Anritsu and VTT advance D-band wireless links
Anritsu and VTT have demonstrated a major advance in D-band wireless communications. Their joint work shows that very high frequency wireless links can perform reliably outside the lab.
More importantly, the results confirm that D-band technology can support high-capacity links. These links suit future backhaul networks, industrial systems, defence use, and early 6G concepts.
According to Anritsu, the project moves the D band closer to practical deployment. The tests confirmed that performance levels now meet real-world expectations.
Why the D band matters for future networks
The D band operates roughly between 110 and 170 GHz. This range offers a much wider bandwidth than current 5G millimetre wave systems.
Because of this, the D band can deliver extremely high data rates. It also offers a strong alternative where fibre is too expensive or difficult to deploy.
However, higher frequencies bring challenges. Signals weaken faster over distance. Even so, better antennas and smarter signal processing now support stable links over short and medium ranges.
As a result, interest in the D band continues to grow.
Realistic testing confirms high data rates.
The teams tested wireless links across the full D band range. Instead of lab-only trials, they used over-the-air setups that reflect real conditions.
They transmitted wideband signals with bandwidths up to 8 GHz. Then they measured performance from signal generation to reception.
The system achieved data rates in the tens of gigabits per second. In some cases, links reached 20 Gbps over short distances. At the same time, performance stayed stable across several metres.
These results set a new benchmark for practical D-band systems.
Electronically steerable antenna design
A key part of the demonstration was a new transmitarray antenna from VTT. The design is compact and lightweight.
It uses advanced phase-shifting elements and integrated vector modulator chips. Because of this, the antenna can steer beams electronically without moving parts.
This approach allows fast beam control and stable links. It also suits dense backhaul networks and industrial sites where conditions change quickly.
In addition, the design can scale to larger deployments.
Partnership speeds adoption
VTT highlighted the value of close collaboration. By combining antenna expertise with precise measurement tools, the teams reduced development risk.
This joint approach also shortens the path from research to live networks. As a result, D-band technology can move faster toward commercial use.
The work opens opportunities across infrastructure, manufacturing, defence, and future mobile networks.
Next steps toward deployment
With system-level feasibility now proven, Anritsu and VTT plan to move forward. Next, they will work with industry partners to define use cases.
They also aim to prepare the technology for field trials. These steps will help bring D-band wireless links into real networks in the coming years.
