Scientists Enhance 5G and 6G Signals in Rainy Sohra, Meghalaya

Scientists at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Meghalaya and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) are collaborating on innovative methods to enhance 5G and 6G connectivity in Sohra, which holds the record as the rainiest place on Earth. This initiative, launched after the researchers relocated to their permanent campus earlier this year, aims to address the unique challenges posed by Sohra’s extreme weather conditions.

The region’s heavy rainfall, characterized by unusually large raindrops, disrupts communication signals and complicates existing network models. Dr. Anup Dandapat, Dean of Academic Affairs at NIT Meghalaya, highlighted the potential of transforming these weather challenges into advantages. “Instead of viewing heavy rainfall as a barrier, we want to use it as a natural laboratory,” he noted. By studying how raindrops interact with high-frequency signals, the researchers aim to create networks that are adaptive and resilient, benefiting not only Meghalaya but other rain-prone areas globally.

Research Aims and Implications

The detailed study launched by the scientists focuses on the relationship between precipitation and signal transmission. The goal is to develop rain-resilient communication systems, which are particularly crucial for remote and hilly regions that frequently experience connectivity issues during monsoon season. Every rainfall event is now perceived not merely as a natural phenomenon but as a vital data point in the quest for robust communication technology.

Sohra, formerly known as Cherrapunji, is a place of natural beauty, surrounded by misty hills and cascading waterfalls. It continues to serve as both an inspiration and a unique research environment for scientists. Through this initiative, the NIT and NESAC teams are determined to make significant advancements in technology that can withstand extreme weather.

In a significant development, researchers at NIT Meghalaya have also successfully designed and fabricated the state’s first integrated chip (IC) under the Special Manpower Development Program (SMDP) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The team, which includes faculty members such as Dr. Prabir Saha, Dr. Shubhankar Majumdar, and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rathore, along with PhD scholars Geetima Kachari, Parishmita Goswami, and Deibaphira Suchiang, developed a Finite State Machine (FSM) chip. This chip, fabricated at the semiconductor laboratory foundry using 180-nanometre process technology, is designed for precise control in irrigation systems and tensiometers.

The chip was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SEMICON India 2025 summit, underscoring the role of academic research in fostering India’s technological self-reliance. Dr. Dandapat emphasized that these dual achievements—addressing the challenges of monsoon connectivity and pioneering IC design—illustrate the expanding research ecosystem in Northeast India and its contribution to a developed Bharat.

Future Prospects and Agricultural Impact

Currently, the NIT team is working on a second chip, which has also been submitted for fabrication. This upcoming chip is expected to facilitate agricultural development by comparing various environmental factors, thereby providing accurate measurements for monitoring plant growth. The implications of this research extend beyond connectivity, showcasing a commitment to advancing technology in India’s agricultural sector.

As the NIT and NESAC teams continue their work in Sohra, they remain focused on harnessing the region’s unique weather phenomena to develop solutions that will not only benefit local communities but also set a precedent for addressing similar challenges in other parts of the world.