The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in South Korea has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the race toward 6G technology by successfully demonstrating a 200 Gbps wireless link. This achievement marks a major step forward in sub-terahertz (sub-THz) communications, proving the potential of 6G networks to deliver unprecedented data speeds and redefine future wireless connectivity.
The demonstration was powered by a proof-of-concept (PoC) system, developed late last year, which uses an ultra-wide bandwidth of 10 GHz around 160 GHz in the sub-THz band. Unlike conventional mobile communication systems, this frequency band supports massive data transfer but has a shorter propagation distance, making it ideal for small cells such as indoor picocells and advanced sensing applications.
To achieve this performance, the research team deployed a Coordinated Multi Point (CoMP) transmission and reception technique. In this setup, four Radio Units (RUs) transmitted multiple data streams simultaneously using the same frequency band, while a single terminal received them. Each RU delivered two data layers through horizontal and vertical polarization signals, with speeds reaching up to 50 Gbps per RU. When combined, these streams achieved the record-breaking 200 Gbps peak data rate.
A key enabler of this success was polarization-based receive beamforming, which allowed the system to differentiate between polarizations and suppress interference. To complement this, the team also developed advanced encoding and decoding technologies for high-capacity channels, enabling a fourfold increase in data volume. This technical breakthrough demonstrates how sub-THz MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) systems can be harnessed to meet the extreme demands of next-generation mobile networks.
According to Yongsoon Baek, Assistant Vice President of ETRI’s Terrestrial & Non-Terrestrial Integrated Telecommunications Research Laboratory, “Demonstrating the world’s first 200 Gbps 6G PoC system proves Korea’s leadership in 6G technology. We will continue to lead global 6G standardization and commercialization.”
Since launching its 6G vision in 2020, ETRI has played a central role in shaping global standards. Its updated 6G vision 2.0, aligned with the ITU-R IMT-2030 framework, incorporates emerging trends in ultra-fast connectivity, intelligent networks, and seamless terrestrial and non-terrestrial integration. This vision positions Korea at the forefront of the global 6G race, setting the stage for commercial deployment in the next decade.
Conclusion: The demonstration of a 200 Gbps 6G wireless link is not just a technological feat but a preview of what the next generation of connectivity can deliver. With South Korea’s ETRI leading standardization and innovation, the future of 6G networks looks promising, offering lightning-fast speeds, new business models, and transformative applications for industries and consumers alike.
