Breakthroughs in optical switching open up prospects for widespread deployment of 6G networks.

Optical devices are capable of transmitting signals faster and more powerfully.

A team of scientists from the Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has just announced the successful testing of a new optical switch in space – a device that could completely revolutionize satellite communication, thereby accelerating the creation of a global 6G network.

China's optical switch, launched into orbit by the Y-7 rocket in August 2023, is capable of transmitting optical signals directly from one point to another without the need for intermediate conversion into electronic signals. Essentially, it functions like a mirror, reflecting and redirecting optical beams.

Chinese scientists call this technology "space optical switching." Notably, it has a transmission throughput of up to 40 Gb/s. For comparison, modern satellite channels typically only transmit data at speeds of 1 Gb/s.

The advantages of optical switches stem from the physical properties of light. Unlike radio waves used in traditional satellites, light beams have a much wider frequency range. This allows for the "packaging" of significantly larger amounts of data into a single transmitted signal.

Furthermore, the speed of light is much higher than that of radio waves. In particular, because no conversion is required, signals are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver in minimal time.

Chinese experts say they have been pursuing this project for over 10 years. According to them, the new technology is essential for the development of next-generation ultra-high-speed networks, including ground stations and orbiting satellites. It is particularly well-suited for 5G and 6G networks.

However, before this technology can be applied in practice, several technical issues must be resolved, the most important of which is ensuring the high accuracy and stability of the optical devices, as well as their reliable protection from radiation.

(according to Securitylab)

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/dot-pha-ve-chuyen-mach-quang-hoc-mo-ra-trien-vong-trien-khai-rong-rai-mang-6g-2202880.html