Samsung verifies X-MIMO tech for 6G networks with 3 Gbps speeds

Samsung has announced a key milestone in developing technologies for sixth-generation networks. The company reported successfully verifying its eXtreme MIMO (X-MIMO) technology in the 7 GHz band, which is considered a prime candidate for future 6G networks. The tests were conducted in collaboration with Keysight Technologies and the South Korean operator KT.

During the trials, peak download speeds reached 3 Gbps in the 7 GHz range. This was achieved using an ultra-dense antenna system that incorporates significantly more antenna elements without increasing the equipment's size compared to previous-generation solutions. Compared to 5G, X-MIMO utilizes roughly four times as many antennas, enabling a substantial boost in throughput.

The 7 GHz band is seen as promising for 6G due to its balance between data transmission speed and coverage area. It sits between the mid-band spectrum at 3.5 GHz, widely used in 5G, and millimeter waves, which offer high speeds but a shorter range. The tests took place at Samsung's research center in Seoul, where engineers simultaneously transmitted eight data streams from a base station to a single user device, simulating real-world network conditions.

The testing involved a prototype 6G base station from Samsung with 256 digital ports, along with a 6G terminal testbed from Keysight. Company representatives stated that the results confirm the potential for significant data rate increases in next-generation networks. X-MIMO development is viewed as a foundational element of the future 6G infrastructure, with commercial deployment expected by the end of the decade.