Samsung completes long-distance data transmission on high-band 5G spectrum

Samsung Electronics' base station equipment for 28-gigahertz 5G network [SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS]

Samsung Electronics completed a long-distance data transmission on a high-band 5G spectrum during a test run in Australia, the electronics maker said Monday.

Samsung Electronics tested its 28-gigahertz 5G network equipment with Australia’s state-run National Broadband Network Company (NBN) in the country. About 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) apart from the base station, the download speed was 1.75 gigabits per second (Gbps) on average, and peaked at 2.7 Gbps.

It marked both a record speed and distance for data transmission on a 28-gigahertz network, according to Samsung Electronics.

A 28-gigahertz spectrum, which is categorized as so-called the millimeter wave spectrum due to its short wavelength, enables ultra-low latency and ultra-high speed. But it does not transmit through obstacles easily and has short coverage range.

That makes enabling long-distance transmission a major challenge for the 28-gigahertz 5G network connectivity.

Samsung Electronics said it used the “Compact Macro” 5G base station equipment, powered by its second-generation 5G modem chipset, carrier aggregation technology — which uses multiple spectrum blocks for data transmission — and antenna optimization, for the test.

“The results of these trials with Samsung are a significant milestone and demonstrate how we are pushing the boundaries of innovation in support of the digital capabilities in Australia,” said Ray Owen, chief technology officer at NBN.

“This new 5G record proves the massive potential of millimeter wave technology,” said Lee June-hee, executive vice president of networks business at Samsung Electronics, “and its ability to deliver enhanced connectivity and capacity for addressing the last mile challenges in rural areas.”

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]