Research and development and prospects of technology

This paper focuses on the current research status, standard - making progress and potential application scenarios of 6G technology.

It elaborates on key technologies such as terahertz communication, space - air - ground integrated communication, intelligent metasurface and endogenous intelligence.

It also discusses the complexity of 6G standardization process and the far - reaching impact of 6G on various application scenarios including ultra - high - definition video, virtual reality/augmented reality, autonomous driving, telemedicine and smart factories.

Introduction

In the era of rapid technological development, the communication industry is constantly evolving. After the successful deployment and application of 5G technology, the research and development of 6G technology have become the focus of global attention.

6G is expected to bring revolutionary changes to the digital society with its advanced features and capabilities, enabling a more intelligent, efficient and connected world.

1. Key Technologies of 6G

(1) Terahertz Communication：

Terahertz communication is one of the most promising key technologies in 6G. It operates in the terahertz frequency band, which offers extremely high bandwidth and transmission rates.

This enables the transmission of massive amounts of data in a very short time, meeting the requirements of future applications with high - speed data transmission needs.

However, terahertz communication also faces significant challenges. Signal attenuation in the terahertz band is relatively severe, which restricts the transmission distance.

Scientists and engineers are working on developing advanced signal processing techniques and new materials to overcome these issues.

For example, they are researching on ways to enhance the power of terahertz transmitters and improve the sensitivity of receivers to extend the communication range.

(2) Space - Air - Ground Integrated Communication:

Space - air - ground integrated communication combines satellite communication with terrestrial communication. This integration aims to achieve seamless global coverage.

Satellites can provide wide - area coverage, especially in remote areas and over the oceans, while terrestrial communication networks are more suitable for densely populated urban and suburban areas.

By integrating these two communication modes, 6G can ensure that users have continuous and stable communication services regardless of their location.

This requires the development of advanced satellite - ground interface technologies, seamless handover mechanisms between different communication systems, and effective interference management strategies to ensure the reliability and quality of the integrated communication network.

(3) Intelligent Metasurface:

Intelligent metasurface is an emerging technology that has great potential in 6G. It can control the reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves. By adjusting the electromagnetic properties of the metasurface in real - time, it can enhance or modulate the signal.

For instance, in a complex communication environment, the intelligent metasurface can be used to direct the signal to the desired direction, avoiding obstacles and interference.

It can also be used to improve the signal strength in weak coverage areas, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the communication network.

The research on intelligent metasurface mainly focuses on the design of new materials with tunable electromagnetic properties and the development of control algorithms for precise manipulation of the metasurface.

(4) Endogenous Intelligence:

Endogenous intelligence integrates artificial intelligence technology into the communication network. In 6G, the network needs to be able to self - optimize and manage intelligently.

With endogenous intelligence, the network can analyze vast amounts of data generated during communication, such as traffic patterns, user behavior, and network performance metrics.

Based on this analysis, the network can automatically adjust parameters, allocate resources more efficiently, and predict and prevent potential problems.

For example, it can predict network congestion and proactively route traffic to avoid bottlenecks, improving the user experience.

The development of endogenous intelligence involves the combination of machine learning algorithms with communication protocols and network architectures.

2. Standardization Progress of 6G

The standardization of 6G technology is a complex and arduous process. It requires the active participation and cooperation of countries around the world.

Currently, international research and discussions on 6G standards have already begun. Standard - making bodies, research institutions, and telecommunication companies from various countries are working together to define the technical specifications and performance requirements of 6G.

In the initial stage of standardization, different countries and organizations may have different views and priorities based on their own research directions and industrial development needs.

However, through continuous communication and negotiation, a consensus is gradually being formed. It is expected that in the next few years, a preliminary standard framework for 6G will be established.

This framework will cover various aspects such as frequency allocation, network architecture, communication protocols, and security requirements.

The establishment of standards is crucial for the commercialization and large - scale deployment of 6G technology, as it ensures the interoperability and compatibility of different 6G systems developed by various manufacturers.

3. Application Scenarios of 6G

(1) Ultra - High - Definition Video:

6G's high bandwidth and low latency characteristics make it an ideal technology for ultra - high - definition video transmission. Ultra - high - definition video requires a large amount of data to be transmitted in real - time, including 8K or even higher resolution content.

With 6G, viewers can enjoy seamless, high - quality video streaming without buffering or image distortion.

This is not only beneficial for home entertainment, such as watching movies and live sports events, but also has great potential in professional video production, broadcasting, and surveillance applications.

For example, in a live concert broadcast, 6G can enable the transmission of multiple high - resolution camera feeds simultaneously, providing viewers with an immersive viewing experience as if they were on - site.

(2) Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality:

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications demand extremely low latency and high - speed data transmission to ensure a realistic and immersive user experience.

In VR/AR environments, users interact with virtual objects in real - time, and any delay in data transmission can cause motion sickness and a poor user experience.

6G technology can provide the necessary bandwidth and latency performance to support the complex graphics, audio, and haptic feedback required in VR/AR applications.

For instance, in an AR - based industrial training application, workers can receive real - time instructions and 3D visualizations overlaid on the real - world environment, improving training efficiency and safety.

(3) Autonomous Driving:

Autonomous driving relies heavily on reliable and fast communication networks. 6G can enable vehicles to communicate with each other (V2V), with infrastructure (V2I), and with the cloud (V2C) in real - time.

This communication is essential for functions such as collision avoidance, traffic optimization, and real - time map updates. With 6G's low latency and high - reliability features, autonomous vehicles can make more accurate and timely decisions, ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation.

For example, in a complex urban traffic environment, vehicles can exchange information about their speed, direction, and braking status within milliseconds, allowing for coordinated maneuvers to avoid accidents.

(4) Telemedicine:

In the field of telemedicine, 6G technology can revolutionize the way medical services are delivered. High - resolution medical imaging data, such as MRI and CT scans, can be transmitted in real - time for remote diagnosis.

Surgeons can also perform remote surgeries with the help of haptic feedback and real - time video transmission enabled by 6G.

This is particularly useful in areas with a shortage of medical resources, allowing patients to receive expert medical care without the need to travel long distances.

For example, a doctor in a major city can remotely guide a surgical procedure in a rural hospital, improving the accessibility and quality of medical services.

(5) Smart Factories:

6G technology will play a crucial role in the development of smart factories. It enables seamless communication between various machines, sensors, and control systems within the factory.

With 6G, factories can achieve real - time monitoring and control of production processes, optimize production efficiency, and improve product quality.

For example, in an automated assembly line, robots can communicate with each other and with the central control system in real - time, adjusting their operations based on the status of the production process.

This leads to more flexible and efficient production, reducing downtime and waste.

Conclusion

6G technology is at the forefront of the development of the information and communication industry.

The research on key technologies such as terahertz communication, space - air - ground integrated communication, intelligent metasurface, and endogenous intelligence is in full swing, although there are still many challenges to overcome.

The progress of standardization is gradually taking shape through international cooperation.

The potential application scenarios of 6G in ultra - high - definition video, virtual reality/augmented reality, autonomous driving, telemedicine, and smart factories are extremely promising, which will drive the digital transformation of various industries and bring a more intelligent and connected future to human society.

Continuous investment in research and development, as well as international cooperation in standardization, are essential for the successful realization of 6G technology and its wide - scale application.