A TEAM of researchers at universities and technology institutions in SA, the UK and US are closing in on the holy grail of broadband, the so-called millimetre-wave (mm-wave).Their breakthrough could potentially change the way we use, and the cost of, radio broadband communication. The design margin of mm-wave radio will address the enormous demand other technologies fail to meet.With ballooning global demand for mobile broadband communications capacity, wireless carriers must be prepared for a thousand-fold increase in total mobile traffic by 2030, according to Cisco, a global consultancy.Mm-wave occurs in the extremely high frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum, from 30 to 300 gigahertz. Radio waves in this band have wavelengths from 10mm-1mm, but they have a short range as they are influenced by oxygen attenuation, humidity and rainfall and can only be used for terrestrial communication over about 1km.Wireless carriers are facing increasing global bandwidth shortages. The mm...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.