While we are still settling with the capabilities of 5G, the tech industry is already looking ahead to the next big thing: 6G. This future generation of wireless technology promises to bring unprecedented advancements, revolutionising how we connect and interact with our devices and surroundings.
But what exactly is 6G? How does it differ from 5G, and when can we expect it to become a reality? In this week’s MSP Explained, we will dive into just that. So let’s get started.
What is 6G?
As the name suggests, 6G is the sixth generation of wireless technology. It will operate on higher frequencies, including the terahertz (THz) band, which is currently underutilised. This advancement is expected to result in data transfer rates reaching up to 1 terabit per second (Tbps), 50 times faster than 5G. Additionally, 6G aims for ultra-low latency communication of just 1 microsecond, a big improvement over 5G’s 1 millisecond latency.
The technology is said to enhance traditional communication and integrate advanced capabilities such as machine-to-machine (M2M) connections, cognitive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and improved wireless sensing technologies. This integration is also expected to facilitate new applications in areas like smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and enhanced virtual reality experiences.
6G vs 5G: What are the Benefits?
While 5G has opened up new possibilities, 6G aims to further amplify these capabilities. Here are the primary advantages 6G will offer over 5G:
| Feature | 5G | 6G |
| Maximum Speed | Up to 20 Gbps |
Up to 1 Tbps (1000 Gbps)
|
| User-Experienced Speed | 100 Mbps | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Latency | Approximately 1 ms |
Less than 0.1 ms
|
| Device Capacity | Supports up to 1 million devices/km² |
Supports up to 10 million devices/km²
|
| Spectral Efficiency | Moderate |
Significantly higher, allowing for more simultaneous connections
|
| Applications Supported | IoT, autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare |
Advanced AR/VR, telemedicine, smart cities, autonomous systems
|
When will 6G Arrive?
The journey to 6G is still in its early stages, with research and development gaining momentum in 2023. Most industry experts predict we will see the first commercial rollouts of 6G in around 2030. This timeframe aligns with the typical ten-year development cycle that mobile network generations follow.
How Will 6G Work?
6G will build on the foundation set by 5G but with a distinct focus on pushing the limits of data speed, capacity, and network intelligence. The technology will likely operate on frequencies in the terahertz (THz) range, a jump from the millimetre-wave frequencies used in 5G. Terahertz waves allow data to travel faster, although they have shorter ranges and are more susceptible to obstacles. Consequently, 6G may require advanced infrastructure, such as ultra-dense networks with more antenna sites and satellite support.
Moreover, unlike the traditional hub-and-spoke model of previous generations, 6G may employ mesh networking where devices can communicate directly with one another, enhancing coverage and reliability.
Semiconductor for 6G
In 6G, semiconductor selection is crucial, given the extreme demands of the terahertz (THz) spectrum. It’s all about handling super-high frequencies and achieving a robust and clear signal. Power amplifiers (PA) and low-noise amplifiers (LNA) help maximise the signal’s strength and quality. To work effectively in the higher sub-terahertz range (100 GHz – 300 GHz), transistors in these semiconductors need to perform at least five times the carrier frequency. Right now, only certain technologies—like silicon-germanium (SiGe) and indium phosphide (InP)—can meet these extreme requirements.
What are the Challenges in 6G?
Just like everything in life, 6G also has its own set of challenges. One primary hurdle is the ultra-high frequency bands, which 6G aims to use for faster speeds and greater capacity. While these high frequencies allow for rapid data transmission, they also suffer from limited range and obstacles like walls or weather, reducing signal reliability. Developing infrastructure to support these frequencies, such as dense arrays of small cells, is complex and expensive, requiring substantial investment in both urban and rural areas to ensure widespread accessibility.
Another challenge lies in meeting 6G’s ambitious goals for latency and security. 6G aspires to deliver near-zero latency, essential for applications like real-time holographic communication, remote surgery, and autonomous driving. Achieving such minimal delay is technologically daunting, as it requires synchronisation across a network infrastructure capable of instantly managing immense amounts of data.
On top of that, as 6G will power more critical applications, it must have more robust cybersecurity measures to protect against increasing cyber threats. This adds complexity to its design, as safeguarding 6G networks from potential attacks and data breaches requires innovative encryption methods and real-time threat detection systems, all while maintaining high-speed performance.
Companies Working on 6G Technology
Several players in the telecommunications industry are actively researching and developing 6G technologies, including, Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, Huawei, and more.
6G Development in India
India has been actively preparing for the development of 6G. The government has already launched the Bharat 6G Vision document, which outlines the roadmap for 6G research and deployment in the country, aiming for a rollout around 2030.
This initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in collaboration with academia, research institutions, and other industry leaders. Its plan includes establishing research hubs like the 6G Test Bed and Innovation Centres to explore the technology’s potential and overcome technical challenges unique to the Indian context.
Conclusion
6G promises to revolutionise the way we live, work, and interact with technology. By offering unprecedented speeds, low latency, and high capacity, 6G will enable a new era of innovation and connectivity. As the development of the 6G continues, we can look forward to a future where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, making them more efficient, convenient, and enjoyable.
