- A team of Chinese researchers has carried out a data transmission of 1 Gbit / s
- The satellite operates at 22,807 miles above the earth, while Starlink satellites are around 341 miles
- This type of speed could be revolutionary for internet connections in distant areas on earth, but also in space
It is not a secret for anyone that obtaining a stable and reasonably rapid internet connection in non -urban areas is always a challenge (and even those of us who live in cities sometimes have trouble). Elon Musk satellite internet service, Peak linkgreatly contributes to making the internet more accessible all over the world – but it has become mainly overshadowed by a small team of Chinese scientists.
This new breakthrough in satellite Internet technology (via Interesting engineering) was produced by Liu Chao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Professor Wu Jian of the University of Beijing Publications and Telecommunications. Scientists have developed a new method of combating the largest obstacle confronted with satellite laser connections: atmospheric turbulence.
The combination of two already established technologies and to use them in Synergy resulted in rapid shocking data transmission. But it is not only a question of speed (although this is probably the best part for us, Internet users). It is also the distance from the satellite and the ridiculously weak power of the laser used by Chinese researchers.
Super fast satellite speeds with surprisingly low error rate
A key advantage of this method lies in the relatively low error rate during data transmission, increasing the chances of reaching signals usable by almost 20%(previously 72%, now 91.1%). As we all know, speeds are only part of the equation with regard to Internet connections, and whoever has already had to face a little reliable fis knows that stable is often better than faster.
However, Chinese researchers could have made both by a mixture of adaptive optics (AO) and a reception of fashion diversity (MDR). The former sharpen the deformed light and the second capture of dispersed signals. It is only when combined that these two distinct methods have reached 1 Gbit / s in data transmission, and scientists praise this method to successfully avoid drops of communication quality.
They carried out the Lijiang observatory in China, using a 5.9 -foot telescope which contains hundreds of tiny mirrors – it is the adaptive optical system in play. These mirrors redo the incoming laser light to take into account atmospheric turbulence. Speaking of lasers: the team used a two watts laser for this experience, which can be compared to a night light. Of course, this refers to laser power and not to the total energy consumption of the satellite.
Once treated and extracted, light is divided into eight channels in basic mode, and finally, a special algorithm decides which of these channels is the most promising, in real time. The choice of the three main signals in eight gave the researchers a major boost of the signal force, while considerably moving the speed of the descending bonding of Starlink – particularly impressive given the much greater orbital distance.
This could be good news for Internet users around the world (and beyond)
Compare this new breakthrough to Peak link reveals some key differences. First, data transmission speeds reaching up to 1 Gbit / s are something that Starlink can currently do; In our Starlink journal, we found that the average downloads were seated at 71 Mbps, and Starlink himself promises to deliver between 25 and 100 Mbps on the standard level. Second, the resistance of the signal and the errors reduced in the transmission of data, despite the massive distance from the satellite, are both promising.
It is crucial for users who wish to broadcast videos or send larger files. If this technology is never done, we could be able to use the Internet even in distant areas without having to compromise on what we can or cannot do. Goodbye, while waiting for five minutes for this text to pass – we will not really miss it.
But the implications here are enormous, even if you think more than having a reliable connection everywhere. The increase in signal speed, distance and force thanks to this laser communication method could spell great news for satellite navigation. This could even have an impact on the possibility of connecting with space missions, as with the ISS, more transparent and without delays.
At present, this is only proof of concept – an interesting achievement described in the Acta Optica Sinica newspaper. Hopefully it resumes and gives Starlink a serious race for his money.
