Students from 1st year of high school explore the frontiers of research at IMDEA Networks

El grupo del IES Pedro Duque de Leganés ha visitado tres laboratorios punteros

14 January 2025

Today, January 14, IMDEA Networks welcomed students from the 1st year of high school at IES Pedro Duque in Leganés. During the visit, the students had the opportunity to explore three of our most advanced laboratories and learn firsthand about the innovative work we do in the field of telecommunications.

A tour through cutting-edge technology:

• 5TONIC. In this laboratory, Neftalí González, System Administrator, explained how 5G and 6G technologies work, how and where they are used, and the crucial role of the radio spectrum. He also detailed the differences between Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) architectures, delving into their advantages and applications. Additionally, Ignacio Berberana, Senior Research Engineer, shared examples of use cases developed in this environment, showcasing practical applications of these disruptive technologies.
• Millimeter Wave: High-frequency communications. In this laboratory, Anthony Sánchez, Research Engineer, introduced the students to the world of millimeter waves and their wide-ranging benefits. He explained how working with high-frequency waves allows information to be transmitted at lightning-fast speeds—for example, enabling live streaming of football matches or lag-free video gaming. He also highlighted how this technology can detect movement patterns and even help in the detection and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
• LiFi: Communicating through light. Javier Talavante, PhD student, explained that his team is working to enable battery-free IoT devices through the convergence of two emerging technologies: LiFi and radiofrequency (RF) backscattering. He also demonstrated how transmitting data through light opens up new possibilities for revolutionizing connectivity across various fields.

To conclude the visit, the students participated in a themed escape room focused on telecommunications. Designed as part of the Teleco Renta program, in which IMDEA Networks collaborates, this activity allowed them to showcase their problem-solving skills as true engineers while enjoying an educational and entertaining experience.

We thank IES Pedro Duque for their visit and hope to have sparked the young students’ curiosity about research and the technologies shaping the future.