Creating a 6G-ready infrastructure is a core task for the evolution of communication networks in 2030 and beyond. It is not simply about upgrading the 5G network, but a systematic reconstruction of the architecture, technology and concepts, aiming to support disruptive applications such as holographic communications, sensory interconnection and digital twins. At present, the world's major economies have launched forward-looking layouts in this field. The key is to create an intelligent body that deeply integrates perception, computing and transmission.
What are the core characteristics of 6G-ready infrastructure
The 6G-ready infrastructure must first be integrated with "sensory computing". It has such a requirement that the network can not only transmit data, but also sense the environment, location and even tactile information of the physical world like distributed sensors. This endogenous perception ability is precisely the basis for achieving high-precision positioning and environmental reconstruction.
The network architecture will develop in the direction of comprehensive coverage of integrated air, sky, ground and sea, which means that satellite Internet, high-altitude platforms, ground base stations and deep-sea communication nodes must be seamlessly integrated to ensure continuous services in any corner of the earth. Such an architecture places unprecedented requirements on the self-organization and self-healing capabilities of the network.
What key technical support does 6G network need?
One of the key technologies is terahertz communication, which can provide extremely high bandwidth and ultra-low latency, which is a prerequisite for achieving terabyte peak rates. However, terahertz waves are easily blocked and suffer large losses during propagation, which requires us to develop new relay technologies such as smart metasurfaces to dynamically control the wireless propagation environment.
In the network core, artificial intelligence and machine learning will be deeply integrated to achieve full independent optimization from the core network to the access network. The network can automatically allocate resources, predict failures and make decisions based on real-time business needs and channel conditions. This requires infrastructure, which is to have powerful edge computing capabilities and open programmable interfaces.
What are the main challenges facing 6G infrastructure?
The primary challenge is the scarcity and efficient use of spectrum resources. 6G requires the use of higher frequency bands, but its coverage capacity is limited. The key lies in how to improve utilization efficiency through technologies such as dynamic spectrum sharing. At the same time, the coordination of global spectrum planning is also a complex international issue.
Energy consumption issues will become extremely serious. As the number of network nodes increases sharply and the demand for computing power soars, the energy consumption of infrastructure may show an exponential growth trend. Developing new green energy-saving technologies, such as using renewable energy, designing ultra-low-power chips and cooling solutions, is the path that must be taken to achieve sustainable development.
How to plan and build a 6G-ready network architecture
Planning should originate from the concept of cloud native and open decoupling, and then build a network that completely separates software and hardware, completely separating the control plane from the user plane. In addition to virtualizing network functions, it can also be deployed anywhere in the cloud, network edge, and terminal according to demand. This architecture ensures the ultimate flexibility and elasticity.
Another focus is on the construction of digital twin networks. We must create a virtual mapping of the physical network that can be synchronized in real time and can be simulated and predicted. By carrying out policy verification and optimization in the digital twin, we can greatly reduce the cost of trial and error on the existing network, and achieve precise management of the network life cycle.
How 6G infrastructure is fundamentally different from 5G
The main difference is the design framework pattern. The focus of 5G is on "connection of people and goods" and "connection between items." However, the stated goal of 6G is to integrate "intelligent connection of all things" and "intelligent connection of all things", which is to gradually transition from a world that only connects physical entities to a world that integrates physical entities and digital information. The network itself will become an intelligent entity with cognitive capabilities.
The service objects have been expanded from focusing on humans to covering highly autonomous AI agents. Therefore, the network must meet the needs for extremely high-speed and extremely reliable information exchange between AI and AI, as well as between AI and the environment. This sets new standards for communication protocols, service quality and security, of which stable and reliable underlying hardware is the cornerstone. Provide global procurement services for weak current intelligent products!
How enterprises should prepare for the 6G era
Enterprises should immediately start forward-looking research and actively participate in industry standards organizations and industry alliances to understand the technology roadmap. At the same time, the compatibility and evolvability of existing ICT infrastructure must be evaluated, and when building new data centers and campus networks, priority should be given to modular and programmable solutions.
Cultivating and reserving cross-field talents is also of vital significance. The team needed by the enterprise must not only understand communication technology, but also be familiar with artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing. Enterprises can try to introduce 6G enabling technologies such as digital twins and intelligent IoT into existing businesses to carry out early scenario verification and capability building.
In your opinion, in the coming 6G era, which application scenario will be the first to be disrupted in your industry? Welcome to share your insights in the comment area. If this article has inspired you, please also like and forward it without hesitation.
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