6G technology
6G is the next-generation network that combines wireless, optical, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other technologies to achieve high communication speeds, ultra-low latency, and high reliability far beyond 5G. With 6G, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) recreate field data acquired from sensors in virtual space, allowing for interaction between both realms. Its expected benefits will increase the ability to achieve future predictions by feeding back simulation results obtained in virtual space to real space.
Key Technologies for Wireless Communications Enabling 6G
Expansion of Radio Frequency Bandwidth
To achieve the key requirements of 6G, which include ultra-high speed and large capacity, ultra-low latency, and ultra-massive connectivity, the securing of additional frequency bands is necessary. Therefore, multiple research and development efforts are being conducted with the goal of utilizing the 7 to 24 GHz Frequency Range 3 (FR3) band and the 90 to 300 GHz sub-THz band.
Anritsu is advancing the development of the testing technologies that will be essential for wireless communications in these new frequency bands.
Channel Sounding
Channel sounding is a method for measuring and analyzing the characteristics of radio propagation paths. FR3 and sub-THz radio waves are prone to absorption by the atmosphere and attenuation by obstacles. Furthermore, they are characterized by their high linearity. Therefore, understanding the propagation characteristics of these radio waves and reflecting them in network control, such as through beamforming and distributed cooperative MIMO, is essential to optimizing network operation.
Integration of Sensors and Communications (ISAC)
The sharing of frequency bands for wireless communications with sensing is one of the technical requirements of 6G and is referred to as ISAC*1 or JCAS*2. The radio propagation characteristics obtained through sensing are expected to be utilized to establish a real-time understanding of the radio environment of 6G mobile networks and to enhance beamforming performance based on this understanding. Additionally, sensing/estimation data for characteristics such as human behavior, object shape, and speed are being considered for use in new applications such as advanced autonomous driving technology for vehicles, environmental sensing, and remote sensing.
AI/ML and Communication
6G networks will incorporate AI/Machine Learning (ML) to enable the autonomous and rapid control of networks, the prediction and optimization of network resources, and power saving.
Key Technologies for Wired Communications Enabling 6G
All-Photonics Networks and Photonics–Electronics Convergence Technologies
The CPS to be realized in 6G faces challenges of rapid increases in the volume of communications data and the power consumption by networks and data centers. To address these challenges, the use of an all-photonics network, which utilizes only optical signals for communication, is being considered. To implement this network, photonics-electronics convergence devices, which combine photonics and electronics technologies, are being developed for communication devices and modules.
Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) Technology
Current optical networks present a bottleneck, in that single-core optical fibers have a maximum transmission capacity of around 100 Tbps. To overcome this limitation and dramatically increase the capacity of optical fibers, Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) technologies are being developed and considered for implementation in next-generation submarine optical networks and optical interconnects.
One promising SDM technology is Multicore Fiber (MCF), which densely packs multiple optical transmission paths into a single fiber. This approach draws inspiration from the MIMO techniques used in wireless communications.
