6G: Technology Evolution in Future Wireless Networks 2024-25

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

The 6G Wireless Communication Network (WCN) is envisioned as a revolutionary step in

wireless technology, aiming to provide seamless, intelligently enabled connectivity while
significantly reducing energy consumption. The primary goal of 6G is to enhance societal
and technological advancements by addressing the increasing demand for connected
devices, higher data traffic, and faster communication speeds. As the next generation of
mobile networks, 6G is expected to offer unparalleled speed, reliability, and efficiency,
making it a crucial component of future digital ecosystems.

The driving forces behind the evolution of 6G stem from the limitations of 5G technology
and the rising need for more efficient and intelligent communication systems. Key
anticipated advancements include ultra-high data rates of up to 1 terabit per second (Tbps),
extremely low latency (up to ten times lower than 5G), speeds that are 50 times faster than
5G, twice the energy efficiency, and double the spectrum efficiency. These improvements
will enable real-time applications such as holographic communication, ultra-high-
definition virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), and real-time artificial
intelligence (AI) processing. The network's latency is expected to be reduced to below 0.1
milliseconds in the user plane and 1 millisecond in the control plane, enabling instant
communication between devices.

The International Telecommunication Union - Radio Communication Sector (ITU-R) and

other standardization bodies have projected that 6G will begin to take shape by 2030. By
that time, global mobile data traffic is expected to surpass 5 zettabytes (ZB) per month,
necessitating new network architectures and intelligent resource management strategies.
Several flagship projects, such as 6Genesis, have already been initiated to accelerate the
research and development of 6G technologies.

One of the most important features of 6G is the utilization of sub-terahertz and terahertz
frequency bands, which will enable data transmission at an unprecedented scale.
Additionally, downlink spectral efficiency is expected to exceed 100 bps/Hz, providing a
massive boost in wireless network capacity. 6G will also introduce battery-free IoT devices,

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which will be powered by ambient energy sources, reducing the dependence on

conventional batteries and contributing to a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

Network coverage in 6G will be greatly enhanced through the integration of satellite and
terrestrial communication systems, ensuring global connectivity even in remote regions.
The concept of cognitive intelligence in 6G will drive autonomous decision-making
processes, paving the way for a self-optimizing and self-healing network infrastructure.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play a crucial role in automating
network management, optimizing data transmission, and enhancing security protocols.

Another defining characteristic of 6G is its emphasis on green communication and

sustainability. By minimizing energy consumption and optimizing resource utilization, 6G
will contribute to reducing carbon footprints and supporting eco-friendly technological
advancements. Furthermore, 6G networks will support ultra-reliable, low-latency
communication (URLLC) services, enabling next-generation applications in autonomous
vehicles, remote robotic surgeries, smart cities, industrial automation, and immersive
entertainment experiences.

Objectives

 Illustrate the vision of key enabling technologies in 6G WCN.

 Highlight each of the technologies with the detailed realization of 6G to provide
clarity and a concrete research perspective towards the development of the future
WCN.
 Identify the key 6G research areas to actualize the vision and allow use cases for
future-generation communication networks.

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The 6G network is designed to support high-end data rate service applications, including
augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), 3D mapping, biomedical
implants, the Internet of Healthcare Things (IoHT), autonomous vehicles, advanced
sensing technologies, and various applications related to the Internet of Smart Things
(IoST). To gain deeper insights into the 6G network, this paper presents a generalized
perspective on 6G technologies and their role in shaping the future of wireless
communication.

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE SURVEY

The integration of Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) with Visible Light Communication
(VLC) represents a transformative leap in next-generation wireless communication. IRS
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consists of programmable, passive reflecting elements that can manipulate incident light
waves to enhance signal propagation, improve coverage, and increase energy efficiency.
VLC, which relies on LED-based illumination for high-speed data transmission, offers
advantages such as high bandwidth, low electromagnetic interference, and energy
efficiency. However, VLC systems face critical challenges, including signal blockages,
beam misalignment, and limited coverage due to the highly directional nature of light
propagation. By incorporating IRS, these limitations can be effectively addressed, as IRS
panels can intelligently reflect, steer, and optimize optical signals to enhance
communication performance.

The IRS-aided VLC system introduces a new paradigm in wireless network design,
significantly improving data rates, link reliability, and communication flexibility. The
ability of IRS to dynamically adjust reflection angles and redirect light signals ensures that
obstacles and mobility-induced disruptions are minimized, thereby maintaining robust
connectivity. This hybrid approach holds immense potential for applications in smart
homes, smart cities, indoor positioning, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication,
industrial automation, and next-generation IoT ecosystems. Additionally, IRS-assisted
VLC can complement existing RF-based communication systems, enabling seamless
integration and coexistence with 5G and future 6G networks.

From a technical perspective, designing efficient IRS-assisted VLC architectures requires

advancements in beamforming algorithms, channel modelling, and machine learning-based
signal optimization techniques. Practical deployment also demands solutions for real-time
IRS configuration, scalability, and integration with existing infrastructure. Ongoing
research in this domain aims to develop energy-efficient, high-speed, and secure wireless
communication networks, leveraging IRS technology to unlock new possibilities in optical
wireless communication. As the demand for higher data rates and low-latency
communication continues to grow, IRS-aided VLC is poised to play a crucial role in
shaping the future of wireless connectivity

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CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

The methodology for studying the evolution of 6G wireless networks involves a

combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. A systematic literature
review is conducted to analyze existing research on 6G technologies, architectures, and use
cases. Empirical data from ongoing 5G implementations and projections for future
advancements form the foundation of this study. Data is collected from various sources,
including academic journals and conferences such as IEEE, Springer, and Elsevier
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publications, industry reports from telecom companies like Nokia, Ericsson, and Huawei,
and insights from government and regulatory bodies such as the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Additionally, expert interviews with researchers, industry leaders, and technology analysts
provide valuable perspectives on 6G developments.

The study focuses on key areas, including spectrum allocation, where terahertz (THz)
frequencies and their implications for 6G are analyzed. Network architecture is explored
with an emphasis on AI-driven networking, edge computing, and decentralized systems.
Technological advancements such as quantum communication, reconfigurable intelligent
surfaces (RIS), and ultra-massive MIMO are examined. Security challenges in 6G,
including privacy concerns, cybersecurity risks, and mitigation strategies, are also
considered. Furthermore, potential applications in smart cities, autonomous transportation,
healthcare, and industrial automation are explored to understand the transformative impact
of 6G.

To validate theoretical findings, experimental and simulation models are developed using
tools such as MATLAB & Simulink for simulating network performance, NS-3 for
assessing network efficiency and latency, and machine learning models to implement AI-
driven predictive analysis. A comparative analysis is performed between 5G and 6G based
on parameters like speed, latency, energy efficiency, network coverage, and security. These
comparisons highlight the improvements in data rates, response times, power consumption
optimizations, and advancements in connectivity, especially in remote areas.

The study also identifies major challenges and limitations associated with 6G adoption.
High infrastructure costs pose significant financial implications for deployment, while
technological barriers in materials and chip manufacturing limit progress in THz
communication. Additionally, regulatory issues require new policies to govern the
implementation of 6G networks. Finally, the research concludes with findings and
recommendations for future advancements in 6G, providing insights for researchers,
policymakers, and industries preparing for the next generation of wireless networks.

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Fig: Communication network using photonic and Visible Light Communication (VLC)
technology.

The proposed system consists of 5 DMR nodes working independently of each other. Each
node is equipped with sensors for detecting forest fire smoke in addition to other useful
parameters for studying dynamics such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure,
UV index. The nodes are mainly in deep sleep mode to preserve batteries and limit power
consumption. A wake-up is triggered every 5 minutes to acquire sensor data, perform a
packet processing and, finally perform DMR wireless transmission of the acquired data.
The DMR gateway collects information from all DMR nodes and transmits the data to a
Social IoT (SIoT) platform called Lysis, using the 4G LTE network. Lysis is a SIoT
platform carried out for distributed IoT applications involving socially connected objects.
Objects are capable of establishing social relationships in an autonomous way with respect
to their owners with the benefits of improving the network scalability and information
discovery efficiency. The overall architecture of the Lysis platform through four functional
levels:
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1) The lower level is made up of the “things” in the real world;

2) The virtualization level, which interfaces directly with the real world and is made up of
Social Virtual Objects (SVOs);

3) The level of aggregation is responsible for composing different SVOs to set up entities
with augmented functionalities called micro engines (MEs);

4) The last level is the application level in which user-oriented macro services are
deployed. To take advantage of the Lysis architecture, the virtualization layer elements
(SVOs) representing DMR nodes were designed and implemented. Each DMR node has its
own SVO with which it communicates to send and record information relating to smoke
levels and other useful parameters. An artificial intelligence algorithm was developed
within Lysis for fire case determination through training performed in the field through
simulations of fire and smoke propagation, as explained in the next section. Lysis collects
sensor data and processes it through continuous comparison with previously stored data.
The nodes have social relationships to enable greater identification of hazardous situations.
Outliers are processed to avoid false positives and create warning situations.

The scenario employed for the preliminary tests has been depicted in Fig. 2. The identified
region is located in Sardinia (Italy) in the mountainous area ”Pixina Manna” locality at 450
meters above sea level. The area has several elevation profiles typical of the region and is
characterized by” maquis” type vegetation. The nodes were placed as in the figure, on tree
trunks at a height of 5 meters above the ground. The arrangement of the nodes allows the
detection of fire smoke from any direction.

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Fig. Distributed Intelligent Computing Network

This passage discusses advancements in wireless distributed networks and their integration
with decision-making processes to optimize energy harvesting. In a distributed network is
designed to make decisions under uncertain conditions, focusing on the energy harvesters’
execution strategies. The framework also enables efficient collaboration among network
nodes by determining optimal task allocation. Meanwhile, in a fine-grained elastic
computation partitioning scheme is proposed for distributed deep neural networks (DNNs).
This scheme addresses key challenges such as resource efficiency, multi-objective
optimization, branching mechanisms, and partitioning methods. To evaluate performance,
two collaboration scenarios were considered. The approach leverages reinforcement
learning for DNN computation partitioning and branching at the layer level, enhancing
efficiency and adaptability in distributed AI systems.

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CHAPTER 4

RESULT

The findings from the research on 6G wireless networks highlight significant advancements
in network performance, architecture, and applications. The results are categorized into the
following key areas:

1. Spectrum and Network Performance

 Higher Data Rates: The use of terahertz (THz) frequencies in 6G enables ultra-
high-speed data transmission, significantly surpassing the capabilities of 5G.
 Reduced Latency: Experimental simulations indicate latency reductions to below
1 millisecond, making 6G ideal for real-time applications such as remote surgery
and autonomous vehicles.
 Improved Energy Efficiency: AI-driven power management systems optimize
energy consumption, reducing operational costs and increasing sustainability.

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2. AI and Intelligent Networking

 AI-Driven Optimization: Machine learning models enhance network self-

optimization, enabling predictive maintenance and automated resource allocation.
 Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS): These surfaces improve signal
transmission efficiency by dynamically adjusting radio waves for enhanced
connectivity.
 Decentralized Edge Computing: Edge computing integration reduces reliance on
centralized cloud infrastructure, improving processing speeds and reducing network
congestion.

3. Security and Reliability

 Quantum Cryptography: The implementation of quantum security mechanisms

enhances data protection against cyber threats.
 AI-Based Threat Detection: Machine learning algorithms identify and mitigate
network vulnerabilities in real time, ensuring robust security.
 Enhanced Privacy Mechanisms: Advanced encryption and anonymization
techniques provide stronger user data protection.

5. Challenges and Future Prospects

 High Infrastructure Costs: Deploying 6G networks requires significant

investment in new base stations, spectrum licenses, and AI-powered networking
systems.
 Technological Limitations: Current semiconductor and antenna technologies
must advance to support THz communication.
 Regulatory and Standardization Issues: Policies must be established to govern
6G deployment and ensure global interoperability.

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5. Key Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its promising capabilities, 6G faces multiple challenges:

 Infrastructure Costs: Deploying THz-based base stations and AI-driven

networking solutions requires significant financial investment.
 Hardware Limitations: The development of low-power, high-frequency
antennas and transceivers is essential for practical implementation.
 Regulatory and Standardization Issues: International standards for THz
spectrum allocation, security, and interoperability must be established.

Future research should focus on material innovations for THz components, energy-
efficient AI algorithms, and integration of satellite communication to ensure global 6G
accessibility.

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CONCLUSION

The evolution of 6G wireless networks represents a transformative leap in communication

technology, integrating ultra-high-speed connectivity, AI-driven network optimization, and
advanced security frameworks. This study provides a comprehensive overview of 6G’s
technological enablers, requirements, and development efforts, highlighting the key
advancements that set it apart from previous generations.

The findings confirm that 6G will surpass 5G in every major performance metric, including
data rates, mobile management, spectrum efficiency, ultra-low latency, energy efficiency,
coverage, and connection density. The integration of terahertz (THz) spectrum, AI-driven
autonomous networks, quantum security, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) will
enable breakthrough applications in smart cities, autonomous systems, telemedicine, and
immersive extended reality (XR) experiences.

However, challenges such as infrastructure costs, regulatory policies, and hardware

limitations must be addressed to ensure successful deployment. Future research should
focus on hardware advancements for THz communication, sustainable energy solutions,
and global standardization efforts to maximize the potential of 6G.

In conclusion, 6G wireless networks will redefine the digital landscape, offering

unprecedented speed, security, and efficiency. As technology continues to evolve,
collaboration among researchers, industries, and policymakers will be crucial in shaping
the future of wireless communication, making 6G the foundation of next-generation
connectivity.

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