Chinese teleco unveils 6G prototype system with Sub7GHz band, 100Gbps throughput

China is accelerating towards the future of connectivity by shifting its focus from 5G to 6G. After playing a key role in the global rollout of 5G networks, China is now aiming to lead the charge in the next generation of mobile technology.

In a significant step forward, China Mobile, in partnership with the Zhongguancun Pan-Institute of Information and Communications Technology, China Information Technology Mobile, and Vivo, has introduced a 6G prototype system.

This system operates within the Sub7GHz frequency band and promises to push the boundaries of what mobile technology can achieve.

Blazing speeds and ultra-low latency
The newly unveiled 6G prototype is not just a minor upgrade; it marks a significant leap in both speed and performance. At the heart of the system lies a powerful baseband with a cloud-based hardware architecture, capable of delivering a mind-boggling throughput of up to 100Gbps.

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This throughput, combined with an ultra-fast transmission time interval of just 125 microseconds, ensures a level of responsiveness that could redefine mobile communication.

The system is designed to handle large data streams efficiently, with support for eight simultaneous data channels and 128 digital channels. A single-carrier bandwidth of 400MHz offers real-time baseband speeds of up to 16.5Gbps, making it ideal for demanding applications such as high-definition video streaming and real-time data processing.

Additionally, the system is built to minimise latency with an interrupt response delay of less than 10 microseconds, further enhancing its speed and flexibility.

Collaboration and future applications
China Mobile has ensured that the prototype’s architecture is open and compatible with other technologies. This allows smooth integration with Vivo’s terminal prototypes, enabling seamless communication between base stations and devices.

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The system is also ready to support the transmission of advanced services, such as immersive 3D video, which is expected to become a hallmark of the 6G era.

This open design encourages collaboration within the industry, inviting partners to test and validate their own 6G solutions alongside China Mobile’s prototype. By fostering an ecosystem of innovation, the company hopes to accelerate the development of 6G technologies and prepare for commercial deployment in the near future.

A flexible and future-ready system
One of the standout features of this new system is its ability to operate across multiple frequency bands, thanks to a universal fronthaul module.

This module supports signals ranging from 0 to 12GHz and can interface with a variety of radio frequency front ends, including those operating on medium, low, and millimetre waves, as well as visible light and terahertz frequencies. This multi-band capability ensures the system can adapt to future technologies and accommodate evolving communication needs.

Though commercial 6G networks are not expected to launch until around 2030, developments like this provide a crucial glimpse into what the future holds. China Mobile’s prototype not only demonstrates the immense potential of 6G but also sets the stage for new breakthroughs in communication and real-time data processing.

With technology advancing at this pace, the road to 6G is well underway, and China is leading the charge towards a hyper-connected future.