6G technology, which stands for sixth generation, is the next generation of mobile networks that is expected to succeed 5G. This is a technology that is still in development, but it has the potential to revolutionize telecommunications and the way we interact with the digital world. The paradox is that many of us have not yet fully experienced the power of the 5G network, and we are already talking about the next standard.
Characteristics of the 6G network
At present, 6G technology is expected to achieve download speeds of up to 1 Tbps, or 1 terabyte per second. This is a 'monstrous' figure, considering for example that the already very fast 5G was developed to reach peak speeds of 20 Gbps (20 gigabytes per second, for the record 1 terabyte is 1.000 gigabytes). Even more impressive is the data on latency, i.e. the time between sending a signal and receiving it, another fundamental parameter for telecommunications: well, 6G technology should have a latency of just 1 millisecond, about 100 times lower to that of 5G. As regards network capacity, understood as the amount of data that can be transmitted simultaneously, the 6G standard will be 1.000 times higher than 5G.
These values, which we could almost define as unreal, will allow us to enjoy the first true XR (virtual/augmented reality) systems, streaming of content in AR and 8K, streaming in VR up to 16K (now considered science fiction) and even holograms in high definition. According to experts, 6G will also offer new perspectives for brain-computer interfaces, to achieve something that we probably struggle to understand today, impacting on various fields.
When will 6G arrive?
The date of launch of 6G technology is still a matter of debate among industry experts, but many estimates indicate that it could be introduced on the market within the current decade. Some suggest that the first commercial 6G services will appear around 2030, but it is important to remember that new technologies often experience unexpected delays, as well as sudden accelerations. To provide a point of comparison, the development trend of the old generations of connectivity required around 15 years for the transition from 2G to 3G, around 9 years from 3G to 4G LTE + another 4 to reach 4G LTE-A, finally 6 years to introduce 5G in 2019.
Companies such as Airtel, Anritsu, Apple, Ericsson, Fly, Huawei, Jio, Keysight, LG, Nokia, NTT Docomo, Samsung, Vi and Xiaomi are currently working on the development of 6G, as well as important research institutes including the Technology Innovation Institute of Abu Dhabi and the IMEC – Interuniversity Microelectronics Center of Leuven, Belgium. Numerous countries, including the United States, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, as well as several European Union states, are also paying close attention to 6G technology, with the aim of getting there before competition.
In particular, the United States, which has lagged behind in its ability to supply components and equipment for 5G technology (to the advantage of China), is trying to create a 6G ecosystem in order to recover and regain supremacy in the field of mobile telecommunications infrastructure. . At the same time, the European Union launched the Hexa-X project, as part of the Horizon 2020 programme, which brings together European mobile device manufacturers (Nokia, Ericsson and others) and operators such as the Spanish Telefónica, the French Orange and the Italian company Tim, to define the roadmap and guide the future developments of the 6G standard.
Possible practical applications of 6G
As you may have guessed given its potential, 6G technology will have a significant impact on society, industry and the economy, radically transforming the way we live, work and interact with the digital world. Here are some examples:
Virtual reality and augmented reality: 6G, with latencies reduced to imperceptible levels and ultra-high connection speeds, will make the virtual reality and augmented reality experience extremely realistic. For example, it will be possible to create virtual environments as if they were real, in which people will be able to interact with each other even if physically distant. Furthermore, augmented reality can be used to overlay digital information on the real world, such as driving directions or health information.
Sports and gaming: 6G will fundamentally change the way we watch and play sports. First of all, we will attend streaming events with unprecedented image and audio quality, furthermore with virtual reality we will feel as if we were present at the event while sitting comfortably on the sofa at home. It will also improve the entertainment experience, come on casino online, sports betting and online gaming.
Connected cars and autonomous driving: 6G technology will support ultra-fast communication between vehicles, road infrastructure and traffic management systems. This will be essential for the safety and efficiency of self-driving cars, allowing them to exchange information in real time and make instant decisions based on continuously updated data. According to many experts, autonomous driving will only really take hold with the implementation of 6G.
Medicine: 6G connectivity will enable significant advancements in telemedicine. Surgeons will be able to perform remote surgeries with extreme precision, while smart medical devices will transmit real-time data to monitor patients' health. Remote diagnoses and treatment management will become more effective thanks to the ultra-fast and reliable connection. The impact on medicine is one of the most fascinating aspects of 6G: experts expect significant, almost revolutionary help.
Robotics: with 6G i robots and machines they will be able to communicate instantly, optimizing the production chain in factories and also bringing benefits to logistics and manufacturing.
Education and learning: thanks to 6G, schools and universities will become more interactive and engaging. Students will be able to participate in real-time virtual lessons with a connection quality that emulates physical presence, opening the door to more immersive and personalized learning experiences. This will allow us to offer quality education to everyone, regardless of their geographical location.