Connectivity is becoming a larger engineering and commercial challenge as communications networks move into the millimetre-wave spectrum, according to Dr Tudor Williams, writing in Electronics Weekly.

The shift is driven by three converging deployment trends. Satellite constellations are expanding, 5G infrastructure is being deployed more densely, and defence systems are pushing into higher-frequency operation. Each trend places new demands on the physical layer of connectivity — the connectors, cables, waveguides and interconnects that carry signals between subsystems.

Why does higher frequency make connectivity harder?

At millimetre-wave frequencies, signal behaviour changes fundamentally. Wavelengths shrink to millimetre scale, so physical features that were electrically insignificant at lower frequencies — connector interfaces, bends in cable assemblies, slight misalignments — become meaningful fractions of a wavelength. Attenuation rises, tolerance budgets tighten, and every joint in a signal path becomes a potential point of loss and reflection.

For system designers, the practical consequence is that interconnect selection is no longer a late-stage commodity decision. At these frequencies, the connectivity chain can determine whether a link closes at all, whether a phased-array antenna maintains beam integrity, or whether a satellite crosslink meets its margin.

Where is the pressure coming from?

Williams identifies the demand side of this shift:

• Satellite constellations expanding in number and density, driving demand for inter-satellite links and ground-segment connectivity that performs in orbit and at scale.
• 5G infrastructure deploying more densely, with millimetre-wave bands carrying backhaul and fronthaul traffic where fibre is impractical.
• Defence systems migrating to higher-frequency operation for radar, electronic warfare and secure communications.

These three sectors share a common requirement: connectivity components that maintain specified performance at frequencies where conventional interconnect technology degrades.

What does this mean for the supply chain?

The move up the spectrum effectively segments the connectivity market. Volume 5G deployment rewards suppliers that can deliver millimetre-wave-capable interconnects at telecom volumes and prices. Satellite and defence programmes, by contrast, demand qualification-hardened components able to survive launch vibration, thermal cycling and long service life — a different qualification and cost profile.

Suppliers of connectors, cable assemblies and RF components that have historically served sub-6-GHz markets face a choice: invest in millimetre-wave-capable product lines now, or cede the high-frequency tier of the market to specialists that already operate there.

System integrators, meanwhile, face tighter coupling between interconnect choices and overall system performance. As Williams frames it, connectivity becomes a larger challenge as the network moves into the millimetre-wave spectrum — not a peripheral one.

With satellite constellation launches continuing and 5G millimetre-wave deployments expanding, demand for higher-frequency connectivity components looks set to grow across all three sectors Williams identifies.