Revolution or Evolution? Technical Requirements and Considerations towards 6G Mobile Communications

Saddam Alraih; Ibraheem Shayea; Mehran Behjati; Rosdiadee Nordin; Nor Fadzilah Abdullah; Asma’ Abu-Samah; Dalia Nandi

doi:10.3390/s22030762

Sensors (Jan 2022)

Revolution or Evolution? Technical Requirements and Considerations towards 6G Mobile Communications

Saddam Alraih,
Ibraheem Shayea,
Mehran Behjati,
Rosdiadee Nordin,
Nor Fadzilah Abdullah,
Asma’ Abu-Samah,
Dalia Nandi

Affiliations

Saddam Alraih: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
Ibraheem Shayea: Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul 34467, Turkey
Mehran Behjati: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
Rosdiadee Nordin: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
Nor Fadzilah Abdullah: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
Asma’ Abu-Samah: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
Dalia Nandi: Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Kalyani 741235, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s22030762
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 22, no. 3
p. 762

Abstract

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Ever since the introduction of fifth generation (5G) mobile communications, the mobile telecommunications industry has been debating whether 5G is an “evolution” or “revolution” from the previous legacy mobile networks, but now that 5G has been commercially available for the past few years, the research direction has recently shifted towards the upcoming generation of mobile communication system, known as the sixth generation (6G), which is expected to drastically provide significant and evolutionary, if not revolutionary, improvements in mobile networks. The promise of extremely high data rates (in terabits), artificial intelligence (AI), ultra-low latency, near-zero/low energy, and immense connected devices is expected to enhance the connectivity, sustainability, and trustworthiness and provide some new services, such as truly immersive “extended reality” (XR), high-fidelity mobile hologram, and a new generation of entertainment. Sixth generation and its vision are still under research and open for developers and researchers to establish and develop their directions to realize future 6G technology, which is expected to be ready as early as 2028. This paper reviews 6G mobile technology, including its vision, requirements, enabling technologies, and challenges. Meanwhile, a total of 11 communication technologies, including terahertz (THz) communication, visible light communication (VLC), multiple access, coding, cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CF-mMIMO) zero-energy interface, intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), and infusion of AI/machine learning (ML) in wireless transmission techniques, are presented. Moreover, this paper compares 5G and 6G in terms of services, key technologies, and enabling communications techniques. Finally, it discusses the crucial future directions and technology developments in 6G.

Published in Sensors

ISSN: 1424-8220 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Technology: Chemical technology
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors

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