Samsung Electronics Co. announced on Friday the successful verification of ultra-high-density antenna technology, a crucial component for future 6G networks. This achievement was made possible through a collaborative effort with Korean telecom operator KT Corp. and U.S. electronics test equipment company Keysight Technologies Inc.
The outdoor field tests showcased a peak downlink data rate of up to 3 gigabits per second in the 7 gigahertz band, utilizing Xtreme multiple-input multiple-output (X-MIMO) technology, according to Samsung Electronics. This milestone demonstrates the potential of 6G to deliver significantly faster data speeds.
Samsung Electronics developed a prototype base station equipped with X-MIMO and conducted technical verification using Keysight’s specialized 6G test terminal. The tests were performed in a communication environment established by KT, designed to accurately simulate real-world conditions.
X-MIMO, an ultra-high-density antenna technology, is considered a key enabler for 6G. By integrating a large number of antennas into a single system, it enhances signal efficiency and dramatically increases data throughput.
The 7 GHz band used in the test is a leading candidate for 6G spectrum due to its wider bandwidth compared to the 3.5 GHz band currently used for commercial 5G. While higher frequencies generally experience greater signal attenuation and reduced coverage, the potential benefits of the 7 GHz band are significant.
Samsung Electronics anticipates that these results will significantly contribute to the development of 6G communications, particularly in sectors experiencing rapid data growth, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR).
