What is 6G technology?

Minister of Communication, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently highlighted that India has started work towards developing the next generation of communication technology, using indigenously developed 6G infrastructure. It is likely to be launch by 2023-end or early 2024.

Highlights

• Though 5G is still in its nascent stage, 6G will build on top of
• 6G will bring the human, physical environment and virtual environment together.
• For example, Metaverse is one of the 5G use cases. It promises to disrupt traditional as well as digital spaces. With the launch of 6G, Metaverse would evolve into a final model, but it will also unify with physical world by using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Most significant aspect of 6G will be its ability to sense the environment, people and objects.

What is 6G network?

6G is the sixth-generation standard in telecommunications. It is currently under development for wireless communications technologies that support cellular data networks. It is the planned successor to 5G network. This network will probably be broadband cellular networks. In it, the service area is divided into small geographical areas known as cells. Companies like Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG and Apple, as well as countries like China, Japan and Singapore have shown interest in developing 6G networks.

Significance of the network

6G networks are likely to exhibit even more heterogeneity as compared to their predecessors. It is expectedly to support applications beyond current mobile use scenarios like virtual & augmented reality (VR/AR), pervasive intelligence, ubiquitous instant communications, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Current Development

• Scientists from Nanyang Technological University of Singapore and Osaka University of Japan jointly announced in 2020 that, they developed a chip for terahertz (THz) waves, which could be used in 6G technology.
• China successfully launched an experimental test satellite, on November 6, 2020, with candidates for 6G technology into orbit by using Long March 6 vehicle rocket. The satellite was launched to “verify the terahertz (THz) communication technology in space”.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2021