Scoring the Terabit/s Goal:Broadband Connectivity in 6G

TL;DR

This paper discusses the technological advancements and enablers necessary for achieving 6G wireless systems with peak data rates up to 1 Tbps, focusing on infrastructure, spectrum, and protocol innovations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the key technological enablers across multiple levels needed to realize 6G broadband connectivity goals.

Findings

Ultra-massive MIMO and holographic radio enable high-capacity links.

Spectrum utilization combines sub-6 GHz and higher bands for coverage and peak rates.

Enhanced coding and waveform techniques reduce latency and improve reliability.

Abstract

This paper explores the road to vastly improving the broadband connectivity in future 6G wireless systems. Different categories of use cases are considered, with peak data rates up to 1 Tbps. Several categories of enablers at the infrastructure, spectrum, and protocol/algorithmic levels are required to realize the intended broadband connectivity goals in 6G. At the infrastructure level, we consider ultra-massive MIMO technology (possibly implemented using holographic radio), intelligent reflecting surfaces, user-centric cell-free networking, integrated access and backhaul, and integrated space and terrestrial networks. At the spectrum level, the network must seamlessly utilize sub-6 GHz bands for coverage and spatial multiplexing of many devices, while higher bands will be mainly used for pushing the peak rates of point-to-point links. Finally, at the protocol/algorithmic level, the enablers include improved coding, modulation, and waveforms to achieve lower latency, higher reliability, and reduced complexity.