There is no universally-accepted standard for what qualifies as 6G, but scientists are already working on the technology. Image credit: ultramansk/Shutterstock.com
TOM HALE
For context, 5G technology uses radio waves to encode and carry information. It’s able to carry up to 10 times more information than its predecessor, 4G, by using higher frequencies of radio waves that are able to handle more bandwidth.
One theory is that 6G could achieve even higher bandwidths and transmit more information by using Visible Light Communication (VLC). Instead of radio waves, information can be transmitted by LEDs that rapidly flash on and off in the blink of an eye.
“VLC is quite simple and interesting. Instead of using radio signals to send information wirelessly, it uses the light from LEDs that can turn on and off, up to one million times per second,” Jie Xiong, professor of information and computer sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, explained in a statement.
“Anything with a camera, like our smartphones, tablets or laptops, could be the receiver,” Xiong added.
Via https://www.iflscience.com/scientists-want-to-use-people-as-human-antennas-for-6g-technology-67006
