"6G Component Provides Speed, Efficiency Needed for Next-Gen Network"

Even though consumers won’t see it for years, researchers worldwide are already laying the foundation for the next generation of wireless communications, 6G.  Security researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed components that will allow future devices to achieve increased speeds necessary for such a technological jump.  The researchers demonstrated new radio frequency switches that are responsible for keeping devices connected by jumping between networks and frequencies while receiving data.  The researchers stated that, in contrast with the switches present in most electronics today, these new devices are made of two-dimensional materials that take significantly less energy to operate, which means more speed and better battery life for the device.  The researchers noted that because of the increased demand for speed and power, 6G devices will probably have hundreds of switches in them, many more than the electronics currently on the market.  To reach increased speeds, 6G devices will have to access higher frequency spectrum bands than today’s electronics, and these switches are key to achieving that.  Each wireless generation lasts about a decade, and the 5G rollout began in 2020.  The researchers estimate that 6G deployment isn’t likely to happen until around 2030.  The researchers argue that the time is now to put all the necessary building blocks in place.  The next step in this project is to integrate the switches with silicon chips and circuits.  The researchers are looking at improving how well the switches can jump between frequencies, which would give devices better connections on the go.  The researchers are pursuing collaborations with industry partners on developing the switches for commercial adoption.

UT News reports: "6G Component Provides Speed, Efficiency Needed for Next-Gen Network"