Potential Enabling Technologies for 6G Mobile Communication Networks: A Recent Review

Abstract

The evolution of wireless networks has transformed the way people interact and communicate with each other. The next generation of wireless technology, 6G, promises to take this evolution to the next level. In this paper, we present an overview of the key technologies that are likely to shape the future of 6G mobile networks such as terahertz communication, visible light communication, ultra-massive MIMO, artificial intelligence, quantum communication, blockchain, and intelligent reflective surface. We discuss the unique advantages and challenges associated with each technology and provide examples of ongoing research to overcome these challenges. By leveraging these technologies, 6G networks have the potential to provide ultra-high data rates, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, and massive connectivity to support a wide range of emerging applications, including virtual and augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and more. The integration of these technologies has the potential to enable new use cases, unlock new opportunities, and bring us closer to realizing the full potential of the 6G vision. © 2023 IEEE.