A Vision of 6G Wireless Systems: Applications, Trends, Technologies, and Open Research Problems

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive vision for 6G wireless systems, highlighting key applications, technological trends, service classes, and open research challenges to guide future development beyond 5G.

Contribution

It defines the foundational principles, service categories, and technological enablers for 6G, offering a strategic research agenda and roadmap for next-generation wireless systems.

Findings

Identification of primary 6G application drivers

Proposal of new 6G service classes and performance requirements

Outline of enabling technologies and research directions

Abstract

The ongoing deployment of 5G cellular systems is continuously exposing the inherent limitations of this system, compared to its original premise as an enabler for Internet of Everything applications. These 5G drawbacks are currently spurring worldwide activities focused on defining the next-generation 6G wireless system that can truly integrate far-reaching applications ranging from autonomous systems to extended reality and haptics. Despite recent 6G initiatives1, the fundamental architectural and performance components of the system remain largely undefined. In this paper, we present a holistic, forward-looking vision that defines the tenets of a 6G system. We opine that 6G will not be a mere exploration of more spectrum at high-frequency bands, but it will rather be a convergence of upcoming technological trends driven by exciting, underlying services. In this regard, we first identify the primary drivers of 6G systems, in terms of applications and accompanying technological trends. Then, we propose a new set of service classes and expose their target 6G performance requirements. We then identify the enabling technologies for the introduced 6G services and outline a comprehensive research agenda that leverages those technologies. We conclude by providing concrete recommendations for the roadmap toward 6G. Ultimately, the intent of this article is to serve as a basis for stimulating more out-of-the-box research around 6G.