Terahertz Band Communication
Terahertz(THz) Band Communication represents cutting-edge of wireless technology, promising data rates far beyond what we currently experience with conventional wireless networks. In this blog, we will delve into the realm of Terahertz Band Communication, exploring its principles, capabilities, and the myriad of ways it could shape our future. From unlocking lightning-fast data transfer speeds to enabling groundbreaking applications in various industries, THz communication offers a glimpse into the limitless potential of wireless connectivity.
Introduction
Terahertz (THz) band communication is envisioned as a critical technology for 6G and beyond to meet the ever-increasing need for higher data-rate communication. The THz band is defined as a part of the EM spectrum in frequency band ranges from 0.1-10 THz, i.e., a huge scope is available at THz band compared to millimeter wave (mmWave) band, thus THz communication alleviates the spectrum scarcity and data-rate restrictions of existing wireless systems. However, the catch with THz transmissions is that it incurs very high propagation losses, penetration losses, molecular absorption, etc., which substantially restrict the communication distances.
THz communications will be accompanied by utilizing emerging wireless technologies, for instance, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, ultra-massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configurations, and integrated access and backhaul at the infrastructure level, and utilizing novel signal processing techniques and networking protocols at the algorithmic level.
mmWave to THz band communication Transformation
The key features associated with mmWave to THz band communication transformation are listed below.
THz Band Communication- Key Features (Source: Lumenci)
Wider Bandwidth:
mmWave to THz band communication transformation leads to comparatively wider bandwidth, viz., THz frequency band ranges from 0.1-10 THz (up to 100 GHz bandwidth available), while mmWave frequency band ranges from 30-100 GHz
Enhanced Directionality (Pencil Beamforming)
THz communication exhibits higher frequency and shorter wavelength (hence smaller antenna size) than mmWave communication; THz allows a comparatively large number of antenna elements to be packed within the same antenna dimension. Therefore, beams in THz communication are more directional than mmWave communication; THz communication reduces the transmit power and interference among the users. Furthermore, the small size of THz antennas leads to miniature chip sizes.
Single antenna element: Omnidirectional communication
4 antenna elements: Directional communication
Enhanced Security
In general, enhanced directionality at higher frequencies leads to a lesser chance of signal intervention than at low-frequency communications (in low-frequency communications, transmission take place in a wide range of directions that can be received and decoded by illicit entities). Therefore, THz band communications are more secure than the mmWave band communication.
A comparative study of THz with Sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave band communication is provided in the table below:
THz Communication- Key Benefits
The key benefits offered by THz band Communication are listed below.
THz Band Communication- Key Benefits
Due to the availability of a huge spectrum at the THz band, THz communication ensures an ultra-high data- rate (around 100 Gbps) to meet the increasing need for a high data rate of 6G communication.
Enhanced energy-efficiency
Like microwave and IR waves, THz waves are non-ionizing in nature. Furthermore, like microwave and IR waves, THz waves may penetrate through non-conducting materials such as clothes, wood, paper, plastic, etc.
THz communication band has a lesser impact on the human body because of its non-ionizing nature.
THz Communication- Spectrum
The spectrum between the mmWave, and far-IR bands is defined for THz band communication (0.1-10 THz). The THz band is also called no man’s land (traditionally) because the THz frequency range is considered too high for RF but too low for light. The THz band is sometimes also called a THz gap since the THz band has not been technologically and commercially developed yet.
The spectrum below the THz band is defined for many applications, such as radio, TV, cellular systems, Wi-Fi, radar, GPS, etc. The spectrum below the THz band (i.e., >10 THz) is defined for optical wireless communication systems.
Potential applications/use-cases of THz communication
The potential use cases of THz band Communication are listed below.
Extended Reality (XR) and Holographic Teleportation
XR comprises augmented reality, mixed, and virtual reality. These services have strict requirements for high data rates and high-reliability low-latency. Only THz band communications can fulfill these requirements.
Industry 4.0 and Digital Twins
Industry 4.0 is moving in the direction of almost fully autonomous missions between machines and robots, involving limited human involvement. A digital twin uses physical world data to generate models that can forecast how a product or process will work. These models can be incorporated with Industry 4.0 to improve productivity. These applications have high data rates and low-latency requirements. THz band communications can fulfill such requirements.
Connected Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CRAS)
CRAS services typically cover self-driving, services to a group of vehicles, etc. Such services require high data-rate real-time maps to exchange with vehicles. THz band communications can fulfill such requirements.
Use-cases of THz communication: CRAS and NTNs
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs)
Due to the availability of ultra-large bandwidth at the THz band can provide NTNs communication (i.e., the probability of line-of-sight links between NTNs is high) at very high data rates.
Vehicular-to-Infrastructure (V2I) THz Link
In a vehicular scenario, a V2I THz link may be established in futuristic V2I communication to provide high data-rate connectivity to vehicles at the THz band.
Use-case of THz communication: V2I THz Link using THz frequency band
Conclusion and Research Challenges
THz band communication is undoubtedly a technology that is growing and leading us towards 6G. THz band communication will alleviate the spectrum shortage and data-rate restrictions of existing wireless systems. By achieving a high data rate, THz band communication will cover various demanding applications, viz., XR and holographic teleportation, industry 4.0 and digital twins, CRAS, NTNs, V2I applications, etc.
Telecom companies will have the following research challenges in the coming year.
Developing a chip that can produce terahertz waves
Resource management techniques
Channel modeling
Prominent Role of Integrated Frequency Bands
Advancements in directional antenna arrays are required to overcome the challenges of penetration loss, propagation loss, molecular absorption, etc.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information that is publicly available and is considered to be reliable. However, Lumenci cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or reliability of this data.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information that is publicly available and is considered to be reliable. However, Lumenci cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or reliability of this data.
Author
Editorial Team at Lumenci
Through Lumenci blogs and reports, we share important highlights from the latest technological advancements and provide an in-depth understanding of their Intellectual Property (IP). Our goal is to showcase the significance of IP in the ever-evolving world of technology.