6 Things to know about 6G
The pace of change in telecommunications is accelerating every year. Even with 5G not yet fully implemented across Australia
Published on the 17 September 2024
The pace of change in telecommunications is accelerating every year. Even with 5G not yet fully implemented across Australia, researchers are already looking to what’s next – 6G technologies.
UNSW expert Dr. Shaghik Atakaramians, Senior Lecturer in the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, emphasises the need for this progress, due to an increasing dependence on fast, reliable data transfer.
“In the next 10 years, we can expect massive changes and new technologies coming into our lives which will require more and more connectivity at higher speeds as we transfer more and more data”, says Dr. Atakaramians.
6G has the potentially to completely revolutionise our worlds – and here are 6 key things to know about this incredible technology.
What is 6G?
6G is the sixth generation of wireless communication technologies, transmitting signals at much higher frequency bands than currently used. While 5G covers frequencies from about 0.4 GHz to 114 GHz – with speeds up to 10 gigabytes per second – 6G allows for more data to flow faster. This new bandwidth capacity is essential for handling the massive data demands of future technologies.
What is the terahertz gap?
6G operates in the 'terahertz gap,' with frequencies between roughly 100 GHz and 10 THz. This sits in a ‘gap’ on the electromagnetic spectrum between existing radio waves and infrared light, where such radiation could not be generated until just a few decades ago.
What are the benefits of 6G?
The primary benefit of 6G is its potential data transfer speed, with research suggesting speeds around 1,024 gigabytes per second—about 100 times faster than 5G. Increased bandwidth allows more information to be transferred at any given moment. Another benefit of 6G is through enhanced security and imaging capabilities. It could help detect illegal substances in packages without opening them and provide safer medical scanning alternatives to X-rays too.
What are the challenges for 6G?
A major challenge for 6G at frequencies above 100 GHz is signal attenuation – or a weakening of the signal. To overcome this, researchers are working on developing beam steering which focuses signals much more accurately and directs it to a specific point. Additionally, existing copper interconnects are inadequate for terahertz frequencies, so research is underway to develop polymer fiber wires and low-loss waveguides that support the necessary bandwidth for 6G communications.
How can 6G be applied in the real world?
6G’s ultra-high speeds and low latency (microseconds) will benefit nearly every industry. A key development is expected to be in real-time telesurgery, as well as other healthcare processes such as patient monitoring, and real-time analysis of MRI and CT scans. Autonomous vehicles will also benefit from rapid data transfer from sensors ensuring safety. Near-field communications will enhance data security, while battlefield communications will benefit from localized signals that are harder to intercept. 6G could also signal the arrival of new developments – like multi-sensory extended reality and virtual environments.
When will 6G be available?
6G standards and frequencies are still being defined. The International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023 began discussions on the radio-frequency spectrum, with final decisions expected by 2027.
Until then, research and development will continue, with applications likely to emerge shortly after regulations are set. This means that from as early as 2028, we could be entering an exciting new era of 6G.
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