What does 6G Promise and What are the Challenges?

5G mmWave is yet to take off, however, the 6G research has already started. But what is 6G exactly?

It's no secret that the tech industry is advancing incredibly fast. Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Automation, Robotics, 3D printing, Blockchain and wireless communication protocols, such as 4G and 5G, have driven the pace of development. But now, the 6G network is all set to change the way you consume data.

6G technology is the sixth generation of wireless technology that will improve and enhance our current mobile network infrastructure through greater optimization and higher data transfer speeds. The new technology will use a higher frequency spectrum than 5G and is expected to provide lower latency and higher bandwidth capacities.

According to IDTechEx, by exploiting the large bandwidth in THz frequency band, 6G is expected to enable 1 Tbps data rate. However, this rate is very challenging to achieve as a large continuous bandwidth is required but in reality, bandwidths that are available for use are limited and split over different bands. Another aspect is that spectral efficiency makes a direct trade-off with the required Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) for detection. The higher the required SNR, the shorter the respective range becomes due to transmitted power limitations at high frequencies as well as added noise. As an example, Samsung's state-of-the-art D-band phase array transmitter prototype currently demonstrates the furthest travel distance of 120m but only achieving 2.3 Gbps. Other groups show higher data rate, but the over-the-air travel distance is only at centimetre level.

To further improve link range as well as enhance data rate, several requirements are needed to be considered when designing a 6G radio. For example, selecting appropriate semiconductors to boost link range is critical; as is picking low-loss materials with a small dielectric constant and tan loss to prevent substantial transmission loss. To further reduce transmission loss, a new packaging strategy that tightly integrates RF components with antennas is required. However, one must remember that as devices get increasingly compact, power and thermal management become even more critical.

In addition to device design, network deployment strategy is also a crucial area to research in order to address NLOS and power consumption challenges. Establishing a heterogeneous smart electromagnetic (EM) environment, for example, is being investigated utilising a wide range of technologies, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) or repeaters.