While we are still trying to understand the concept of 5G, 6G is already an emerging idea. Despite the fact that 5G networks aren’t fully built yet. However, even though 6G doesn’t exist yet, it’s still worth bringing up in terms of what it can provide internet users in the future.
What is 6G?
6G is the sixth generation of wireless technology, following up on 4G and 5G. It will evolve on the infrastructure and advanced technology established on 5G. Using higher frequency, it will support much faster speeds and lower latency, and thus be able to support sophisticated communication devices and systems such as self-driving cars.
Every few years, new standards emerge and 6G is predicted to appear in 2030. Nothing is however set in stone, and who knows, 6G could be outdated before we’re even close to 2030. The reason experts bring it up now is because major changes are happening in internet technology in general. Consumers have more devices, consume more data than ever before and are incorporating Wi-Fi into all aspects of life. Therefore, companies are exploring the 6G as a chance to compete with traditional, broadband internet providers, in hopes of meeting demand with stable and flexible cellular networks.
What will it look like?
While it is impossible to say exactly what 6G will look like, it is predicted as a fully integrated internet-based system that allows for seamless communication between consumers, devices, vehicles and surroundings. It is also predicted to reach speed of 1TBps, which is 100 times faster than the hypothetical top speed of 5G.
The increased speed will not only boost IoT, but also IoE, allowing for seamless communication between connected units. Automated vehicles, remote-controlled businesses, and other AI initiatives will rise amid 5G, but the emergence of 6G will further help realize this. What is interesting about 6G is that it could rely on collaborative AI to help self-driving cars communicate, navigate direction, and determine routes. This is all part of a trend called edge computing, which moves network management from centralized clouds to localized devices, making everything work more seamlessly and reducing latency. Virtual reality is also expected to play a big role in 6G, as it’s already playing a role in 5G. Some experts even imagine the emergence of far more immersive technologies such as cellular surfaces, connected implants and wireless brain computer interfaces. Matrix, here we come!
Final thoughts
It’s important to remember that 6G is only an idea at this point, but there are a lot of interesting opportunities associated with increased speed and reduced latency that are bound to garner attraction from businesses as well as governments. It expands the horizon of what is actually possible with internet, and how it in turn may affect how we communicate, work and live.