UK Scientists Smash Data Speed Record with Mixed Tech

Transferring a two-hour 4K movie in just 0. 12 seconds! That's what UK researchers from University College London (UCL) have pulled off. They combined electronic and photonic technologies to reach a crazy-fast data speed of 1 terabit per second (Tbps) in lab tests. This new wireless tech uses a mix of radio and light frequencies to overcome the crowded signal issue that slows down current networks. It's like opening up a superhighway for data when we've been stuck on a single-lane road. The team used frequencies between 5-150GHz, which is way higher than the average 5G network speed of 100 Megabits per second. They managed to send data at 938 Gbps, which is nearly 10, 000 times faster than typical UK 5G speeds. This could mean major improvements for mobile networks, especially in crowded areas where 5G and even 6G services are needed. Lead author Zhixin Liu says current systems can't keep up with the demand for high-speed data. This new tech aims to bridge the gap between super-fast fiber optic cables and devices like smartphones and Wi-Fi clients. The team is already working on a prototype to test it in real-world conditions. They believe this tech could be ready for commercial use in three to five years.