IEEE 802.15.3d: First Standardization Efforts for Sub-Terahertz Band Communications toward 6G

TLDR

IEEE 802.15.3d standardizes sub‑THz consumer wireless communications, enabling switched point‑to‑point links at 100 Gb/s+ over distances from tens of centimeters to a few hundred meters. The article introduces IEEE 802.15.3d and its design principles, and outlines future standardization and regulatory activities for THz wireless networking. The authors describe target applications, usage scenarios, PHY and MAC layer specifics, and present initial performance evaluation results for IEEE 802.15.3d. Initial performance predictions indicate that IEEE 802.15.3d offers non‑incremental benefits over 5G, paving the way toward 6G THz networks.

Abstract

With the ratification of the IEEE 802.15.3d amendment to 802.15.3, a first step has been made to standardize consumer wireless communications in the sub-THz frequency band. IEEE 802.15.3d offers switched point-to-point connectivity with data rates of 100 Gb/s and higher at distances ranging from tens of centimeters up to a few hundred meters. In this article, we provide a detailed introduction to IEEE 802.15.3d and the key design principles beyond the developed standard. We particularly describe the target applications and usage scenarios, as well as the specifics of the IEEE 802.15.3d physical and medium access layers. Later, we present the results of the initial performance evaluation of IEEE 802.15.3d wireless communications. The obtained first-order performance predictions show non-incremental benefits compared to the characteristics of the fifth generation wireless systems, thus paving the way toward the sixth generation THz networks. We conclude the article by outlining the further standardization and regulatory activities on wireless networking in the THz frequency band.