Terahertz Communications (TeraCom): Challenges and Impact on 6G Wireless Systems

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential of Terahertz communications as a crucial technology for 6G wireless systems, highlighting challenges, recent advancements, and future impact on high-speed, low-latency networks.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of THz channel features, device technology advancements, and guidelines for integrating THz communications into 6G networks.

Findings

THz technology can achieve 100+ Gbps data rates.

Recent device advancements are closing the THz gap.

THz communications are poised to be a key pillar of 6G systems.

Abstract

Terahertz communications are envisioned as a key technology for 6G, which requires 100+ Gbps data rates, 1-millisecond latency, among other performance metrics. As a fundamental wireless infrastructure, the THz communication can boost abundant promising applications, including next-generation WLAN systems like Tera-WiFi, THz wireless backhaul, as well as other long-awaited novel communication paradigms. Serving as a basis of efficient wireless communication and networking design, this paper highlights the key THz channel features and recent advancements in device technologies. In light of these, impact and guidelines on 6G wireless communication and networking are elaborated. We believe the progress of THz technologies is helping finally close the so called THz Gap, and will realize THz communications as a pillar of 6G wireless systems.