China’s 6G Metasurface Tech Turns Walls and Pipes Into Network Boosters

China Geneva Gold Medal Invention: Chinese scientists have developed a 6G technology capable of solving a major challenge associated with upcoming high-speed internet systems. They created a material that functions like a "smart skin" when applied to surfaces such as walls or pipes. Its unique feature is the ability to reflect signals—much like a mirror—into areas where network coverage is otherwise unavailable. Additionally, it can track human movement, similar to radar. This achievement won a gold medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva in March. It has been named DISACM, which stands for Distributed Integrated Sensing and Communication Metasurface.

How this 6G technology works

High-speed internet signals, such as 5G or 6G, often face obstruction from obstacles like walls, pillars, or pipes. According to reports, the DISACM technology developed by China completely eliminates this issue. During testing, ten modules were installed on buildings, resulting in a network signal boost of 10–20 decibels in previously dead zones.

Moreover, this technology enabled superfast internet speeds of up to 400 Mbps in areas that previously lacked coverage. The most surprising aspect is that, in addition to boosting signals, this material could also monitor the number of people passing by and track their movements.

When electromagnetic waves interact with a moving person or object, subtle changes occur in the waves.

This smart system instantly detects those changes.

Consequently, the system can determine a person's precise location and speed in real-time without the need for cameras or radar.

This implies that China could utilize the same material to both enhance internet connectivity and serve as a radar system for surveillance.

Where can this technology be applied?

This technology could prove to be a boon for environments like underground coal mines or the basements of large buildings—places where signals are typically weak.

The technology has also been tested in tunnels, where wall-mounted modules not only boosted signals by up to 20 decibels but also tracked the exact locations of workers inside the mine.

As such, it could be used for emergency communication to save lives in the event of an accident.