- Researchers set new wireless data record over 4.6 km with infrared
- Data beams allow many parallel high -speed connections without interference
- Researchers believe this can bridge the future of 5G and 6G network connection holes
Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/E) have transferred data between TU/E -Campus and High Tech Campus over a 4.6 km distance using infrared light.
This achievement happened at an astonishing speed of 5.7 terabits per day. Second, equivalent to streaming 1.9 million Netflix shows in HD simultaneously, making it the fastest wireless data transmission ever demonstrated within this great distance in an urban environment.
The record-breaking connection was established using advanced optical antennas from Aircision, a spin-off of TNO based on the High Tech Campus. These antennas transmit data through invisible infrared beams instead of cables or radio signals. This technique, known as free-space optical (FSO) communication, enables ultra-fast, interference-free data transmission.
Paves the way for its future applications
“We need new ways to meet the growing demand for quick and reliable connection,” said Vincent Van Vliet, a TU/E -PH.D. -sparent involved in the project. “Infrared wireless communication combines the high data rates known from optical fibers with flexibility in wireless communication systems.”
The team used Reid Photonloop Testbed to achieve the breakthrough. This permanent setup allows experiments with high -speed wireless communication and uses advanced technology to combine multiple wavelengths into a single transmission.
“Because the transmitted infrared light is very focused, an almost unlimited number of communication connections can exist side by side without interference, allowing growth in wireless network capacity on an unprecedented scale,” Van Vliet explained.
Reid Photonloop Testbed, named after deceased John Reid, a driving force behind the project that died before its realization extends between the flux building at TU/E and building 37 on the High Tech Campus, a distance of 4.6 km above Eindhoven.
“This facility allows us to refine high -speed wireless communication and optimize its reliability and accessibility in all weather conditions,” said Chigo Okonkwo, associate professor and leader of TU/E’s high capacity optical transmission laboratory.
Aircision sees future applications for this technology to connect 5G and 6G antennas where fiber laying is impractical.
“We redefine how data is transferred over the air. This record -breaking performance proves that our technology is ready to make high -speed internet accessible to millions of people faster than ever before,” said Luis Oliveira, co -founder of Aiciri.
The results were presented at Optical Fiber Communications (OFC) Conference 2025 in San Francisco.
