Qualcomm Advances Sidelink Technology: Testing Demonstrates Extended Range and Non-Line-Of-sight Capabilities

June 20, 2026 - 23:27

Sidelink, the technical term for device-to-device communication defined in 3GPP standards, allows phones and other gear to talk directly to each other without going through a cell tower. Qualcomm recently completed a series of field tests that show this technology can work over much longer distances and even when there is no direct line of sight between the devices.

The company set up test scenarios using commercial-grade hardware and software. In one test, two devices maintained a stable connection across a distance of several kilometers, far beyond the typical range assumed for direct device links. In another scenario, the devices communicated successfully even when a large building stood between them, blocking any visual path. This non-line-of-sight capability is critical for real-world use, where obstacles like walls, hills, and vehicles are common.

These results matter because sidelink is a key building block for future applications. It can support vehicle-to-everything communication, allowing cars to warn each other about hazards around a blind curve. It also enables public safety networks, where first responders can keep talking even if the cellular network goes down. And for consumer devices, it could mean better peer-to-peer file sharing or local multiplayer gaming without relying on Wi-Fi or a cellular signal.

Qualcomm's testing suggests the technology is ready for broader deployment. The company is already working with chipset partners and infrastructure vendors to integrate these extended range and obstacle-penetrating features into the next wave of 5G Advanced equipment. The goal is to make direct device links as reliable and useful as traditional network connections, especially in areas where coverage is weak or nonexistent.