Skip to content
The rollout of 5G wireless networks is still underway globally, but researchers are already looking ahead to what comes next – 6G. This future sixth generation of cellular network technology promises massive leaps in speed, latency, capacity, and capabilities compared to previous generations.
In this blog, we’ll explore what 6G is, its potential timeline, the key benefits and capabilities it aims to deliver, the technologies that could enable it, the challenges to overcome, and why it’s important to start preparations now even though commercial 6G is still years away.
What is 6G?
6G refers to the successor to 5G cellular connectivity that is currently in research and development. As with the transition from 3G to 4G and from 4G to 5G, 6G will bring major improvements in network performance and new features.
The primary goals of 6G technology include:
- Much faster data speeds – Target peak speeds are around 1 terabyte per second, about 100 times faster than peak 5G.
- Lower latency – Latency could be reduced to 0.1 millisecond for uses requiring extremely fast response times.
- Increased connection density – More devices connected per unit area to support massive Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.
- Ultra reliability – More robust connections and near zero downtime even in challenging deployment scenarios.
- New capabilities – Enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communications, ultra-reliable low latency links, and precision sensing.
When is 6G Coming?
Experts estimate 6G may start becoming commercially available around 2030. The early research and standardization efforts are already underway, but it will take time to develop the necessary technologies and infrastructure.
The transition from 5G to 6G is likely to be gradual, with the two generations co-existing for a number of years. Initial 6G capabilities may launch in the late 2020s, with more widespread coverage coming in the 2030s.
Key Benefits and Capabilities of 6G
Some of the highly anticipated benefits and capabilities enabled by 6G include:
Much Faster Data Speeds
With estimated peak speeds up to 1 terabyte per second, 6G will revolutionize bandwidth-intensive applications. For perspective, it would be possible to download an entire 1.5 hour high-definition movie in seconds on a 6G network.
Reduced Latency
Latency refers to the time it takes for data to get from point A to point B on the network. That lag time could be reduced to 0.1 millisecond on 6G. This enhanced responsiveness could enable innovative applications like truly real-time collaboration and feedback.
More Reliable Connections
6G aims to provide “always on” near 100% uptime connectivity with strong coverage even in challenging environments like deep indoors or rural areas. Reliability and consistency are key for critical Industrial IoT use cases.
Higher Connection Density
6G is being designed to support over 1 million devices per square kilometer, facilitating massive IoT deployments. Micro-sensors everywhere could connect into a 6G-enabled smart city or environment.
New Experiences
With its collection of advanced capabilities, 6G could enable immersive extended reality collaboration, life-like high-fidelity hologram sharing, multi-sensory digital realities, and seamless integration of computing and communications.
Key 6G Technologies
Researchers are exploring a number of promising technologies to achieve the vision of 6G, including:
- New radio access technologies like sub-terahertz and visible light communication.
- Advanced antenna systems such as 3D beamforming “massive” MIMO.
- AI and machine learning applications throughout the network stack.
- Infrastructure densification through small cells, device-to-device links, and mesh topologies.
- Terahertz frequency bands which can enable faster data transfer speeds.
- Nano materials and metamaterials for efficiently generating and directing terahertz waves.
- Quantum information science applications to improve security, sensing, and positioning accuracy.
Challenges to Overcome
Significant technical challenges remain to make 6G commercially viable, including:
- Designing hardware that can efficiently operate at high terahertz frequencies.
- Managing interference and security risks from ultra-dense networks.
- Solving the massive spike in data processing, storage, and analytics requirements.
- Ensuring energy-efficient operation despite the increased complexity.
- Developing quantum-safe cryptography resistant to quantum computing attacks.
- Offering backward compatibility with legacy networks during the transition.
Why 6G Preparations Must Start Now
The advanced capabilities promised by 6G require extensive foundational research. Teams around the world are already exploring the potential building blocks for 6G, such as prototypes for terahertz networks.
It’s essential to start 6G preparations this early for several reasons:
- The long standardization process requires years of technology trials and consensus building.
- Manufacturers need time to develop affordable 6G-enabled devices.
- Infrastructure rollout logistics will be complex, especially installing ultralight cells.
- Spectrum allocation lobbying must occur to access new high-frequency bands.
- Novel applications leveraging 6G’s advantages can be envisioned and incubated.
While commercial 6G is still over the horizon, researchers and industry players are already hard at work engineering the next giant leap in wireless connectivity. The 6G era promises massive advances in mobile broadband capabilities, network reliability, responsiveness, and scale to enable the next wave of digital transformation.
