Quantum-Inspired Wireless Technology Poised to Overcome Key Challenges of 6G Networks
February 2, 2026 — Researchers at Monash University and the University of Melbourne have unveiled a groundbreaking quantum-inspired optical wireless communication technology designed to address some of the most significant challenges facing the rollout of 6G networks. Published recently in IEEE Communications Letters, this innovative approach promises to deliver faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient wireless connections suitable for the increasingly dense and data-intensive environments of the future.
As the transition to 6G accelerates, networking devices and infrastructure must accommodate dramatically higher data rates within confined spaces such as homes, offices, and data centers. The emerging technology focuses not only on enabling seamless wireless connections between consumer devices like smartphones and laptops but also on interconnecting tiny components—the chiplets—inside advanced computing systems and smart devices.
Professor Malin Premaratne, a leader in quantum device technologies at Monash University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, explained the motivation behind the research. “Conventional wireless signals are severely hampered by interference in complex, crowded environments, which slows connection speeds and reduces reliability. Moreover, increased energy consumption and heat generation limit the performance of current systems, while physically scaling networks often demands complex and cumbersome wiring,” he said. “Our approach aims to ensure the next generation of devices and networks genuinely delivers on 6G’s promise—higher speed, enhanced reliability, and improved energy efficiency—so that users experience noticeable benefits in everyday life.”
The research team’s solution draws inspiration from quantum physics principles, particularly the concepts of coherence and collective effects such as superradiance—where many small sources work cohesively as a single powerful emitter. By applying these phenomena to modular optical phased arrays, the technology can achieve scalable beamforming, enabling wireless transmissions that are both sharper and more energy-efficient.
Professor Thas Nirmalathas, an expert in optical wireless communications at the University of Melbourne, highlighted the innovative aspect of the design. “This quantum-inspired modular approach allows wireless networks to be constructed from flexible, reconfigurable building blocks,” he said. “Such adaptability lets systems precisely target signals to where they are needed most, greatly reduce interference via polarization control, improve overall energy efficiency, and easily scale up without requiring entire network redesigns.”
Demonstrated to approach “fiber-like” speeds in challenging indoor settings, this technology could revolutionize wireless connectivity by making ultra-broadband, low-latency communication a practical reality for 6G-enabled environments. Potential applications include faster and more resilient wireless networks for offices, homes, and public spaces, as well as enabling smarter devices that operate cooler and consume less power.
Significant contributions to the research were made by Dr. Kosala Herat, now a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at Lund University in Sweden, and Sharadhi Gunathilake at Monash University.
The full research details are available in the article titled “Dual-Carrier Modular Phased Arrays for Near-Field Links: Polarization-Aware QPSK and Performance Evaluation,” authored by Kosala Herath and colleagues, and published in IEEE Communications Letters (2026). DOI: 10.1109/lcomm.2026.3652084. This quantum-inspired wireless innovation marks a critical step toward realizing the ambitious goals of 6G networks, promising connectivity solutions that are faster, more dependable, and significantly more energy-efficient than current technologies. As wireless systems continue to evolve, such advances could underpin the next wave of technological progress in communications and computing.
For more details, please visit Monash University’s research updates and IEEE Communications Letters.
Contact information:
Monash University
Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering
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University of Melbourne
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
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