Developing a 6G Development Strategy and Roadmap

5G has proven to be more evolutionary than revolutionary. 6G, however, is poised to change the market dramatically. It will integrate new advances, such as AI-native networks and quantum computing, while improving 5G-based technologies, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive IoT, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). Engineers are advancing these technologies through innovation that includes bleeding-edge test solutions. 

6G’s Roadmap

Of course, engineers are guiding their development based on 3GPP. A 6G requirement study began earlier this year, and 6G standards are expected to be included in 3GPP Rel. 21, scheduled for 2025 (figure 1).

Figure 1: Proposed 6G timeline (Source: SP-231044:3GPP TSG#101)

The standards will focus on traditional key performance specifications, as well as other considerations specific to 6G technology. Among the expected features are:

• • Speed and Bandwidth – It is anticipated that 6G will reach speeds of 100 Gbps to 1 Tbps, which is 50X – 100X times faster than 5G. Bandwidth is expected to increase by a similar magnitude.
  • Latency - 6G is poised to reduce latency to the range of 1 millisecond to 1 microsecond, which is 1,000x that of 5G. The added speed will enable ultra-fast communication with virtually no delay.
  • Frequency - 6G will utilize multiple frequency bands. Many use cases will fall in the millimeter-wave (mmWave) 30 GHz to 300 GHz range and terahertz (THz) spectrum from 300 GHz to 3 THz.
  • Network Density – 6G networks will increase network density to the tune of trillions of devices connecting simultaneously.
  • AI Integration – To better manage network complexity, AI will be heavily integrated into 6G. AI will also improve security, optimize real-time performance, and improve autonomous network operation.
  • Sustainability – 6G is expected to be more energy-efficient to reduce the carbon footprint of network infrastructure. It will also emphasize sustainable manufacturing practices.

Top 6G Advances

Engineers working on 6G in the lab are focusing on five areas to advance the technology in accordance with what is expected by the market:

• AI-Native Networks: A Game-changer for Automation – AI-native networks are expected to be at thecore of 6G. AI will be embedded across the 6G network to manage everything from data routing to predicting network failures. Systems will be more intelligent, more adaptive, and highly efficient. Engineers will need a deep understanding of AI and ML algorithms.

As mentioned in the Will 6G Finally Deliver on the Promises of 5G webinar, AI will play a crucial role in optimizing the 6G architecture by providing greater flexibility without added complexity. Engineers will need to become proficient in AI tools, techniques, and algorithms to contribute to the ongoing advancement of autonomous networks.

• eMBB: A New Era of Connectivity – 5G established a baseline with eMBB, but 6G promises to raise the bar. With data rates projected to reach 1 Tbps, 6G will unlock unprecedented possibilities for industries requiring extreme bandwidth.

This will have major implications for engineers. Understanding high-speed data transmission, edge computing, and cloud infrastructure is vital. Engineers should also maintain current with advancements in optical and RF technologies to manage and maintain high-speed networks.

• Massive IoT: The Expansion of a Connected World – From connected cities to automated factories,  the integration of billions of devices will be seamless with 6G. AI plays a significant role in managing vast device ecosystems, creating more dynamic and flexible systems compared to 5G’s fixed configurations.

Engineers working with IoT will need experience in embedded systems, sensor networks, and edge computing. Designing systems that can communicate efficiently at ultra-low power while handling enormous data streams will become essential.

• URLLC: A New Standard for Precision – One 5G promise was enabling real-time communication for mission-critical applications such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgeries. 6G is expected to take it to the next level by significantly improving URLLC with near-instantaneous data transfer speeds and reliability. Engineers will need to master real-time data processing, network security, and signal processing algorithms to design solutions for such essential use cases.
• Joint Communication and Sensing: The New Frontier – One unique feature of 6G is its focus on joint communication and sensing (JCAS). This technology allows the network to transmit data while recognizing the environment, enabling applications such as real-time environmental monitoring,    enhanced radar, and precision tracking in logistics.

For engineers, this represents an entirely new field. Experience in radar systems, wireless communications, and environmental sensors will be crucial in JCAS system development.

Creating a Test Environment

Given the high performance and environments associated with 6G, establishing effective test strategies and processes are necessary. Anritsu is developing collaborations and test solutions to meet the needs of 6G design validation.

The VectorStar™ ME7838 (figure 2) is the only broadband vector network analyzer (VNA) that can continuously measure from DC-220 GHz. The wide frequency coverage allows engineers to measure advances in material measurement, circuit evaluation, and component evaluation for 6G.

Figure 2: The Anritsu VectorStar broadband VNA continuously measures from DC-220 GHz.

Anritsu has also developed a 300 GHz band spectrum measurement system. It is effective for confirming there are no unwanted emissions in 6G systems to ensure there is no interference with conventional communication systems.

Anritsu is also conducting 6G research with Aalborg University in Denmark. The joint research project aims to develop innovative technologies for channel sounding and wireless channel sensing in the frequency bands being considered for 6G. During the research, Anritsu’s VNAs are being integrated with Aalborg University’s antenna measurement system technology.

Conclusion

6G is not expected to be rolled out until 2030, but considerable R&D is underway. To be well-positioned for the next major wireless business case, companies must have a sound strategy. To prepare an effective 6G plan, review this 6G era roadmap.