It’s expected to take several years before 6G networks become a reality, likely around 2030 according to experts. However, leading experts worldwide have already started researching the next generation of networks.

The University of Sydney predicts that potential 6G networks could be much faster than 5G, possibly up to 100 times faster and even reaching speeds of 1 terabit per second. But beyond just speed improvements, 6G will bring new technologies and connectivity.

What is 6G?

6G is like the upgraded version of 5G, the latest wireless tech we use. It’s expected to be even better, with faster speeds and less delay. This is because 6G will use higher frequencies than 5G, which means it can handle more data at once and respond quicker.

One big goal of 6G is to make communication almost instant – we’re talking really tiny delays, just one-millionth of a second! To compare, this is 1,000 times faster than the delays we have with 5G, which is already quite speedy.

In the future, 6G could make a big impact in different areas. For example, it could make images and videos clearer and more detailed. It might also improve technology that helps devices know where they are and whose around them. With the help of artificial intelligence, 6G could figure out the best ways to do tasks like storing data, processing information, and sharing data between devices.

But here’s the catch: 6G isn’t ready to use just yet. Even though some companies are putting money into making it a reality, it’ll still be a few years before we see products that can actually use 6G. So, while the future looks promising, we’ll need to wait a bit longer for it to arrive.

What are the advantages of 6G vs. 5G?

6G networks work with higher-frequency signals. Although we can’t be sure of the exact 6G data speeds yet, Dr. Mahyar Shirvanimoghaddam from the University of Sydney thinks reaching 1 terabyte per second for wireless data could be possible. This estimate is for short bursts of data over short distances. In 2021, LG, a company from South Korea, introduced a similar technology using adaptive beamforming.

6G’s improved capacity and faster response won’t just make existing 5G uses better but will also open up new possibilities in wireless connections, thinking computers, sensing things, and making images. With 6G, spots that connect devices will handle many clients at once using special technology.

Because of 6G’s higher frequencies, it can gather data faster than 5G. This will mean better performance and quicker data. Using tiny waves and selecting which frequencies work best will also help advance wireless sensing.

Unlike 5G, 6G networks will automatically include something called mobile edge computing. As 6G starts working, computing on the edge and deep inside will be combined smoothly. This will have many good effects as 6G gets used. It’ll give better access to smart computer skills and will strongly support advanced devices and systems.

How will 6G work?

In the world of 6G wireless sensing solutions, there’s an idea that they will use different frequencies to measure how things absorb signals and then change those frequencies as needed. This can work because atoms and molecules naturally give off and take in electromagnetic signals at certain frequencies, and these frequencies are always the same for each type of substance.

When 6G technology arrives, it could have big effects in many parts of government and business. This is especially true for keeping the public safe and protecting important things. Some of these effects include:

• Finding possible dangers.
• Keeping an eye on people’s health.
• Making things like recognizing faces possible.
• Helping with choices in areas like law enforcement and systems that give people social scores.
• Checking how clean the air is.
• Noticing harmful gases and poisons.
• Making things that feel like real experiences using our senses.

These improvements will also be good for things like smartphones and other mobile networks. And they’ll help new ideas like smart cities, cars that can drive themselves, and technologies that make virtual reality and augmented reality possible.

In this article, feature the top ten competitors in the competition for 6G technology

1. Apple

Apple seems to be exploring 6G technology independently. The company has posted job listings for engineers focused on internal 6G research. They invite these engineers to work on solving challenges and creating wireless technology that will impact future Apple products. Apple has also joined the ‘Next G Alliance’ to contribute to 6G research.

2. Orange

Orange, a major telecom operator, is actively shaping 6G technology. They’re involved in collaborative research projects like the Hexa-X project, the NGMN Alliance, and the IOWN Global Forum. They released a whitepaper in March 2022 outlining their perspective on 6G.

3. AT&T

AT&T, a significant player in US telecom, is at the forefront of advancing 6G. Even though 5G is just starting to gain traction, AT&T believes in preparing for the next phase. They’re leading research and standards beyond 5G, and they helped establish a 6G research center at the University of Texas.

4. Qualcomm

Semiconductor firm Qualcomm, is focused on maximizing 5G Advanced and developing 6G by 2030. They see 6G as not just improving communication but also enhancing AI, sensing, and eco-friendly tech. Qualcomm aims to build upon 5G’s foundation to create innovative technologies for the future.

5. NTT DOCOMO

Japanese mobile provider NTT DOCOMO, with over 86 million subscribers, is a global contributor to network evolution from 3G to 5G and beyond. They’ve shifted focus to 6G R&D and have been publishing research since 2017. They partnered with Nokia in 2022 and released the DOCOMO 6G White Paper in 2020.

6. LG

LG is a technology leader forging partnerships to advance 6G. They successfully tested 6G Terahertz data transmission, and they’re contributing to core 6G tech development. Dr. Lee Ki-dong of LG USA’s Research and Standards Lab chairs the Next G Alliance’s Applications Working Group.

7. Samsung

Samsung, researchers are setting standards for next-gen communication. They combine communication tech with software and AI capabilities to shape 6G and explore new business opportunities. They’ve announced a UK research group for 6G tech and released a whitepaper on acquiring frequencies.

8. Huawei

Huawei, started 6G research in 2017, envisioning it as a catalyst for connected intelligence. They see 6G as a distributed neural network interconnecting communication, sensing, and computation. They released a whitepaper called “6G: The Next Horizon” outlining their 6G vision.

9. Ericsson

Ericsson, a 5G pioneer, provides solutions for efficient networks. They envision 6G as an integrated entity bridging cyber-physical divisions, built on trustworthy systems and cognitive networks. They’re part of initiatives like Hexa-X and the Next G Alliance.

10. Nokia

Nokia, known for innovation, is shaping 6G through the Hexa-X initiative and the Next G Alliance. They’re a key player in fundamental tech for 5G and beyond, and they forecast 6G commercialization around 2030.”

Please note that this restated version maintains the key points and information from the original text while using simpler and more common language.

Conclusion

The arrival of 6G networks is expected around 2030, as experts worldwide delve into its potential. Envisioned to be incredibly fast, up to 100 times faster than 5G, 6G promises new technologies and connections. Notable companies like Apple, Orange, AT&T, Qualcomm, NTT DOCOMO, LG, Samsung, Huawei, Ericsson, and Nokia are actively pioneering 6G’s evolution. Commercialization is projected by 2030, shaping the future of communication.