6G Enabled Advanced Transportation Systems

TL;DR

This paper explores how 6G wireless technology can enable advanced, seamless, and secure transportation systems by enhancing connectivity, localization, sensing, and security across various transportation modalities.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of 6G's potential in transforming transportation through new scenarios, capabilities, and technical insights based on recent research and standardization efforts.

Findings

6G enables seamless connectivity across heterogeneous transportation systems

6G enhances localization, sensing, and security for transportation

Technical challenges and future directions are summarized

Abstract

With the emergence of communication services with stringent requirements such as autonomous driving or on-flight Internet, the sixth-generation (6G) wireless network is envisaged to become an enabling technology for future transportation systems. In this paper, two ways of interactions between 6G networks and transportation are extensively investigated. On one hand, the new usage scenarios and capabilities of 6G over existing cellular networks are firstly highlighted. Then, its potential in seamless and ubiquitous connectivity across the heterogeneous space-air-ground transportation systems is demonstrated, where railways, airplanes, high-altitude platforms and satellites are investigated. On the other hand, we reveal that the introduction of 6G guarantees a more intelligent, efficient and secure transportation system. Specifically, technical analysis on how 6G can empower future transportation is provided, based on the latest research and standardization progresses in localization, integrated sensing and communications, and security. The technical challenges and insights for a road ahead are also summarized for possible inspirations on 6G enabled advanced transportation.