Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology are working with extremely high radio frequencies that have already achieved broad bandwidth and high data transmission rates over short distances. The hope is that within three years 60 gigahertz (60 GHz) can be broadcast over vast networks like lower frequencies that are now being utilized. This could create a revolution in new mobile applications.
Currently the lab has been able to transfer data at a rate of 15 gigabits per second (Gbps) at a distance of one meter. This translates to a data transfer of nearly two gigabytes (GB) per second. If the broadcast distance can be increased, it won’t be long before you can download an entire move onto your mobile phone in seconds. Diverse devices such as external hard drives, lap tops, and other wireless wonders are well suited for this break-through.
If you are worried that 60 GHz will melt the chocolate in your pocket or interfere with the workstation next to yours, don’t. The transmitted power is extremely low, in the vicinity of 10 milliwatts. A 60 GHz frequency is stopped by human skin and can’t penetrate walls that separate people in an office or apartment setting. This thing won’t pop your popcorn for you while you download a good movie.
Caveat: before you invest money in the 60 GHz miracle, remember the laws of nature apply even to mobile devices. To date, high data transfers haven’t been made over distances more than a few meters. Equipment that boosts these distances may not be economically feasible or physically possible. It is going to be a long time before you can stand on the moor and download your favorite movie in high definition on the 60 GHz frequency.