KONIGSWINTER, Germany-At a forum in Germany, Siemens AG tested a mobile network with data rates of up to 360 megabits per second (Mbps) using a combination of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and multi-hop technology, a new infrastructure concept, the supplier said.
Siemens said it previously tested the system in a field trial in the center of Munich.
“We expect mobile systems with transmission speeds of more than 100 megabits per second to be the standard in about 10 years,” said Christoph Caselitz, president of networks within Siemens Mobile.
Siemens offered an explanation of the technology: To transmit data at high speeds, carrier frequencies must enter the gigahertz range. Starting at about 3 GHz, the waves are severely obstructed by buildings and natural obstacles. The multi-hop concept can considerably increase the signal coverage area. Wireless but fixed multi-hop stations-a combination of base station, repeater and router-forward the signal from cell to cell, around obstacles, to devices when the direct links between base stations and mobile terminals are interrupted.
To make the high-frequency signals more resistant to interference, OFDM splits signals over different, closely adjacent carrier frequencies. These bundles of so-called sub carriers are supplemented by a timed protection interval so the generated signal sequence is largely protected against interference.
