Published 3 hours ago
Submitted by Keysight Technologies
First published by CIO Influence
The first commercial 6G deployments are expected around 2030, and there is growing optimism about the applications and services the technology will support. The IMT-2030 framework outlines six usage scenarios: ubiquitous connectivity, integrated sensing and communications, AI and communications, immersive communications, large-scale communications, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications. In addition to these, 6G aims to connect the unconnected, provide ubiquitous intelligence, incorporate security, privacy, resilience, and be sustainable.
Unlike previous generations, 6G has had a focus on sustainability from the start. It is a crucial technology in helping society achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With 6G, the information and communications technology (ICT) industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint while helping other sectors reduce their emissions. This wireless technology provides organizations with connectivity and intelligence about the physical world, enabling them to optimize energy and resource use.
Let’s explore the potential for next-generation networks to support a more sustainable industry and some of the key use cases they will enable.
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Sustainable Design for 6G
1. More efficient networks
One of the most discussed ways to make networks greener is to reduce power consumption. Over the past five years, many energy efficiency improvements have been made using techniques such as deep sleep modes that turn off power amplifiers and transmitters when not in use. AI-powered resource optimization is another area where 6G Network More efficient and less energy consuming: Power usage must be reduced, and achieving this requires a combination of architectural innovation and advanced hardware optimization.
2. Focus on the circular economy
To achieve its sustainability goals, 6G will need to incorporate circular economy principles into its design flows. These are known as the 9 Rs: reduce or rethink by design, reject, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose and recycle. The industry has focused on “reduce” for many years, such as reducing network electricity consumption. But the other Rs are also essential to ensure 6G is sustainable in all respects, including water, land and resource use.
3. Improving sustainability KPIs
In 5G networks today, many KPIs measure performance, but there is a lack of agreed-upon metrics to evaluate the sustainability of wireless systems. Observability, the idea of recording and reporting specific metrics, continues to play a key role in environmental KPIs. For example, this requires a standardized way to measure and report the energy consumption of components, devices, and end-to-end systems.
However, beyond observable defined KPIs, 6G requires the concept of choice to be implemented in the system. Every design decision involves trade-offs. For example, lowering the power of a base station can significantly degrade signal quality, making it an unrealistic choice. Wireless systems are highly complex, and choices are required to make the right decisions for network optimization.
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6G Sustainable Applications
6G will not only create a more sustainable ICT industry, but it will also help reduce emissions in other sectors. Here are some examples:
- Transport
6G’s ultra-low latency and high bandwidth will support more efficient transportation in a variety of ways. Energy consumption in electric vehicles can be optimized by monitoring usage and managing charging stations more efficiently. Additionally, the global coverage that 6G offers can support innovations such as drone delivery, reducing overall energy use compared to truck fleets.
- industry
Consider a typical assembly line in manufacturing, where robots and humans perform repetitive tasks while products move through the line. In smart factories, 6G will combine sensing and communications to help robots better understand their environment, allowing them to collaborate on complex tasks and perform multiple jobs. Next-generation networks will help optimize robot resources and production floor space.
- Work Smarter
6G networks will make Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) widespread. New applications will eliminate the need for travel and help reduce emissions. For example, AR/VR can train employees on how to operate complex equipment without getting on a plane. In education, the technology can give students realistic experiences without ever leaving the classroom.
6G is a driver of sustainability
6G will support a more sustainable world by incorporating concepts of sustainable design practices, circular economy and choices based on measured observations. Evaluating 6G system performance at every level, from chipsets to terminals to end-to-end networks, is essential to provide the insight needed to implement choices.
The industry’s focus on sustainability of next-generation networks is essential to achieving environmental goals, and the successful rollout of 6G is a key objective on the journey to net zero.
Keysight Technologies
Keysight Technologies
Keysight (NYSE: KEYS) inspires innovators and helps deliver world-changing technology. An S&P 500 company, we provide market-leading design, emulation and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy products faster and with less risk throughout their entire product lifecycle. We are a global innovation partner helping customers in the communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor and general electronics markets accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. For more information, visit the Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.
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