Engineers were instrumental in developing 5G standards. Those standards, however, did not create a smooth transition to practical solutions. As 6G development is underway, engineers have a unique opportunity to learn from the previous approach so there is a better correlation between technology and real-world businesses and consumer needs. This blog will explore how engineers can effectively influence 6G development to create a more seamless transition from concept to deployment.
5G Learnings
5G was designed to revolutionize mobile connectivity, with promises of greater bandwidth, enhanced mobile broadband (emBB), Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). While it has delivered on many promises, the road to implementation revealed several potholes. Despite significant investment in 5G networks, some advanced use cases, such as real-time remote surgery and autonomous vehicle management, have yet to see widespread adoption.
One key issue with the rollout of 5G was the gap between standardization and real-world applications. After 3GPP standards were developed, stakeholders often failed to follow through by creating the products and ecosystems necessary to support those standards. This has led to limited return on investment (ROI) for operators to date. Engineers can help ensure that 6G avoids this pitfall by focusing on practical, scalable solutions that work across industries and use cases.
Building Flexibility into 6G Standards
Flexibility was thought to be a strength of 5G during its development. The technology would support various applications across different industries. Flexibility, however, also led to complexity, particularly in the 5G core, where service-based architecture and network function virtualization added layers of difficulty. Engineers need to strike a better balance between flexibility and simplicity with 6G.
3GPP addresses 6G in Release 20 and standards will be part of Release 21, scheduled for 2028. So, there is time for engineers to have their voices heard in 6G standards development. Actually, it will be necessary for engineers to speak up to balance the adaptability needed for diverse applications with less complexity. By prioritizing streamlined architectures and focusing on interoperability, engineers can help make 6G more accessible and cost-effective to implement.
Addressing Real-world Needs Early
A lesson learned from 5G is that standardization needs to be founded in real-world needs, not just technological possibilities. While 5G’s promises of low-latency, ultra-fast broadband, and IoT integration were exciting, many industries lacked the infrastructure or business models to leverage these capabilities fully. As a result, 5G’s most advanced use cases have struggled to gain massive adoption.
For 6G to achieve desired (some will say necessary) success, engineers need to engage early on with stakeholders across industries to understand requirements and issues. By collaborating with decision makers in healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and other key use cases, engineers can help create standards that are more closely aligned with real-world applications. Early engagement will help ensure that 6G delivers practical solutions that businesses can adopt from day one.
The Role of AI in 6G
A defining feature of 6G will be its integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Unlike 5G, where AI was often applied in isolated use cases, 6G is expected to have AI embedded across the network. This AI-native approach will allow for real-time network management, predictive maintenance, and dynamic resource optimization.
Engineers will play a crucial role in developing the frameworks and algorithms that make AI integration possible. They will need to ensure that AI systems can communicate effectively across different network layers and that the data generated by AI is handled securely and efficiently. Open standards and interoperable systems can help create a 6G network that is flexible, adaptive, and future-proof.
Ensuring Sustainability and Global Accessibility
As the world becomes more connected, there is a growing focus on ensuring that future technologies are sustainable and accessible to everyone. 6G will need to support more than technological advancements. Societal goals, especially equitable Internet access, reducing energy consumption, and promoting economic growth, are on the 6G agenda.
Engineers can help shape 6G to be a force for positive global impact by developing standards that prioritize sustainability and accessibility. This might involve designing networks that are energy-efficient, promoting open access to communication technologies in underserved regions, or working on solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of data centers and other infrastructure. A focus on these goals from the outset can help 6G take a technological step toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Embracing Collaboration and Open Innovation
As 6G standards begin to take shape, collaboration between the private sector, academia, and governments will be vital. Market leaders, such as Anritsu, are part of several global initiatives, such as the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association in Europe and the Next G Alliance in the United States, to develop 6G technologies. Engineers can contribute to these efforts by sharing their expertise and insights from different sectors.
Open innovation, where companies and researchers work together to solve shared challenges, will be critical to 6G’s success. By participating in open standards development, engineers can help 6G technologies be interoperable and accessible to as many population segments as possible. This collaborative approach will also accelerate innovation, allowing new applications and services to emerge more quickly.
Anritsu recognizes the need and importance of collaboration. It is participating on a global scale with other market leaders to develop 6G technologies. Examples include:
- Korea Radio Promotion Association (RAPA) has opened the Anritsu 5G-Advanced and 6G Test Lab, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
- A collaboration with Aalborg University in Denmark is leading to the development of new techniques for channel sounding and communication channel sensing in the millimeter wave (mmWave) and terahertz (THz) bands.
- NTT and Anritsu collaborated on a showcase of end-to-end 400G testing for IOWN Global Forum Open All-Photonic Networks (Open APN).
- A collaboration with the University of Texas at Dallas to develop a state-of-the-art orchestration system that combines OpenROADM and IPoDWDM for network management and network quality monitoring.
Conclusion
6G represents a unique opportunity for engineers to shape the future of communications from the ground up. By learning from 5G challenges, focusing on real-world applications, and embracing collaboration, engineers can help create a wireless ecosystem that meets the needs of industry, individuals, and society. As 6G development continues, engineers’ role will be vital in ensuring that this new technology delivers on its promises and transforms industries across the globe.
To learn more about 6G development, read this blog on how 6G will build off the 5G foundation.
