6G: Pioneering the Future of Wireless Communication

The global landscape of mobile data is poised for an exponential transformation. By 2030, the amount of data generated worldwide by mobile devices is expected to increase fivefold. To meet this surging demand, we must look beyond the capabilities of today's 5G networks and towards its natural evolution: 6G. This next-generation network promises to deliver unprecedented levels of automation and an expanded range of services that will significantly benefit communities worldwide.

from 5G to 6G

While 5G networks currently cater to our existing data demands, 6G aims to enhance and expand these capabilities further. This shift will bring about more automation and broaden the spectrum of services available, presenting both exciting opportunities and substantial challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the creation of new use cases that can fully exploit the potential of 6G technology. Similar to the challenges faced with 5G, attracting new industries to adopt and integrate advanced technologies remain a complex task.

Sébastien Faye, 6G Technology & Innovation Line Manager, states: "For 6G to be successful, all stakeholders and verticals need to be included in the development process. Collaborative efforts will ensure that we co-create a 6G framework that meets diverse needs and opens up new opportunities. The promise of 6G includes increased automation and the integration of artificial intelligence, which will be pivotal in managing increasingly complex networks."

6G envisions the integration of various network technologies into a cohesive system, often referred to as a "network of networks." This integration aims to unlock new services and applications, fostering innovation and efficiency. As such, 6G should be seen as an exciting advancement. The new technologies and applications it brings will significantly benefit society, making it a pivotal area of focus for current research and development.

The 6G-Twin Project

LIST is at the forefront of 5G and 6Gnetworking, coordinating significant projects that anticipate and shape the future of wireless communication. One such initiative is 6G-TWIN, co-funded by the European Commission and more specifically the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), under the Horizon Europe programme. This project exemplifies LIST's commitment to pioneering 6G technologies and providing the tools necessary for their successful deployment.

6G-TWIN, with a budget of €4 million over three years, is a leading effort focusing on the concept of Network Digital Twinning (NDT), which involves creating digital replicas of networks. These replicas can serve as sandboxes for testing, predicting, and anticipating real-world scenarios, thus potentially optimizing the deployment and management of current or future 6G networks.

The project's emphasis on AI-driven management systems, sustainable network architectures, and practical demonstrators for real-world applications underscores its significance. With 11 partners, including universities, SMEs, and industrial entities, 6G-TWIN aims to make substantial contributions to the theoretical and practical advancements of 6G technologies.

This article is part of our summer campaign showcasing some of the stories from the LIST Annual Report 2023.