Antennas for Extremely Fast Wireless Internet
July 20, 2018 | TU/eEstimated reading time: 1 minute

NWO has granted a Take-off feasibility study for the start-up of the new spin-off MaxWaves, which aims to commercialize new wireless technology to enable extremely fast 5G and 6G. In the system, developed in the research group of Professor Bart Smolders at the Department of Electrical Engineering, the antennas direct the signals electronically in the right direction, so that it is very energy efficient and the signals are not disturbed by weather conditions.
In a few years' time, everyone will probably switch from the current 4G Internet to 5G and later to 6G, leading to data rates that by 2025 will be as much as 100 times higher than they are today. This means that the antennas on the base stations - which have to operate tens to hundreds of mobile users at the same time - will have to exchange far greater amounts of information than they do today. The technology to do this is now being developed.
Series of coupled antennas
The group of Prof. Dr. Bart Smolders has developed a new antenna technology that allows future base stations to be connected wirelessly with each other at extremely high data rates by using a whole series of electronically coupled antennas. These steer the radio beams in the right direction, so that dishes with these antennas do not have to move physically in order to change the direction of transmission.
This technology uses very little energy and can continue to function optimally in all weather conditions, as electronic control can adapt directly to wind and rain disturbances. The electronic beam control ensures that no cables are needed in the ground and that the system can be electronically configured, making it very easy to temporarily expand network capacity, for example at a major event.
Take-off
TU/e-spinoff MaxWaves will commercialize this system for future 5G networks, and the Take-off feasibility study will build a new prototype that is more advanced than the two prototypes previously built. This will be tested experimentally in the lab and on the TU/e campus, and a market analysis will be carried out to arrive at a business plan.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
AI-Powered Wearables Transform How Consumers Interact with Everyday Technology
09/15/2025 | PR NewswireThe global demand for AI-driven, touchless wearable technologies is accelerating as consumers seek more natural, seamless and intuitive ways to interact with their devices. Traditional touch screens and voice assistants, while effective, are increasingly viewed as limiting in a world where multitasking, mobility and efficiency are key. As industries from consumer electronics to augmented reality and enterprise computing embrace the possibilities of gesture-based control, the market for neural interfaces is rapidly expanding
Hanwha Aerospace to Collaborate with BAE Systems on Advanced Anti-jamming GPS for Guided Missiles
09/15/2025 | HanwhaHanwha Aerospace has signed a contract with BAE Systems to integrate next-generation, anti-jamming Global Positioning System (GPS) technology into Hanwha Aerospace’s Deep Strike Capability precision-guided weapon system.
United Electronics Corporation Unveils Revolutionary CIMS Galaxy 30 Automated Optical Inspection System
09/11/2025 | United Electronics CorporationUnited Electronics Corporation (UEC) today announced the launch of its new groundbreaking CIMS Galaxy 30 Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) machine, setting a new industry standard for precision electronics manufacturing quality control. The Galaxy 30, developed and manufactured by CIMS, represents a significant leap forward in inspection technology, delivering exceptional speed improvements and introducing cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities.
Intel Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Accelerate Innovation and Strengthen Execution
09/09/2025 | Intel CorporationIntel Corporation today announced a series of senior leadership appointments that support the company’s strategy to strengthen its core product business, build a trusted foundry, and foster a culture of engineering across the business.
DARPA, State of New Mexico Establish Framework to Advance Quantum Computing
09/08/2025 | DARPAAs part of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), DARPA signed an agreement with the State of New Mexico’s Economic Development Department to create the Quantum Frontier Project.