What is 6G?
6G is the sixth generation of mobile communications, the introduction of which is expected in the second half
The concept itself assumes a broader understanding of networks, including not only mobile standards, but also fixed communication networks. Therefore, in some cases they are referred to as NET-2030 or 6G / NET-2030.
- Technology characteristics
In order to formulate precise requirementsto 6G technology, The International Telecommunication Union organized a focus group FG NET-2030. FG-NET-2030 in May 2019 already developed and adopted the document: Network 2030 - A Blueprint of Technology, Applications and Market Drivers Towards the Year 2030 and Beyond.
- Research
Currently researching technology,that claim to be part of 6G / NET-2030 are engaged by several research groups, whose proposals and vision of technology compete with each other. Their efforts at the start of development are focused on the use of technologies that could not be implemented in 5G / IMT-2020 networks, but, presumably, will become available for implementation by the industry during the implementation of the next generation of data transmission technologies after 5G / IMT-2020.
Among 6G researchers there areinter-university project ComSenTer (USA), a research group at the University of Oulu (Finland), which announced the launch of the world's first experimental 6G infrastructure segment 6Genesis, Southeastern University in the Chinese province of Jiangsu.
- What are 6G networks for?
It is expected that 6G communication networks will use terahertz and sub-terahertz frequency ranges and provide a significantly lower level of data transmission delay than 5G/IMT-2020 networks.
One of the technologies that can beimplemented in the sixth generation of cellular communications, is the use of radio-photonic digital antenna arrays at base stations in combination with Massive MIMO technology. In this case, options for base stations with antenna systems that form about 250 beams of the radiation pattern in the working sector are being considered.
Among the requirements for 6G networks are foreignexperts indicate data transfer rates from 100 Gbit/s to 1 Tbit/s, while artificial intelligence systems will be used to manage networks.
In 2018, China announced the start of development6G mobile communications standard. In November 2020, it launched the first test satellite designed to test 6G technologies in the terahertz range of electromagnetic waves.
- How is 5G different from 6G?
6G is the successor to 5G that will provide morehigh speed of mobile communication and the Internet. If 5G promises speeds from 1 gigabyte per second, then 6G will reach 1 terabyte per second. According to some reports, even several terabytes.
When 5G and 6G technologies appear everywhere, it is not a fact that you will need to buy a separate home Internet to watch movies and search for information.
- Why do you need this speed?
5G and 6G are needed for the development of the Internet of Things. The 6G era will offer new opportunities for creating brain-computer interfaces. An example of such a development is an electronic chip for paralyzed patients and people with central nervous system disorders, which is being created by Elon Musk’s startup. 5G and 6G technologies will allow self-driving cars to receive data about road accidents at the same second.
Quadrocopters used formonitoring forest fires or searching for missing people, will be able to report data instantly (now they usually write data to a memory card), provided that the places where they are located will provide coverage.
6G development in China
At the beginning of November 2019, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China officially announced that work on creating 6G networks had begun in the country.
Research within this global projectwill be carried out simultaneously by two groups. The first group will consist of representatives of relevant government ministries responsible for promoting research and development methods for 6G network technologies.
The second group will deal with the technical side of the development and will be represented by scientific institutes, telecommunications companies and scientists from 37 Chinese universities.
As a result of joint work, both groups should submit their proposals for the implementation of 6G networks to the Ministry of Science and Technology of the PRC already from 2020.
Project for the development and development of components and6G networks are now at the initial level, we are trying to solve the main issues related to its technical implementation, but the country attaches great importance to this technology.
Wang Xi, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China
- Satellite launch
A year later, in November 2020, it became known that China had already launched the world's first 6G satellite into orbit. At least that's what they call it themselves.
From the Chinese Taiyuan cosmodrome was launchedthe Long March 6 launch vehicle that has successfully delivered 13 satellites into Earth's orbit. One, called the University of Electronic Science and Technology, is the world's first sixth-generation test satellite for cellular communications.
The satellite known as Tinyan 05 createdChengdu Guoxing Aerospace Science and Technology, in cooperation with China University of Electronic Science and Technology, and Beijing Weinaxingkong Technology.
- Satellite tasks
Its main purpose is remoteearth sounding. The areas the satellite focuses on are urban construction, disaster monitoring in agriculture and forestry, and other industries requiring similar services.
In addition, Tinyan 05 will testterahertz communication loads. The satellite weighs 70 kg and is equipped with the equipment necessary for testing terahertz communications. It is planned that it will become a global platform for space applications of the new communication standard.
Of course, not about any full-fledged technologythere can be no question at least later that specifications do not exist yet. The satellite itself is intended to test some areas of future technology, including, probably, the use of the terahertz frequency range.
6G development in the USA
In mid-March 2019, it became known thatThe US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has begun preparations for research and development in the field of sixth generation networks and unanimously voted to open a new frequency segment for 6G services.
Experiments in the 6G field and beyondThey plan to use sixth generation networks in the frequency range from 98 GHz to 3 THz (terahertz). The frequency range of terahertz radiation is from 0.3 THz to 3 THz.
Theoretically, the higher the frequency, the greater the amount of data that can be transferred per unit time, increasing network speed.
The data transfer rate in 6G networks can beabout 10 times higher than 5G. And if the goal of fifth-generation networks is to provide users with high speed, high bandwidth and low latency, then the goal of 6G will be to "connect the whole world with one click."
US President Donald Trump said his country needs 6G networks "as quickly as possible" - hoping, apparently, to take revenge for the 5G gap from Huawei.
As noted by The Independent, the US President made this statement after Finnish Transport Minister Anne Berner announced that the country was studying 5G technology.
In September 2018 professor at the University of OuluAri Pouttu noted that before the introduction of 6G technology "decades will pass" and it will appear by 2030, but will make available the speed of "terabytes per second".
The development of 6G may give the United States the opportunity to regain lost positions in the field of wireless technologies, so the technology is now being actively developed.
And what about Russia?
Around the world, the 5G network is developing in the range3.4-3.8 GHz, however in Russia these frequencies are occupied by law enforcement agencies. The dialogue about a possible partial transfer of frequencies continues, but the authorities have to consider alternative options, not all of which seem convenient to telecom operators.
Russia's active participation in the development of 6G networks will make it possible to avoid such difficulties.
Issues regarding the development of the sixth generation network are stillare at the level of fundamental research, and fundamental science is very strong in our country, the deputy minister is convinced. Research in this area has already begun.
For now, they concern the definition of the “shape of 6G,” that is, what the technology itself will be like, as well as technological approaches to organizing devices.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade believes that Russia needs to thinkabout the transition to the 6G communication standard. Despite the fact that in most countries, including ours, 5G mobile communications are not available to consumers. Now, in test mode, the 5G network covers certain areas in megalopolises: for example, in Moscow, it is the VDNKh park, some streets in the center.
However, at the moment, nothing specific about the developments is known.
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