Facebook Tests Technology For Use On Its Planned Aquila Internet Drone System

Internet connectivity using a high-altitude drone is a step closer to reality following tests earlier this year that showed data transmission of nearly 20Gbps is possible.

PC World reports that Facebook conducted tests of its so-called E-band frequencies between 60 and 90GHz earlier this year. The signals were transmitted between two towers in southern California. In a blog post, the social media company said it used custom-built components to transmit the data using only 105 watts of total direct current power consumption. The demonstrated capacity is enough to stream nearly 1,000 ultra-high-definition videos simultaneously, according to the company.

While the tests did not achieve accurate enough transmission to be used for a backhaul link to the drone service the company envisions. The Aquila drones will fly at altitudes between 60,000 and 90,000 feet. To make the drone service a reality, the distance will need to be increased to between 18 and 31 miles and a transmission rate of 30Gbps.

Facebook next plans to conduct a ground-to-air test using a Cessna aircraft outfitted with a data transceiver on board.

(Image from file)

FMI: https://code.facebook.com/posts/1197678800270377/facebook-demonstrates-record-breaking-data-rate-using-millimeter-wave-technology/