A significant step forward in D-band wireless communications has been achieved through a joint demonstration by Anritsu and VTT, highlighting the real-world viability of ultra-high-frequency wireless links.
The project validates that D-band technology can deliver stable, high-capacity performance suitable for future backhaul, industrial connectivity, defence systems, and emerging 6G networks.
Jonathan Borrill, CTO, Test & Measurement, Anritsu, commented: “Anritsu is proud to collaborate with VTT to advance the practical use of D-band wireless technology.
“Together, we have validated performance levels that bring high-frequency wireless links closer to real-world deployment.”
Understanding the D-band’s role in future networks
The D-band spans frequencies roughly between 110 GHz and 170 GHz, offering significantly wider contiguous bandwidth than today’s 5G millimetre-wave spectrum.
This makes it a strong candidate for ultra-high-capacity wireless links where fibre deployment is impractical or costly.
Although higher frequencies introduce challenges such as increased propagation loss, advances in antenna technology and signal processing are enabling reliable short- and medium-range links.
System-level testing confirms multi-gigabit performance
The joint trials focused on wireless links operating between 110 GHz and 170 GHz, assessed under realistic over-the-air conditions rather than controlled laboratory setups.
Using wideband modulated signals with bandwidths of up to 8 GHz, the teams evaluated end-to-end performance from signal generation through to reception.
The results demonstrated multi-gigabit data rates in the tens-of-gigabits-per-second range, including 20 Gbps over short distances and reliable operation across several metres.
This system-level validation establishes a new reference point for practical D-band wireless communications.
Electronically steerable transmitarray design
A key element of the demonstration was a compact, lightweight transmitarray antenna developed by VTT. The antenna integrates advanced phase-shifting elements and vector-modulator MMICs, enabling fast electronic beam steering without mechanical movement.
This design allows precise control of the radio beam while maintaining link stability under changing conditions.
The scalable architecture is particularly well-suited to dense backhaul deployments and dynamic industrial environments where rapid beam adaptation is essential.
Tauno Vähä Heikkilä, Director, Strategic Partnerships, VTT, added: “This milestone shows how strategic partnerships turn deep tech into competitive advantage.
“By combining VTT’s steerable transmitarray expertise with Anritsu’s precise instrumentation grade validation, we shorten adoption cycles and scale D band from the lab to live networks – creating growth opportunities across critical infrastructure, manufacturing, defence, 6G and beyond.”
Preparing for industry trials and deployment
With feasibility now proven at the system level, Anritsu and VTT plan to work with industry partners to explore use cases and prepare the technology for field trials.
The results mark an important step toward integrating D-band wireless communications into future network architectures and accelerating progress toward 6G.
