In the fast-evolving world of telecommunications, LG Electronics has once again demonstrated its technological prowess by setting a remarkable new record. On September 28, 2023, LG Electronics, in partnership with LG U+, accomplished an unprecedented feat: successfully transmitting and receiving 6G terahertz (THz) data over an astounding distance of 500 meters. This accomplishment marks a significant advancement in the development of 6G technology, with wide-ranging implications for the future of wireless connectivity.
Building on Past Success
This latest achievement comes on the heels of LG’s successful 2022 test when they transmitted 6G THz data wirelessly over a distance of 320 meters in an outdoor setting at the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institute in Berlin, Germany. During this earlier collaboration with Fraunhofer, LG played a crucial role in developing core equipment for 6G transmission and reception. This included cutting-edge components such as a multi-channel power amplifier and a receiver low-noise amplifier, which contributed to optimizing performance and achieving an impressive output increase of over 50 percent.
Significance of the LG Sciencepark Test
The recent milestone achieved at LG Sciencepark in Magok, Seoul, holds immense significance for several reasons. Firstly, LG has demonstrated its capability to extend the wireless transmission and reception distance to a staggering 500 meters, precisely in line with the standard distance for high-powered base stations in urban settings. Furthermore, this test has not only showcased the feasibility but also the practicality of 6G technology across a variety of real-world communication scenarios. These include connections between buildings, between buildings and ground terminals, and between ground terminals, highlighting the versatility of 6G technology. These achievements collectively position LG on the cusp of realizing the commercialization of 6G THz communications.
Leading the Global Transition to 6G
The evolution from 5G to 6G telecommunications promises to deliver significantly enhanced data rates, ultra-low latency, high-reliability data transmission, and seamless integration with artificial intelligence and sensing technologies. Beyond facilitating immersive multimedia experiences, the advanced capabilities of 6G will be instrumental in shaping various industries, including autonomous driving, mobility solutions, the metaverse, smart homes, and smart factories.
Anticipated discussions on 6G network standardization are set to commence around 2025, with commercialization targeted for 2029. LG’s substantial investments in research and development, strategic partnerships, and successful technology demonstrations solidify the company’s position as a trailblazer in guiding the global transition to 6G.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Leadership
In 2019, LG, in collaboration with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), established the LG Electronics-KAIST 6G Research Center, the first industry-university cooperative research facility of its kind in Korea. LG continues to secure essential 6G core technologies through cooperative ventures with leading universities worldwide. The company has also forged crucial R&D partnerships for 6G core technology development, collaborating with institutes such as Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), and Keysight Technologies.
Remarkably, LG is the sole Korean company to have been appointed as the chair of the Next G Alliance, a wireless technology consortium led by the American Telecommunications Industry Association (ATIS). LG has held this pivotal role since 2021, overseeing numerous projects aimed at exploring use cases for 6G communications technology and establishing technical requirements.
Looking Ahead
In October, LG will proudly share its key achievements in 6G technology development during the ‘LG 6G Tech Festa,’ a co-hosted event with LG U+. Dr. Kim Byoung-hoon, CTO and Executive Vice President of LG Electronics, expressed, “We will continue to cooperate with research institutions and tech companies, and conduct our own advanced R&D, to dominate 6G standard technology and solidify our technological leadership in this important field.”
As the world anticipates the transformative potential of 6G technology, LG’s remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to innovation position them at the forefront of this exciting technological frontier. Stay tuned for further updates as we inch closer to the commercialization of 6G and the realization of a new era in wireless communication.