Why are people already talking about 6G?
Why are people already talking about 6G?
Smartphones seem to have just entered the 5G era, but there is also a lot of discussion around the next generation of 6G. To the uninitiated, this may seem like a moot question, as many people still don't use 5G. However, discussion is important for many things.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at why 6G is an important discussion right now. We will also explore what 6G can offer future implementations of the technology.
need for speed
When people think of "more" about the Internet, they usually mean speed. 5G is much faster than its predecessor, 4G LTE, and has lower latency. However, this improvement pales in comparison to the jump proposed by 6G.
It is estimated that speeds will be about 100 times faster than 5G and will bring more bandwidth. How fast is this and is it necessary? It depends on preference. For example, you can download entire seasons of your favorite TV shows almost instantly.
However, this example stems from our current use of fast internet speeds. No one knows what human ingenuity can do with such enhancements. After all, it's almost like going from driving a car to teleporting.
Universal coverage
Another important task for 6G is to achieve full global coverage while maintaining speed. This is possible thanks to the use of the Extremely High Frequency Spectrum (EHF).
To this end, special 6G satellite technology that reflects electromagnetic signals can provide multi-gigabit connections. This means fast and efficient connectivity in remote areas of the world, including the oceans.
It could revolutionize communication and, thanks to its ultra-fast speeds, means fast data processing can happen anywhere, which is crucial for artificial intelligence systems and other systems.
source of innovation
Whenever a new technology emerges, it would be superficial to examine its advantages without considering the multiple applications that might benefit from it. For example, 5G isn't just about faster downloads, it's also the backbone of future implementations.
When analyzing how technology is changing the most mundane or unsuspecting aspects of daily life, such as the role mobile phones play in shaping the world of mobile gaming, staying connected with loved ones, etc., one can’t help but wonder where 6G is headed.
Thanks to faster speeds, concepts like smart cities, self-driving cars, and the Internet of Things are more possible than ever before. With the arrival of 6G, this trend will only increase its momentum in unimaginable ways.
It makes 6G an exciting topic because it triggers brainstorming sessions where all kinds of crazy ideas are born. And its limits are unclear. Can 6G realize holographic communication? Can devices be controlled with thoughts?
While no one can currently answer these questions, questions like these gave rise to so many things we take for granted today. What is true is that there is a clear trend that is blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds like never before.
Some very interesting possibilities have been theorized, which really does feel like science fiction compared to the current situation. For example, 6G is said to enable truly immersive extended reality (XR). This means virtual reality will be combined with other sensory experiences.
Security Question
It is worth noting that not everyone has joined the ranks of 5G and then 6G. An important aspect of such technologies is that while they theoretically pose no health problems to organisms, this has not yet been thoroughly tested.
People are worried that 5G may cause cancer and genetic diseases. Make no mistake, this is not a fringe theory as it has been discussed in parliaments around the world. This is not only about health, but also about privacy.
With 5G, a vast number of "smarter" devices can be deployed, many of which have tracking capabilities that can be used to determine user behavior and potentially sell the information for advertising purposes without consent.
Given all these concerns surrounding 5G technology, it is also crucial to clarify these issues regarding the upcoming 6G technology.
Summarize
Although 6G is already under development, it still has a long way to go. Typically, the lifespan of the Net Generation is 10 years. This means 6G will appear around 2030.
Furthermore, 6G is not an entirely new technology; rather, it builds on 5G. This means enterprises will pay more attention to 5G technology in the next few years, and then potentially enhance it with 6G capabilities.
Even so, there is a long and winding road to implementing the necessary infrastructure. This is also a compatibility issue, as the network is only useful if the device can handle it.
Humans are dreamers by nature, and the idea of faster, more powerful technology is a dream worth discussing, along with all the problems it might bring.