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Telecommunications (telecoms) is one of five critical technologies identified in the UK Government’s Science and Technology Framework [Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (2023). Science & Technology Framework - taking a systems approach to UK science & technology].
The mobile network comprises access networks that connect directly to mobile phones via the radio spectrum, and core networks that carry communication data around the country, generally by fibreoptics, cables, or point to point radio links.Radio access networks require computing and radio hardware,ii and complex antennae to receive and create wireless signals. The most visible part of the radio access network is called the base station. They are antennae and hardware that come in various sizes and radio ranges. Smaller base stations typically use less radiating power, have shorter ranges than large base stations, and can be built into city infrastructure such as bus shelters or billboards. 6G may use all of the following:Macrocells: the largest base stations with masts typically 10 to 40 metres high and radio ranges of up to a few miles.
Virtual infrastructure. Parts of the current mobile network are moving from hardware to software in a process called virtualisation. Virtualisation can reduce cost, increase adaptability, and make it easier to upgrade the network. AI is expected to be fully integrated into the 6G network. Experts think this could allow the network to learn and manage itself, possibly reducing costs and improving operations and security. There is currently no clear view on how AI integration will be achieved, and research is ongoing into issues of energy consumption and managing security risks. One researcher thinks testing at a large scale may help overcome these issues (Box 1). AI powered mobile networks may bring broader AI policy and ethical considerations such as ensuring compliance with data protection law.Non-terrestrial networks. 6G will move beyond land-based, or terrestrial, networks by integrating space networks (satellites) or air networks (unmanned aerial vehicles). This could improve connectivity in remote areas. However, as satellite connections typically have higher latency, poor signal reception and higher cost, it will likely remain a complementary system to terrestrial networks.
The mobile network comprises access networks that connect directly to mobile phones via the radio spectrum, and core networks that carry communication data around the country, generally by fibreoptics, cables, or point to point radio links.Radio access networks require computing and radio hardware,ii and complex antennae to receive and create wireless signals. The most visible part of the radio access network is called the base station. They are antennae and hardware that come in various sizes and radio ranges. Smaller base stations typically use less radiating power, have shorter ranges than large base stations, and can be built into city infrastructure such as bus shelters or billboards. 6G may use all of the following:Macrocells: the largest base stations with masts typically 10 to 40 metres high and radio ranges of up to a few miles.
- Microcells: used to fill gaps in the larger radio network and often mounted at street level. They are typically the size of burglar alarms and have a range of a few hundred metres.
- Picocells: usually found inside buildings such as offices or airports and have a range of around a hundred metres.
- Femtocells: for use within the home or small businesses and have a range of around 10 metres. They are around the size of a home broadband router.
- Attocells: for indoor use with cells sizes of tens of centimetres, and possibly to be used by future optical wireless systems.
Virtual infrastructure. Parts of the current mobile network are moving from hardware to software in a process called virtualisation. Virtualisation can reduce cost, increase adaptability, and make it easier to upgrade the network. AI is expected to be fully integrated into the 6G network. Experts think this could allow the network to learn and manage itself, possibly reducing costs and improving operations and security. There is currently no clear view on how AI integration will be achieved, and research is ongoing into issues of energy consumption and managing security risks. One researcher thinks testing at a large scale may help overcome these issues (Box 1). AI powered mobile networks may bring broader AI policy and ethical considerations such as ensuring compliance with data protection law.Non-terrestrial networks. 6G will move beyond land-based, or terrestrial, networks by integrating space networks (satellites) or air networks (unmanned aerial vehicles). This could improve connectivity in remote areas. However, as satellite connections typically have higher latency, poor signal reception and higher cost, it will likely remain a complementary system to terrestrial networks.
6G will eventually be defined by international standards. The process will commence in 2025, but not conclude until 2028 at the earliest. 6G will likely undergo various phases of refinement after commercialisation, as seen with 5G.
Standards allow devices to function across borders and network suppliers. Setting standards is a multiyear, multistep process.
- Global requirements for 6G are set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an agency of the United Nations with a membership comprising Member States, universities, over 1000 private sector telecommunication companies, and international and regional organisations. The ITU stated that standards setting is a process of reaching consensus. Participants say that specialised commercial, legal and/or business training is also needed alongside technical experts to engage in the process. From 2024 to 2026, the ITU will define performance requirements for 6G, such as coverage, reliability, and data rates. Technologies can then be submitted for consideration in 2027 until early 2029. ITU expert groups will review proposals and essential 6G technologies.
- The third-generation partnership project (3GPP) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) will concurrently develop technical standards for communication between devices that meet ITU requirements.
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