- A team of Chinese researchers has achieved a 1 Gbps data transmission from a satellite
- The satellite operates 22,807 miles on the earth, while Starlink satellites are in about 341 miles
- This type of speed could be revolutionary for Internet connections in remote areas on Earth, but also in space
It is no secret that obtaining a stable and reasonably fast Internet connection in non -urban areas remains a challenge (and even those of us who live in cities sometimes fight). Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Star linkIt is very useful for the Internet to be more accessible worldwide, but it was only eclipsed by a small team of Chinese scientists.
This new advance in satellite Internet technology (through Interesting engineering) Liu Chao achieved it from the Academy of Sciences of China and Professor Wu Jian of the University of Posts and Telecommunications of Beijing. Scientists developed a new method to combat the greatest obstacle facing satellite laser connections: atmospheric turbulence.
The combination of two already established technologies and use them in synergy resulted in a surprisingly fast data transmission. But it is not just about speed (although that is possibly the best part for us, Internet users). It is also the distance to the satellite and the ridiculously low laser power used by Chinese researchers.
Super fast satellite speeds with a surprisingly low error rate
A key benefit of this method is in the relatively low error rate during data transmission, which increases the possibility of achieving usable signals by almost 20%(previously 72%, now 91.1%). As we all know, speeds are only part of the equation when it comes to Internet connections, and anyone who had to deal with an unreliable ISP knows that the stable is often better than faster.
Even so, Chinese researchers could achieve both through a combination of adaptive optics (AO) and mode diversity (MDR). The first sharpens the distorted light, and the second capture scattered signals. However, only when they combined, these two separate methods achieved 1 Gbps in data transmission, and scientists praise this method by successfully avoiding falls in the quality of communication.
They performed the test at the Lijiang Observatory in China, using a 5.9 -foot telescope that contains hundreds of small mirrors, that is the adaptive optical system at stake. These mirrors remodel incoming laser light to explain atmospheric turbulence. Speaking of lasers: The team used a two -watt laser for this experiment, which can be compared with a night light. Of course, this refers to laser power and not to the total use of satellite energy.
Once prosecuted and extracted, the light is divided into eight basis in a base manner, and finally, a special algorithm decides which of these channels is the most promising, in real time. Choosing the three main signs of eight gave the researchers a great impulse in the force of the signal, all the time exceeding the descending link speeds of Starlink, especially impressive given the much greater orbital distance.
This could be good news for Internet users worldwide (and beyond)
Comparing this new advance with Star link It reveals some key differences. First, data transmission speeds that reach up to 1 Gbps are not something that Starlink can achieve currently; In our Starlink review, we found that the average downloads sat at 71 Mbps, and Starlink itself promises to deliver between 25 and 100 Mbps in the standard plan. Second, the intensity of the signal and the reduced errors in the transmission of data, despite the massive distance to the satellite, are promising.
Reducing errors and hooks in the connection is crucial for users who wish to transmit videos or send larger files. If this technology ever becomes the main current, we could use the Internet even in remote areas without compromising what we can or should not do. Goodbye, waiting for five minutes for that text message to arrive, we will not really miss you.
But the implications here are huge, even if you think larger than only having a reliable connection everywhere. The increase in signal speed, distance and strength through this method of laser communication could mean great news for satellite navigation. It could even affect the ability to connect with space missions, such as ISS, more perfectly and without delays.
At this time, this is only a proof of concept: an interesting achievement described in the SINIC OPTICA ACT diary. Hopefully this will increase and give Starlink a serious career for his money.
