6G is happening, and here’s what you need to know
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March 15, 2023
The term 5G has become ubiquitous in the technology industry and the world as we know it. It has been hailed as the next great technological revolution, promising to transform how we live, work, and communicate. However, even as 5G networks are still being rolled out across the globe today.
The tech industry is already looking towards the next big thing – 6G.
6G is still in its infancy and has yet to define a standard or official definition. However, many experts predict that 6G networks will be available by the decade's end. Early frontrunners in Asia, such as South Korea, Japan, and China, have already started developing in this space.
For example, South Korea plans to roll out its 6G commercial offering by 2028, a mere five years away. In this article, we will explore what 6G is, how it differs from 5G, and what it could mean for the future of technology.
What is 6G?
6G is the sixth generation of wireless networks and is the successor to 5G, which is still being rolled out worldwide. As of January 2023, Statista’s data shows the number of cities worldwide in which 5G is currently available. Leading the pack is China, followed closely by the United States, and then a far 3rd placer, the Philippines.
Of course, 6G is expected to be faster, more reliable, and even more secure than previous generations of wireless networks. However, 6G is also expected to be a more transformative technology than 5G. While 5G is focused on improving connectivity and data speeds, 6G is expected to enable a range of new applications and technologies that were previously impossible.
For example, 6G networks are expected to support the development of advanced virtual and augmented reality technologies and enable the creation of new types of smart cities and transportation systems. Additionally, 6G is expected to allow for new types of remote surgery and other medical procedures and support the development of new types of autonomous systems and robotics.
What does this mean?
Imagine a more connected world, one that is highly embedded in connectivity.
A robust network powered by seemingly limitless connectivity connected to devices, technology, AI, and more to help run our analog world. Sundaresh Vedapureeswaran, the Customer Solution Sales Director of Ericcson, paints this picture in an article about the use cases of 6G.
“Imagine an average day in the 2030s. You begin the day with your home robot bringing your favorite cup of flavorful morning coffee. You scan the news over your mixed reality mobile device, zooming in photos and videos of interest. You put on your intelligent posture-supporting exoskeleton suit that helps maintain the correct posture when going about your daily activities. As you leave for your morning commute, your electronic watch dog begins its home-guard service alerting its networked community counterparts to be on the look-out for trespassers in the neighborhood.
You settle in your auto-guided vehicle and while your personal bot opens the top tasks for the day, you recall how rush hour delays and gridlock are all “in the rear-view mirror”. Your personal guardian assistant keeps track of your environment and surroundings and guides you through your day. You quickly check your digital financial assistant, and it explains its decision process for an investment being recommended.
At the medical center where you work, patients are used to being treated by robotic first responders and having their health conditions and even minor surgical procedures handled remotely. While you are there, drones deliver packages at your smart home, where the lighting, appliances, temperature, and security all hum along automatically. As you wind down your day, you’ve got more leisure time than ever for entertainment, such as multi-sensory virtual reality experiences of distant places or events and holographic calls with family and friends. As you get ready to go to bed your smart speakers project noise-canceling walls around the home, allowing for peaceful sleep. You wonder how you ever lived without these “crucial devices”.”
How does 6G differ from 5G?
As mentioned earlier, 6G is still in the conceptual stages and may have several key differences that may set it apart from 5G. Here are some of them:
Speed
This may be the most significant difference between 6G and 5G. While 5G networks are already significantly faster than the 4G networks of today, 6G is expected to be much faster. Experts predict that 6G networks could be up to 100 times faster than 5G networks. Theoretically, a 6G network should deliver roughly 11 Gbps simultaneously through several Gigahertz channels, deploy up to three 160 Mhz bandwidth channels and be capable of multiplexing up to eight spatial streams.
Latency
First, let’s define latency as the time data travels from one point to another in a network. Having a lower latency means faster response times and better real-time communication. 5G networks have significantly lower latency than 4G networks, but 6G is expected to have even lower latency going as low as 1 microsecond, enabling real-time communication between devices and systems. For applications that require close to no data delay, like autonomous driving, virtual reality, and augmented reality, this means a more secure data transfer with less fear of being intercepted or hacked.
Energy efficiency
5G networks are already more energy-efficient than 4G networks, but 6G is expected to be even more energy-efficient. Why is this important? It will enable deploying more devices and systems without significantly increasing energy consumption.
Spectral efficiency
Spectral efficiency refers to how much data can be transmitted over a spectrum. With more and more devices and systems connected to wireless networks, it will be vital for more data to be transmitted over the same amount of spectrum. 6G is expected to double the current spectral efficiency rates of 5G.
Security
Security is a major concern for ANY wireless network, with 6G expected to be more secure than its predecessors. With the use of advanced encryption and authentication technologies, as well as other security measures such as blockchain, 6G will be able to ensure the security and privacy of data transmitted over the network.
Potential applications
The possibilities in this space of 6G are vast, and it is expected to enable a range of new technologies and services that were previously impossible. Here are some examples:
Advanced virtual and augmented reality:
6G networks are expected to enable the development of advanced virtual and augmented reality technologies that will provide users with more immersive and interactive experiences. This could include everything from virtual shopping experiences to advanced training simulations for industries such as healthcare and aviation.
Smart cities:
6G networks could enable the development of more advanced smart cities, where everything from traffic lights to public transportation systems are connected to the network. This could improve the efficiency and safety of cities and provide new opportunities for data analysis and insights.
Autonomous systems:
6G networks could enable the development of more advanced autonomous systems, such as self-driving cars and drones. These systems would require high-speed, low-latency connections to operate effectively and safely.
Remote surgery and other medical procedures:
6G networks could enable doctors to perform remote surgeries and other medical procedures using advanced robotics and haptic feedback systems. This could improve access to medical care, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
Precision agriculture:
6G networks could enable more advanced precision agriculture systems, where sensors and other devices monitor soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop growth in real-time. This could improve the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture and reduce the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Enhanced industrial automation:
6G networks could enable more advanced industrial automation systems, where machines and equipment are connected to the network and communicate with each other in real time. This could improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve worker safety in industries such as manufacturing and logistics.
Enhanced gaming and entertainment:
6G networks could enable more advanced gaming and entertainment experiences, including real-time multiplayer games and immersive virtual reality experiences.
Possible drawbacks of 6G
While there are numerous exciting benefits of 6G, there are also some potential drawbacks and challenges that need to be considered.
High implementation costs:
Implementing 6G networks will require significant investment in new infrastructure and technology, which could be expensive for network operators and end-users. This could make it difficult to achieve widespread adoption, particularly in developing countries and rural areas.
Spectrum availability:
One of the main challenges facing the development of 6G is spectrum availability. While 5G networks use higher-frequency bands to achieve faster speeds, these frequencies have limited range and are easily obscured by physical obstacles such as buildings and trees. To achieve even faster speeds with 6G, new spectrum bands must be identified and made available, which could be challenging.
Compatibility with existing technology:
6G networks must also be compatible with existing technology, such as smartphones and other devices, to achieve universal adoption. This could be challenging, particularly if 6G networks require new hardware or software incompatible with existing devices.
Security and privacy concerns:
As with any new technology, there are concerns about the security and privacy implications of 6G networks. With faster speeds and more data being transmitted, there is a risk that sensitive information could be intercepted or compromised. Network operators and device manufacturers will need to take steps to ensure the security and privacy of users.
Environmental impact:
The development and implementation of 6G networks could have a significant environmental impact, mainly if it requires new infrastructure construction and energy-intensive technology. Network operators and device manufacturers must prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability in developing 6G technology.
Social and ethical implications:
As with any new technology, there are also social and ethical implications to consider with 6G. For example, the increased connectivity and data speeds of 6G could exacerbate existing privacy, surveillance, and inequality issues. It will be necessary for policymakers and industry leaders to consider these issues and work to ensure that the benefits of 6G are shared equitably.
Conclusion
Although 6G is still in the early conceptual stages, it is already generating a lot of buzz within the technology industry. As 5G is focused on improving connectivity and data speeds, 6G is expected to enable a range of new applications and technologies that were previously impossible, as described above. With faster speeds, lower latency, and more energy-efficient and secure networks, 6G can transform and possibly disrupt industries from healthcare to agriculture to entertainment. While it will likely be several years before 6G networks are widely and commercially available, it is clear that the technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and communicate in the future.
The futuristic movies we see may soon become a reality!
Learn more about how you can get the right solutions when everything in adapting 6G technologies by visiting www.chip1.com
