Since the first generation (1G) mobile networks were introduced in the 1980s, the industry has seen generational upgrades every decade. Currently, the fifth generation (5G) is in the commercial phase, while the sixth generation (6G) is in the research phase. The standardization of 6G technology is expected to be launched in 2025, with the first commercial version to be launched in 2030. The specialized journal Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) recently published a study by the China Information and Communications Technology Corporation (CICT) on 6G mobile networks, providing a comprehensive understanding of the next-generation mobile network, which points out two iconic features and supporting technologies based on the 6G vision.
Iconic features
The first iconic feature of 6G technology is the ability to create a virtual world with digital twins, enabling perception in the physical world . This feature will revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT) and pave the way for advanced applications in many different fields.
The second iconic feature of 6G technology is its ability to connect the five human senses to the tactile Internet, the social media universe, and immersive gaming. This breakthrough will redefine the way humans interact with technology and open up new possibilities for communication and entertainment.
Assistive technologies
However, the realization of these iconic features still has significant challenges to overcome. The first challenge is the ability to achieve spatial coverage and wide-area connectivity. Currently, terrestrial mobile communications (4G/5G) only cover economically developed and densely populated areas, which account for 20% of the land area or 6% of the Earth's surface. To overcome this limitation, 6G technology will need the support of integrated terrestrial satellite communications (ITSC), enabling wide-area coverage even in remote, isolated and underserved areas.
The second challenge is to ensure local coverage for access points (APs) in the virtual hyperspace. APs in the virtual hyperspace must provide high data rates, low latency, and large system capacity to deliver a seamless user experience. To address this challenge, 6G technology will be based on user-centric access networks (UCAN), revolutionizing the concept of local coverage and ensuring reliable connectivity for users at any location.
Therefore, 6G technology requires the support of key technologies. These technologies include three-dimensional (3D) reconfigurable network architecture, ultra-high MIMO (E-MIMO) technology, super-dimensional antennas, advanced modulation and coding techniques, new multiple access schemes, integrated sensing and communication capabilities, flexible spectrum sharing mechanisms, and natural intelligence, etc.
Research conducted by CICT provides valuable insights into the future of next-generation mobile communications. The findings of this research are expected to guide the development of 6G and lay the foundation for a new era of connectivity and innovation.
(according to Sciencedirect)
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