Satellite internet with 1 Gbps speeds? It’s real, and Starlink from Elon Musk might be worried
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- A team of Chinese researchers has reached a data transfer of 1 Gbps from a satellite
- The satellite works 22,807 miles above the earth, while Starlink -Satellites are about 341 miles
- This type of speed can be revolutionary for internet connections in remote areas on earth, but also in space
It is no secret that getting a stable, fairly fast internet connection in non-urban areas is still a challenge (and even those among us who live in cities sometimes struggle). Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet Service, StarlinkIs a long way to make the internet all over the world more accessible – but it is simply largely overshadowed by a small team of Chinese scientists.
This new breakthrough in satellite internet technology (via Interesting engineering) was reached by Liu Chao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Professor Wu Jian van Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. The scientists developed a new method for combating the biggest obstacle with which satellite laser connections are confronted: atmospheric turbulence.
Combining two already established technologies and its use in synergy resulted in shocking fast data transfer. But this is not just about speed (although that is perhaps the best part for us, internet users). It is also about the distance to the satellite and the laughable low wattage of the laser used by the Chinese researchers.
Super fast satellite speeds with a surprisingly low error percentage
An important advantage of this method lies in the relatively low error percentage during data transfer, which increases the chance of achieving usable signals by almost 20%(previously 72%, now 91.1%). As we all know, speeds are only part of the comparison when it comes to internet connections, and anyone who has ever had to deal with an unreliable ISP, knows that stable is often better than faster.
Yet the Chinese researchers were reportedly able to reach both by a mix of adaptive optics (AO) and Diversity Reception (MDR) mode. The first sharpenes the distorted light and the latter records spread signals. Only when combined did these two separate methods reach 1 Gbps in data transfer, and the scientists praise this method for successful avoidance of a decrease in communication quality.
They carried out the test in the Lijiang Observatory in China, using a 5.9-foot telescope that contains hundreds of small mirrors-that is the adaptive optic system in the game. These mirrors reform incoming laser light to take into account atmospheric turbulence. Speaking of lasers: the team used a two -watt laser for this experiment, which can be compared with a night light. Of course this refers to laser power and not to the total energy consumption of the satellite.
Once processed and extracted, the light splits into eight basic mode channels, and finally a special algorithm that is the most promising of these channels in real time. Choosing the top three signals Acht, the researchers gave a large boost in signal strength, while dramatically surpassing the downlink speeds – especially impressive in view of the much larger orbital distance.
This can be good news for internet users worldwide (and beyond)
Compare this new breakthrough with Starlink reveals a few important differences. Firstly, data transfer speeds that reach up to 1 Gbps are not something that Starlink can currently achieve; in our Starlink ReviewWe discovered that the average for downloads was at 71 Mbps and Starlink himself promises to deliver between 25 and 100 Mbps on the standard plan. Secondly, signal strength and reduced errors in data transfer, despite the enormous distance to the satellite, are both promising.
Being determined on errors and hooks in the connection is crucial for users who want to stream videos or send larger files. If this technology is ever made mainstream, we may be able to use the internet, even in remote areas without having to compromise about what we can or cannot do. Goodbye, waiting for five minutes until that text comes through – we really wouldn’t miss you.
But the implications here are huge, even if you think bigger than just having a reliable connection everywhere. Signal speed, distance and strength increase through this method of laser communication can play great news for satellite navigation. It can even affect the possibility of connecting with space emissions, such as with the ISS, more seamless and without delays.
At the moment this is just a proof of concept – an interesting achievement described in the Acta Optica Sinica magazine. Let’s hope this records and Starlink gives a serious run for his money.
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