6G Wireless Networks: Vision, Requirements, Architecture, and Key Technologies

A key enabler for the intelligent information society of 2030, 6G networks are expected to provide performance superior to 5G and satisfy emerging services and applications. In this article, we present our vision of what 6G will be and describe usage scenarios and requirements for multi-terabyte per second (Tb/s) and intelligent 6G networks. We present a large-dimensional and autonomous network architecture that integrates space, air, ground, and underwater networks to provide ubiquitous and unlimited wireless connectivity. We also discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning [1], [2] for autonomous networks and innovative air-interface design. Finally, we identify several promising technologies for the 6G ecosystem, including terahertz (THz) communications, very-large-scale antenna arrays [i.e., supermassive (SM) multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO)], large intelligent surfaces (LISs) and holographic beamforming (HBF), orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing, laser and visible-light communications (VLC), blockchain-based spectrum sharing, quantum communications and computing, molecular communications, and the Internet of Nano-Things.

[1]  Nei Kato,et al.  Space-Air-Ground Integrated Network: A Survey , 2018, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials.

[2]  Emil Björnson,et al.  Massive MIMO is a Reality - What is Next? Five Promising Research Directions for Antenna Arrays , 2019, ArXiv.

[3]  Qi Hao,et al.  Deep Learning for Intelligent Wireless Networks: A Comprehensive Survey , 2018, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials.

[4]  Evgeny Khorov,et al.  A Tutorial on IEEE 802.11ax High Efficiency WLANs , 2019, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials.

[5]  Markku J. Juntti,et al.  Terahertz Technologies to Deliver Optical Network Quality of Experience in Wireless Systems Beyond 5G , 2018, IEEE Communications Magazine.

[6]  Yan Yan,et al.  Line-of-Sight Millimeter-Wave Communications Using Orbital Angular Momentum Multiplexing Combined With Conventional Spatial Multiplexing , 2017, IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications.

[7]  Lajos Hanzo,et al.  Quantum Search Algorithms for Wireless Communications , 2019, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials.

[8]  Tarik Taleb,et al.  Network Slicing and Softwarization: A Survey on Principles, Enabling Technologies, and Solutions , 2018, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials.

[9]  Parth H. Pathak,et al.  Visible Light Communication, Networking, and Sensing: A Survey, Potential and Challenges , 2015, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials.

[10]  Klaus David,et al.  6G Vision and Requirements: Is There Any Need for Beyond 5G? , 2018, IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine.

[11]  Murat Kuscu,et al.  Fundamentals of Molecular Information and Communication Science , 2017, Proceedings of the IEEE.

[12]  Khashayar Kotobi,et al.  Secure Blockchains for Dynamic Spectrum Access: A Decentralized Database in Moving Cognitive Radio Networks Enhances Security and User Access , 2018, IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine.