The field of Microwave Communication is developing rapidly, driven by the demand for higher data transmission rates, lower latency, and more connected devices.
Here is a comprehensive overview of the latest news and trends in microwave communication, covering key developments and their impacts.
Hot News Trends in Microwave Communication
1.Key Role in the Development of 5G-Advanced and 6G
· Current Situation: The promotion of 5G-Advanced (or 5.5G) and the early research on 6G are expanding the boundaries of microwave technology. Although lower-frequency 5G can provide coverage, high-capacity microwaves (especially E-Band) and millimeter waves (mmWave) links are crucial for back-hauling large amounts of data from 5G base stations.
· Latest Developments: Current discussions are shifting towards the use of the sub-Terahertz (sub-THz) frequencies (100GHz and above) for 6G. Researchers have achieved record data transmission speeds in these frequency bands in laboratory environments, and they envision using them for ultra-high-speed, short-distance connections in future networks.
· Importance: Microwaves and their similar technologies at higher frequencies are "wireless fibers", enabling the realization of widespread, ultra-high-speed 6G networks.
2. Satellite Internet Boom (LEO Constellations)
· Current Situation: This is undoubtedly the biggest h in the field of microwave communication. Projects such as SpaceX's "Starlink", Amazon's "Kuiper Plan", and China's Guowang constellation are all deploying thousands of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
· Latest Developments:
· Starlink: It is expanding its services globally and recently demonstrated the "Direct- to-Cell" technology, using modified satellites and advanced phased array antennas to directly connect with standard smartphones on Earth - this is a huge leap in microwave communication technology.
· Kuiper Plan: Amazon successfully launched and tested its first batch of prototype satellites, verifying its advanced microwave inter-satellite link (ISL) technology, which uses optical communication but relies on microwaves for user and gateway connections.
· Its Importance: These constellations can provide high-speed internet services anywhere on Earth, breaking through the traditional telecommunications system and the geographical digital divide.
3. Innovation in Antenna Technology: Phased Array and Beamforming Technology
· Current Situation: Managing modern microwave networks (especially satellite networks and 5G networks) hinges on advanced phased array antennas.
· Latest Developments: These antennas can adjust the beam direction electronically without moving parts, and their costs are gradually decreasing while their size is becoming smaller. Nowadays, they have become standard equipment for Starlink user terminals, and the beamforming technology that enables a single satellite to serve thousands of users simultaneously without interference is crucial for this.
· Importance: This technology enables dynamic, efficient, and highly reliable connections, which are essential for providing services to mobile users (such as those on airplanes and ships) and for real-time management of network traffic.
4. Military and Electronic Warfare Applications
· Current Situation: Microwave technology is the core technology for modern electronic warfare (EW), radar, and secure military communications.
· Latest Developments: A significant amount of funds has been invested in jam-resistant communication systems that capable of destroying enemy drones/ UAV and electronic equipment with high-power microwave pulses. News often focuses on new contracts signed by the defense sector with companies such as BAE Systems, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman for advanced microwave systems.
· Its Significance: This highlights the crucial strategic importance of controlling and mastering the microwave spectrum for national security.
Summary
The core narrative of microwave communication is its transformation from a simple point-to-point backhaul technology to a driver of a global integrated network. It is an invisible link connecting 5G/6G cells, driving the low-orbit satellite revolution, and becoming a key area in modern defense. The main trends include higher frequencies (moving towards the terahertz band), more intelligent antennas (phased arrays), and new architectures (satellite-ground integrated networks).
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