What is 6G Technology: The Future of Wireless Communication

Wireless communication technology has transformed how we connect, from voice calls, and messaging to emails and high-speed internet. First, there was 1G, then 2G, followed by 3G. You guessed it—4G and now 5G. But what's next?

Mobile communication dates back to the 1940s with radio-based systems, and the first generation of mobile networks or cellular networks emerged between the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Each generation has built on previous limitations, improving connectivity, and speed, which has shaped the mobile networks we rely on today.

As for what comes next, the next generation of wireless technology is 6G. It promises faster speeds, more connectivity, and enhanced functionalities in AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics.

Let’s explore 6G and what it aims to achieve, and also how wireless communication technology has progressed through different generations.

The 6G network is the sixth generation of wireless communication technology, and the successor of 5G technology. It represents the next evolution of wireless technology for mobile systems. 6G would enable more devices connect to a network simultaneously without degradation in speed and quality. Its core goal is to achieve communication with a delay of 1 microsecond compared to the delay of 1 millisecond in 5G, ensuring seamless communication.

This technology is currently in development and will be commercially available by 2030.

6G aims to build on 5G by utilizing higher frequencies which can carry more data compared to 5G networks. While 5G operates on frequencies up to 100 gigahertz (GHz), 6G would utilize the terahertz (THz) spectrum, which ranges from 95 GHz to 3 THz. It would also incorporate distributed radio access networks (RAN) to improve efficiency and network coverage.

In terms of performance, 5G speed reaches up to 10Gbps (gigabits per second), whereas 6 G's expected speed is 1Tbps (terabit per second), making it 100x faster than 5G.

Additionally, 6G will integrate AI and machine learning for improved network management and the development of more intelligent applications. Its high capacity and speed will also support IoT devices and other advanced technologies.

Remember those landline phones with the cable, where you had to stay in a spot to take calls or had to stretch out the cord as far as it could go to have a little privacy? Mobile phones with wireless signals solved that problem allowing us to move from one location to another while staying connected.

Wireless technology is considered a subset of communication technology that refers to the transmission of data without physical connections like wires, instead, it uses radio waves or infrared signals.

There are several wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, cellular networks, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) infrared, and Li-Fi (Light Fidelity). Additionally, wireless devices, and applications including smartphones, and wireless headphones rely on these technologies to communicate.

In this case, our focus lies on cellular networks that enable mobile communication, internet, and multimedia services such as 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G.

Cellular network also called mobile network is a type of communication system that enables wireless communication between mobile devices.

This communication system, or connectivity, is achieved by dividing geographic areas into smaller cells or compact zones. Each cell site or base station, which is the stationary receiver, provides service within its designated cell.

These cell sites are linked to each other and to a core network, either through wired or wireless connections, enabling communication across different locations.

In a nutshell, a cellular network works as follows: When you make a call or use mobile data, your device sends a radio signal to the nearest cell station. If you move between calls or while using mobile data, for instance, from one location to another, a handover occurs seamlessly, transferring your connection to the next cell tower without losing the signal.

Additionally, data routing ensures that your call or internet request is directed through switching centres either to the receiving mobile device or the internet.

The First Generation:

The first generation of mobile networks, known as 1G was introduced in Japan by NTT(Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) in 1979. It was later adopted by countries like the USA in 1983, and the UK in 1985.

1G networks supported voice calls only, relying on analogue signals for communication based on analogue technology known as Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) which used Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA- channelization protocol that allows users to send data through a single communication channel.) modulations.

1G networks channel capacity was 30KHz with a speed of 2.4kbps.

To enable coverage along far distances, cell towers were built around the country. However, 1G had certain limitations, including signal interference issues, poor call quality, and security issues making it vulnerable to hackers.

The Second Generation:

In 1991, 1G was replaced with 2G, which introduced digital signalling instead of analogue technology used in 1G. Built on digital technology, 2G uses a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) offering significant improvements in call quality and capacity.

2G offered bandwidths ranging from 30KHz to 200KHz and data speeds of up to 64kbps. Unlike 1G, 2G users could send short message service (SMS) and multimedia messaging service (MMS).

As GSM technology improved, 2.5G was introduced, incorporating packet-switched data transmission through General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and also Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE). This technology allowed users to send and receive emails, and browse the web.

The Third Generation:

Third-generation 3G technology, which emerged in the early 2000s and is based on Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) is still in use today. It is faster than 2G, with data speeds reaching 14Mbps. This improvement from 2G enables users to make video calls, share files, browse the internet efficiently. It serves as a backup in areas where 4G is not available.

The Fourth Generation

The fourth generation introduced Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology ushering in an era of faster download with speeds ranging from 10Mbps to 1Gbps, and more reliable connectivity with better latency, improved voice quality, instant messaging, social media access, high-quality streaming, and faster downloads.

The Fifth Generation

The fifth generation, also known as the revolution introduced faster speeds, and greater network capacity, enabling advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT), such as smart homes, smart equipment’s, and self-driving cars and so on.

Compared to its predecessors, 5G is 20x faster with speed ranging from 100Mbps - 10Gbps. It also features lower latency of 1ms (millisecond) and includes advanced security enhancements.

6G aims to enhance and extend the limits of wireless communications. Here are a few reasons why it would be different from its predecessors.

Extraordinary Speed: 6G network is expected to reach speeds of 1 terabit per second, making it 100x faster than 5G.

Close to Zero Latency: 6G is expected to have latency as low as 1 microsecond, enabling a seamless user experience with a very fast response time.

AI Optimization: 6G will integrate AI and machine learning into its architecture, making networks more intelligent and adaptable. It will also dynamically manage and improve performance, enhancing user experience

Advanced Connectivity: 6G would support the connection of trillions of devices, including smart cities, transportation systems, and other advanced IoT applications while maintaining network speed.

Holographic and Immersive Connection: 6G will enable holographic communications and immersive experiences, transforming work, entertainment, health, and other sectors

Sustainable Networks: 6G will introduce energy-efficient systems and renewable-powered infrastructure to support global green initiatives.

Expensive to Develop: Setting up, running, and maintaining 6G infrastructure is expensive. The hardware combined with AI, edge computing, and cloud data systems, along with the construction of new towers would require a huge investment.

Security Risk: 6G is expected to be highly vulnerable because securing vast amounts of data requires advanced encryption, identifying and mitigating risk would become complex as the network grows. Largely centralized systems are targets for cyberattacks.

6G would bring advancements across various industries, and enable applications such as:

• Autonomous Vehicles, Smart Traffic Management Systems: Enhancing self-driving technology and also optimizing the flow of traffic with real-time data.

• Smart Healthcare and AI-assisted Surgeries: AI-assisted remote surgeries with real-time haptic feedback, and fast transmission of medical imaging for accurate diagnosis.

• Holographic Communication and Extended Reality: 3D holograms for virtual meetings, and immersive gaming experiences.

• Smart Cities: 6G IoT sensors for environmental monitoring

• Brain-Computer Interfaces and Human enhancement: Neural implants enabling direct communication between the brain and the device.

6G technology is still under development. However, it aims to revolutionize the way devices connect to networks by leveraging distributed Radio Access Network (RAN) and terahertz (THz) spectrum to increase its capacity, reduce latency, and enhance data sharing.

It will also enable high-fidelity holographic communication, and AI-driven networks. In this new era, buffering, lags and disconnections will become obsolete, as 6G aims to deliver seamless and ultra-fast connectivity.