Achieving Breakthroughs in D-Band Wireless Communications

A groundbreaking advancement in D-band wireless communications has been successfully demonstrated through a collaborative effort between Anritsu and VTT, showcasing the practicality of ultra-high-frequency wireless connections.

Validating the Potential of D-Band Technology

This joint project has confirmed that D-band technology is capable of delivering stable, high-capacity performance suitable for various applications such as future backhaul networks, industrial connectivity, defense systems, and the upcoming 6G networks.

Jonathan Borrill, Anritsu’s CTO for Test & Measurement, expressed pride in the partnership with VTT to advance the utilization of D-band wireless technology, emphasizing the validation of performance levels that bring high-frequency wireless links closer to real-world deployment.

Exploring the Role of D-Band in Future Networks

The D-band, encompassing frequencies from 110 GHz to 170 GHz, offers a significantly wider contiguous bandwidth compared to current 5G millimeter-wave spectrum, making it an ideal candidate for ultra-high-capacity wireless connections where fiber deployment may be impractical or costly.

While higher frequencies pose challenges like increased propagation loss, advancements in antenna technology and signal processing have enabled the establishment of reliable short- and medium-range links.

System-Level Testing for Multi-Gigabit Performance

The collaborative trials focused on wireless links operating within the 110 GHz to 170 GHz range, evaluating performance under realistic over-the-air conditions rather than controlled laboratory settings.

By utilizing wideband modulated signals with bandwidths of up to 8 GHz, the teams assessed end-to-end performance from signal generation to reception, showcasing multi-gigabit data rates in the tens-of-gigabits-per-second range, including 20 Gbps over short distances and reliable operation across several meters.

This system-level validation sets a new benchmark for practical D-band wireless communications.

Innovative Transmitarray Design

A key highlight of the demonstration was the development of a compact and lightweight transmitarray antenna by VTT, integrating advanced phase-shifting elements and vector-modulator MMICs to enable rapid electronic beam steering without mechanical movement.

This design offers precise control of the radio beam while ensuring link stability in changing conditions, making it particularly suitable for dense backhaul deployments and dynamic industrial environments where quick beam adaptation is crucial.

Tauno Vähä Heikkilä, VTT’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, emphasized how strategic collaborations transform deep technology into a competitive advantage, accelerating the adoption of D-band wireless communications across critical infrastructure, manufacturing, defense, and the evolving landscape of 6G networks.

Preparing for Industry Trials and Deployment

With the feasibility of D-band technology now proven at the system level, Anritsu and VTT are gearing up to collaborate with industry partners to explore various use cases and ready the technology for field trials.

These results mark a significant milestone in integrating D-band wireless communications into future network architectures, propelling progress towards the era of 6G technology.