Solid-state multi-user terahertz communication system and networking performance

To address the growing demand for future ultra-high-speed communications, the terahertz (THz) frequency band has emerged as a pivotal enabling technology for sixth-generation (6G) networks. However, point-to-multipoint (P2MP) communication in this band still faces significant challenges, particularly in beamforming and multi-user access. In this study, we designed and implemented a multi-user THz wireless communication prototype operating at 220 GHz, targeting scenarios where multiple receivers are located within the coverage of a single transmit antenna beam. The system adopts a fully solid-state electronic architecture combined with a dual-frequency conversion scheme and optimized baseband processing algorithms, achieving real-time multi-stream high-definition video transmission at 20.4 Gbps over a distance of 10.2 m, with a bit error rate (BER) below 10−10, thereby meeting stringent high-reliability communication requirements. Building on this implementation, we integrated the Adaptive Directional Antenna Protocol (ADAPT) proposed by Morales et al. to enhance the system’s networking capability. Using this integration, we developed a downlink network simulation platform to systematically evaluate the effects of parameters such as node density and packet inter-arrival time on network throughput. Experimental validation and simulation results collectively confirm that the proposed system can reliably support multi-user communication within single-beam coverage, providing critical system verification and performance insights for future indoor wireless local area networks (WLANs), vehicular communications, and 6G small-cell deployments.