Keysight Technologies CEO: It’s time to start research and development of 6G-related technologies

This article was written by Ron Nersesian, CEO of Keysight Technologies, and published on EETAsia

With 5G still in the development and deployment phase, it may seem premature to plan for the next generation of wireless communications technology. However, given the ambitious goals of the current generation, now is the time to start addressing the technical, regulatory, geographic, and educational challenges needed to make 6G a reality.

The next generation of wireless technology promises faster speeds, lower latency, and greater bandwidth, enabling the delivery of massive amounts of data to more devices instantly through decentralized, intelligent networks.

Historically, technology research has begun 10-15 years before a new industrial standard is established. As with 5G, some of 6G will be evolutionary, but some will be revolutionary, and as a whole we should expect a step-by-step increase in technology capabilities.

6G will accelerate the digitalization of the economy and society, bringing the world closer to becoming a truly global digital community. It envisions a society driven by data and enabled by near-instantaneous, unlimited wireless connectivity by 2030. 6G will build on and greatly expand the capabilities of 5G in vertical industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, energy, transportation, and public safety – no longer a novelty or a special set of use cases, but an integral part of our daily lives.

Applications range from holographic communications that include more than vision and voice, to more complete digital twins, to ways of analyzing data through machine learning (ML) and other forms of artificial intelligence. 6G will be the basis for complex emergency and disaster management, and from a consumer perspective, it will make mobile communications an even more essential part of our daily lives - driving to work, educating our children, cooking, healthcare, shopping and banking.

The possibilities are endless, but we still have a long way to go to make 6G a reality. To deliver on the promise of 6G, businesses, governments, and innovators must first focus on the following key breakthroughs:

1. Rethinking seamless networks through technological innovation

Although 5G is a global standard, seamless integration of all wireless networks (from Bluetooth to 5G), wired networks (from LAN to WAN), and even non-terrestrial networks remains elusive. 6G requires next-generation radio technology that enables seamless systematization and flexibility based on location and demand. While AI is already used in a wide range of industrial applications today, we need to make AI an integral part of the 6G network architecture to dynamically optimize the performance, efficiency, and flexibility of complex 6G networks. Finally, continued innovation in the Internet of Things, enhanced mobile broadband, and ultra-reliable communications are critical to laying the foundation for 6G.

2. Create global industry standards

A single global standard applicable to all industries and regions will ensure consistency and economies of scale in 6G deployment. It is too early to talk about details, but it is necessary to set the framework for the evolution of 6G.

We must work together to evaluate and evolve 5G standards through joint projects, trials, and demonstrations to anticipate the needs of 6G. Innovative initiatives like the 6G Flagship Program, a global research and co-creation ecosystem for 5G commercial adoption and 6G innovation, have brought together industry stakeholders to develop the foundational technologies needed for 6G. These international collaborations will help minimize geopolitical tensions that lead to competing standards and technologies, ensuring that everyone can use 6G.

3. Take a proactive approach to cybersecurity

Each new generation of mobile wireless networks must address a dual cybersecurity challenge: 1) address the vulnerabilities inherent in the previous generation; 2) address the new vulnerabilities introduced by the new generation due to the expanded threat surface. 5G has better encryption and security architecture than 4G, but will also be used for a wider range of applications and connect more devices. The vision of 6G is a more sophisticated set of usage models, and this dynamic, software-based cyber threat will be more. As IoT applications grow, each of the billions of connected devices on the network represents a potential entry point for attackers.

All 6G participants—from mobile operators to suppliers and their customers to OTT application developers—will need to implement and adopt new security, testing, and training standards. Then, design cybersecurity into software architecture and lifecycle development processes, using built-in protection features to identify vulnerabilities and help networks recover quickly when they occur, thereby reducing 6G development and operational risks across the ecosystem.

4. Enabling innovation, accessibility, and security through policy

Starting today, policymakers have the opportunity to establish the regulatory foundation for 6G. They need to work with industry leaders to develop policies that support industry and protect people and their data in mission-critical applications such as autonomous vehicles, healthcare, the military, smart cities, and more.

We are seeing a widening of economic, educational and social inequalities between those who have access to the internet and those who do not. The early vision for 6G set out by the European Hexa-X project aims to reduce the digital divide and make 6G accessible to rural or low-income areas.

5. Empower the next generation of engineers

To make 6G a reality, we need to train the next generation of researchers, scientists, physicists, and engineers. Electrical engineering, from digital to radio to semiconductors, and many aspects of computer science will continue to play an important role in the field. In addition, tomorrow's connectivity problem solvers will need a well-rounded, multidisciplinary education to enter careers that span a wide range of technologies. Businesses and educational institutions should close the skills gap by promoting interest in and skills in STEM disciplines and by emphasizing the unique and rewarding opportunities to build the future of wireless technology.

It’s not too early to prepare for 6G

While 6G is only in the research phase today, overcoming these obstacles will take time. With 5G now rolling out, planning for 6G can begin now. Leaders in the private and public sectors must work together to develop the infrastructure, new technologies, and standards that support the myriad innovations that 6G will enable. Now more than ever, we need to take action to capitalize on the momentum of 5G and pave the way for 6G.