission.
“Because the transmitted infrared light is highly focused, an almost unlimited number of communication links can exist next to each other without interference, allowing the growth of the capacity of the wireless network to an unprecedented scale,” said Van Vliet.
The Reid Photonloop TestbeD, which bears the name of the late John Reid, a driving force behind the project that died before its realization, extends between the flow building in your/e and building 37 on the high -tech campus, at a distance of 4.6 km through Eindhoven.
“This installation will allow us to refine high -speed wireless communication and optimize its reliability and availability in all climatic conditions,” said Chigo Okonkwo, associate professor and head of the high -capacity optical transmission laboratory of your/e.
Aircision sees future applications for this technology in the connection of 5g and 6g antennas where the placement fiber is not practical.
“We are redefining how data is transmitted through air. This record achieves that our technology is ready to make high speed Internet accessible for millions of people faster than ever,” said Luis Oliveira, co -founder of Aircision.
The findings were presented at the Fiber Optic Communications Conference (OFC) 2025 in San Francisco.
