NTT Corporation, NTT DOCOMO, and NEC Corporation have successfully demonstrated real-time bidirectional wireless transmission at 140 Gbps, setting a new world record in the 71-86 GHz millimeter-wave band. This advancement is a major step toward high-capacity wireless backhaul solutions for the 6G era and beyond, enabling faster, more flexible network deployments.
The test confirmed that OAM (Orbital Angular Momentum) mode multiplexing transmission can significantly boost wireless capacity by allowing multiple signals to be sent over the same frequency without interference. Additionally, the OAM-mode control technology extends transmission distances and enables the use of reflected paths, overcoming limitations in conventional line-of-sight wireless communications. These innovations will enhance future mobile networks, high-definition video streaming, emergency communication, and next-generation digital applications.
Breakthrough in Wireless Transmission
The successful demonstration achieved real-time bidirectional wireless transmission at speeds of 140 Gbps, more than twice the speed of conventional technology. The test covered multiple scenarios, including a 22.5-meter transmission achieving 139.2 Gbps, a 45-meter transmission at 104.0 Gbps, and a 22.5-meter transmission using a reflective surface at 139.2 Gbps. These results confirm that non-line-of-sight communication is feasible, paving the way for flexible backhaul solutions in urban areas, event spaces, and disaster recovery zones.
By combining wireless and optical fiber technologies, this approach enables high-speed, low-latency connections where fiber deployment is impractical or costly. The findings will help develop scalable, high-capacity networks for 6G and future digital services.
Technology Behind the Innovation
NEC developed an OAM-mode multiplexing transmission system, achieving real-time transmission at 70 Gbps per direction using a 1 GHz bandwidth signal in the E-band. By enhancing digital signal processing circuits, the modulation rate was increased by 2.6 times to 300 Mbaud, allowing for high-speed bidirectional communication.
DOCOMO explored real-world applications by demonstrating reflection-based transmissions using OAM-mode inverse-reception technology. This confirmed that wireless signals can be efficiently transmitted via reflective surfaces, a critical capability for dense urban environments and non-line-of-sight scenarios.
NTT developed a bandwidth-doubling circuit and an OAM-mode control system, enabling long-distance transmission and optimizing parameters such as power, mode, and modulation for improved efficiency. These technologies collectively enable scalable and adaptable wireless infrastructure for 6G and beyond.
Future Applications and Outlook
This breakthrough will support a range of next-generation applications, including 6G mobile networks, ultra-high-definition video streaming, connected vehicles, and autonomous driving. It will also enhance temporary network deployments for events and emergency response communications, providing high-speed connectivity without the need for extensive fiber infrastructure.
NTT, DOCOMO, and NEC will continue developing advanced wireless backhaul and fronthaul technologies, focusing on increasing transmission capacity, extending distances, and utilizing higher-frequency bands. Their goal is to establish a flexible, high-capacity network infrastructure that meets the growing demands of digital connectivity.