As 5G networks continue to be commercially rolled out around the world, people are already looking ahead to the next generation of telecom technologies. Recently, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) drafted the recommendation for 6G, which describes the trends and goals of 6G, and proposes typical usage scenarios and dimensions of capabilities for 6G.
The recommendation proposes that the future 6G system should achieve seven goals of Inclusiveness, Ubiquitous connectivity, Sustainability, Innovation, Security, Privacy, Resilience, Standardization Interoperability, and Interoperation to construct a connected world for sustainable development.
6G will realize the connection between the physical world and the virtual world, and help integrate new technologies into cyber worlds to enable innovative digital infrastructure for new applications. 6G applications will present 9 major trends including Ubiquitous intelligence, Ubiquitous computing, Immersive multimedia and multisensory communication, Digital twin and xtended worlds, Intelligent industry, Digital healthcare, Ubiquitous connectivity, Fusion of perception and communication, and Sustainability.
The usage scenarios of 6G enhances and expands on the basis of three major scenarios of 5G, including Immersive Communication, Massive Communication, Hyper Reliable and Low-Latency Communication, Integrated AI and Communication, Integrated Sensing and Communication, and Ubiquitous Connectivity.
Image source: huawei.com
The recommendation defines 15 capability indicators, namely Connection density, Mobility, Latency, Reliability, Security, privacy, and resilience, Coverage, Sensing-related capabilities, AI-related Capabilities, Sustainability, Interoperability, Positioning, Peak data rate, User experienced data rate, Spectrum efficiency, Area traffic capacity.
Image source: huawei.com
6G is the next horizon of innovations. The successful completion of the global 6G vision marks the official start of the 6G standardization journey. As the next generation of mobile communication technology, 6G will bring new opportunities and challenges for human society.
