It’s no surprise that the telecommunications industry continues to do its best to realize the full potential of 5G use cases. Nevertheless, business leaders and the world at large are counting on his 5.5G and 6G technologies to provide universal connectivity and unprecedented reliability and data speeds. 6G networks have the potential to reshape entire industries, economies, and societies through integration with other emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
In short, 6G could be a game-changer for the digital world we live in.
As current 5G deployments take place, business leaders must adopt forward-thinking strategies to make future deployments as seamless as possible. As the media and industry buzz about the potential of 6G, carriers and cell tower companies are ramping up their strategies for next-generation network enhancements while continuing to roll out 5G.
Against the backdrop of future 6G deployments by the private sector, the U.S. federal government is working to identify lessons learned from 5G deployments that began in 2019. Last year, the Biden administration unveiled a strategy centered around 6G, underscoring its commitment to government. The United States aims to become the world leader in next-generation communications networks.
5G Advanced/5.5G: Midpoint
As 5G capabilities evolve to 5.5G and eventually the introduction of 6G, there is an interim sweet spot for power supply designers and engineers to achieve low latency, high bandwidth, and broad throughput and connectivity. It is important to find out. Reduced Capability 5G (RedCap) is a set of reduced 5G capabilities that can provide up to 150Mbps of downlink throughput, targeting IoT devices such as wearables and hotspots with low power and bandwidth requirements.
Next-generation networks such as 5G Advanced and 6G will support technologies such as augmented reality (XR), global 3D connectivity, and self-learning/cognitive applications. These technologies require large amounts of bandwidth, high speeds, and low latency to ensure a seamless customer experience. . These networks actively reconfigure network elements (RAN/core/backhaul) to balance “supply and demand” for throughput, speed, and low latency.
A focus on security and data reliability can have a significant impact on network selection, including C-RAN, O-RAN, cloud-based, on-premises, private, public, and hybrid networks. To support these networks, power supply design and specification engineers must focus on using sustainable and highly efficient power technologies.
Overcoming operational challenges of 6G deployment
Frequency spectrum is one of the most important factors to consider in the deployment of 6G, especially the terahertz (THz) spectrum in which 6G is expected to operate, due to the need for operation at such high frequencies and line-off. This is to accommodate. -Site Communications, construction of new cell towers less than 100 feet tall and reusable for 6G deployments could help ensure an efficient transition to 6G.
Additionally, as the need for more small cell deployments increases, existing towers over 150 feet can be repurposed by placing radios at lower heights. These towers can also be used to provide fallback operational support for 4G and 5G spectrum. With the expected rollout of 6G in 2030, small cell penetration will increase further in the coming years, and power conversion companies will need to prepare to power 6G while reusing already available 5G resources. be.
Driving novel backhauling capabilities and broader AR/VR adoption
The evolution of mobile networks to 6G and beyond could also help improve connectivity to underserved areas, such as rural and isolated areas, not only in the United States but around the world. To address these connectivity challenges, wireless backhaul solutions and local carriers are poised to bridge the gap.
6G’s anticipated speeds (up to 100x over previous generations) with truly immersive experiences leveraging augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in the early stages of deployment will revolutionize the scale of AR and VR deployments. may occur. One of the technologies driving a future of faster and more widely available connectivity is Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions with backhaul capabilities, known as integrated access and backhaul (IAB). These eliminate the need to deploy fiber optic backhaul to new cell sites.
Non-terrestrial components and sustainability in 6G deployment
Future wireless global connectivity will increasingly rely on non-terrestrial network (NTN) components such as drones (typically used in remote locations during crises), high-altitude platforms, and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites . For networks that rely on hardware in the sky, deploying multiple LEO satellites serving a specific target area plays a key role in overcoming latency issues. Additionally, programs that utilize reusable rockets will help telecom providers achieve their sustainability goals during the ongoing transformation from 5G to 6G.
Telecommunications providers will also rely on AI and machine learning to achieve sustainability goals. When the system is under zero load, AI and machine learning can be used to reduce network power consumption to the minimum necessary to keep the network operational. By taking steps to reduce the environmental footprint of their systems, the telecommunications industry can more effectively comply with regulatory demands for sustainable wireless network solutions that use resources as efficiently as possible. It will be.
I’m looking forward to
With its lightning-fast data speeds, universal connectivity, and near-zero latency, the impact of 6G networks could revolutionize the global technological landscape. As the world prepares for next-generation communications networks, future-proofing 5G for 6G deployment will require strategies from many stakeholders, including carriers, power providers, equipment manufacturers, regulators, and local governments. A proactive and collaborative effort is required. state and federal levels.
