This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access.

This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Date of publication xxxx 00, 0000, date of current version xxxx 00, 0000.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.0322000

Unleashing the Power of Tomorrow: Exploration

of Next Frontier with 6G Networks and Cutting
Edge Technologies
INSHA ISHTEYAQ1 , KHALID MUZAFFAR1 , NAWAZ SHAFI2 and MOATH A. ALATHBAH3,4
1
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering Engineering, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, J & K-192122, India
2
School of Electronics Engineering, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu-632014, India
3
Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh-11451, Saudi Arabia
4
School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF-24 3AA, UK
Corresponding author: Moath A. Alathbah(e-mail: [email protected]).

ABSTRACT As societal needs evolve, especially with the advent of demanding applications like remote
surgeries in Smart Health, current communication systems struggle to meet the required latency and
reliability for such use cases. Similarly, enhancing existing applications, such as increasing transmission rates
in mobile networks to provide Quality of Service (QoS) and improved user experiences, presents complex
challenges. The objective of delivering higher data rates is achieved by the 5G (fifth generation) wireless
communication networks and are already been commercially deployed. However, with the proliferation of
smart communication devices and the rise of IoE (Internet of Everything) applications, the existing 5G
wireless communication networks face challenges in meeting the increasing demands for ultra-reliable, low
latency communication. To address these limitations, researchers are focusing on the development of the
sixth generation (6G) of cellular systems. Consequently, the selection of enabling technologies is crucial for
designing a suitable 6G architecture that can address these evolving demands. The paper provides a broad
review and survey of the prospective developments in the 6G networks. The main aim is to provide insights
into the significant technologies for the future 6G, including their operation principles, potential applications,
current research status, and associated technical challenges. This paper aims to offer valuable information
for both industry professionals and academic researchers, while also identifying new research avenues in the
field of 6G networks. This article proposes a methodology to analyze the relevance of enabling technologies
and leverage it for designing an optimal 6G architecture. The evaluation results offer a unique perspective
on 6G enablers, pinpointing issues and stimulating research for future mobile architectures. Additionally,
the obtained insights provide researchers with essential information to stay updated on emerging enabling
technologies and their suitability for crafting new and optimized 6G architectures.

INDEX TERMS Alliance of network AI (6GANA), beyond 5G, Beam forming, Block chain, Cell-free
massive MIMO, Edge computing, Holographic teleportation, Sixth generation (6G), Tera-Hertz, Ultra-dense
networking, Wireless optical Communication.

I. INTRODUCTION 2019, 5G has been introduced officially into commercial

A. EVOLUTION
use, utilizing Sub-6GHz and millimetre wave (mm-Wave)
bands and achieving peak data rates up to 20Gbps [1]. From

C OMMUNICATION technologies are constantly evolv-

ing, bringing about revolutionary changes with each
new generation. So far, there has been advancement in wire-
an architectural view point, wireless mobile systems have
advanced towards employing more number of antennas with
wider range of services and multiple-access technologies. The
less communication systems through 1st up to 5th genera- evolution is depicted as in Fig. 1.
tion. These five generations, starting from the analog-based
1G (First Generation) to digital-based 5G (fifth Generation), 5G base stations are designed to leverage technologies
have progressively incorporated higher band frequencies, like massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output), UDN
data rates of high frequencies and wider bandwidths. Since (Ultra-dense networking) and mm-Wave (milli-meter). They

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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

can support a large number of transceiver chains, with some in October 2020, the NextG Alliance was established which
capable of handling up to 64 transceiver chains and greater specializes in overseeing the advancement of 6G within North
number of antenna elements. The base stations for 5G com- America. In November 2019, China formally commenced the
munication with 128 antenna elements are already commer- 6G research. They also established the IMT-2030 campaign-
cially available and many companies have even introduced ing group to drive the development of 6G technology. The
the base stations equipped with massive MIMO having 384 Communications Ministry of Japan unveiled its strategy for
antennas [2]. Furthermore, 5G networks have capability to 6G in April 2020. Meanwhile, South Korea introduced a 6G
support IoE (internet of everything), AR (augmented reality) timeline in January 2020, aiming for commercialization by
and VR (virtual reality), enabling wide range of immersive 2028. Germany joined the 6G research endeavour in April
experiences and connecting various devices and systems. 2021, outlining investments in a 6G Platform and Research.
Overall the progression from 1G to 5G has brought significant In the broader European context, 6G-IA (Smart Networks
advancements in communication technology, paving the way and Services Industry Association) emerged to foster the
for enhanced data rates, increased capacity and the support of growth of next-generation networks and services. In Febru-
emerging applications and services. ary 2020, the ITU has issued the preliminary road-map for
While 5G has brought significant advancements compared the developing research in 6G, on account of international
to its predecessor 4G, it still faces certain limitations. The standardization front [3].
number of applications and services today require perfor- Significant initial efforts have been undertaken in the pur-
mance levels beyond the capabilities of 5G. These include suit of 6G development. A succession of publications and
global coverage, ultra-low latency, ultra reliable and secure associated review documents are published. These papers
connections, and high energy efficiency, less power con- outline the envisioned prerequisites, usage scenarios, crucial
sumption, ultra-high data rate transmission, high precision performance metrics (KPIs), and delve into topics such as
positioning and pervasive intelligence. Overcoming these network structure and pivotal enabling technologies for 6G.
limitations entails addressing several challenges. Achieving For instance, Finland’s flagship 6G organization issued its
global coverage necessitates further exploration of maritime inaugural 6G white paper in September 2019. This document
and satellite communications at higher altitude regions. The introduced the concept of "pervasive wireless intelligence"
transmission of data at extreme high data rates needs sub- which concentrated mainly on primary catalysts, obstacles,
stantial improvement to support services like tele-medicine and pertinent subjects of research within the 6G domain.
and ultra-high definition videos, with peak data rates reaching Subsequently, a sequence of white papers encompassing var-
terabits per second (Tbps) levels. E2E (end to end) latency ious aspects like networking, applications based on machine
should be under 1 millisecond at low transmission speeds learning (ML), business implications, edge intelligence and
and reach microsecond level at high speed. The connection security were released. Rohde & Schwarz contributed to the
density needs to support 108 devices per square kilometer, discourse with a white paper that investigated the progression
meeting the demands of densely populated areas and indus- from 5G to 6G, offering insights into anticipated 6G key
trial equipment. Furthermore, for high precision positioning, technologies. Additionally, Ericsson emphasized the pivotal
the accuracy must be enhanced to achieve centimeter level role of artificial intelligence (AI) in forthcoming intelligent
accuracy outdoors and sub-centimeter accuracy indoors. Re- networks, pinpointing five distinctive challenges associated
liability becomes crucial for novel applications that include with the incorporation of AI in the realm of 6G. The NGMN
wireless data centers, tactile internet and V2X (vehicle to alliance meticulously examined the driving forces behind
everything) communications. For more number of intelligent 6G, considering societal objectives, market expectations, and
applications, the communication systems of higher intelli- essential requirements. Their analysis also encompassed the
gence levels are of utmost importance. transition from 5G to 6G, framed within a 6G vision [4].
On a similar note, the 5G-IA (5G Infrastructure Associa-
B. LATEST ADVANCEMENTS tions) issued a white paper [37] that projected into the fu-
Wireless communication systems’ progression occurs ap- ture, outlining the impetuses, necessities, key technologies,
proximately in cycles of a decade. Currently, investigations and architectural considerations for 6G. Moreover, the 6G
into 6G are in the initial phases, with numerous countries Alliance of Network AI (6GANA) is dynamically engaged in
and standardization bodies globally revealing their intentions the exploration of implementing AI network and establishing
for 6G research. The government of Finland initiated the internally intelligent 6G networks. These forward-looking
world’s foremost extensive 6G research program in 2018. evaluations of 6G have also acted as catalysts for various
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) of USA investigations into potential technologies geared towards the
inaugurated discussions on the subject. The Federal Com- 6G landscape [5].
munications Commission (FCC) has initiated the exploration To meet the ambitious performance objectives, 6G may
of the terahertz (THz) spectrum aimed for the future 6G introduce novel technologies as crucial enabling factors such
communication. In March 2019, they have recommended as:
the concept of constructing sixth generation (6G) using a 1) Terahertz radio technologies to achieve ultra-high data
combination of "mmWave + THz + satellite". Subsequently, rates.
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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

FIGURE 1. Evolution of Antenna’s, technologies and services from first generation (1G) and advancing to sixth generation (6G)

2) Flexible networks designed for situational adapted net- Although millimetre-wave (mm-wave) communications
work availability. (30–300 GHz) have been incorporated into recent 5G cellular
3) Fully integrated, precise localization and environmen- systems up to 100 GHz, the drive for even higher carrier
tal sensing capabilities. frequencies poses challenges for achieving Tbps data rates
4) Optimized network architecture aimed at delivering and meeting stringent Quality of Service standards. These
superior service quality and reliability. challenges arise due to the limitation of mm-wave systems
5) Integration of artificial intelligence for orchestrating under 100 GHz, constrained by a total consecutive available
the high flexibility features of the 6G network, ensur- bandwidth of less than 10 GHz. Achieving spectrum effi-
ing robustness, self-organization, self-healing, and self- ciency of 100 bps/Hz within this limited bandwidth proves
optimization of wireless networks. to be remarkably demanding, despite advanced physical-
The identified Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of 6G layer techniques. The THz band emerges as a potential so-
primarily focus on technical performance, with "Network lution for addressing the demands of 6G wireless systems.
Energy Efficiency" being the sole metric directly addressing It stands out for several reasons: First, it offers contigu-
sustainability concerns. Regarding the comparison between ous bandwidth ranging from tens to hundreds of GHz. Sec-
5G and 6G in terms of "Energy Efficiency," various values are ond, it features symbol duration’s at the picosecond level.
reported in the scientific literature, ranging from a factor of 2 Third, it enables integration of thousands of sub-millimeter
to as high as 300. This variability indicates that quantifying antennas. Lastly, it easily coexists with other regulated and
this feature is currently challenging and immature. Factors standardized spectrum, enhancing its usability. Traditionally,
like network load and scenario intricacies significantly influ- the THz frequency band has remained largely unexplored in
ence the outcome, highlighting the complexity of this metric. the electromagnetic spectrum due to the absence of efficient
Given the innovative nature of future mobile networks, fea- and practical THz transceivers and antennas. Nevertheless,
turing concepts like cell-free architecture, dynamic cluster- significant advancements over the past decade [7] have paved
ing, and channel charting functions, discussions are ongoing the way for practical THz communication systems, bridging
across different bodies and committees to define appropriate this gap.
metrics and measurement methods for assessing "Network Amidst the rapid evolution of the mobile communications
Energy Efficiency." sector, there’s an imperative to surmount the limitations posed
by 5G and propel the progression toward 6G. Drawing from
C. POTENTIAL OF 6G TECHNOLOGY a series of forward-looking 6G initiatives, we present an
The frequency ranging from (0.1–10) THz is emerging as a exhaustive exploration and synthesis of the 6G landscape. The
critical technology in meeting the escalating demands for data primary objectives of this paper are twofold: to establish a
traffic in 6G and beyond wireless networks. These demands comprehensive understanding of 6G encompassing prevailing
involve faster data rates and better coverage. In the context of consensus and to delve deeply into the most recent advance-
6G, the aim is to achieve around 1Tbps peak data rates and ments in 6G. The unique contributions and novelty of this
60 bps/Hz peak spectral efficiency and to ensure end-to-end survey can be encapsulated as follows:
reliability with packet error rates of 109, and maintain end-to- 1) An evaluative assessment of the global 6G vision, per-
end latency at 0.1 ms, as illustrated in Table-1. This next-gen formance metrics (KPIs), and envisaged application
wireless technology also aspires to enhance energy efficiency scenarios is undertaken, encapsulating the prevailing
by a factor of 100 compared to 5G, while simultaneously currents in 6G research.
enabling sensing resolutions of 1 to 3 mm in the expansive 2) An extensive examination is conducted into the tra-
realm of the Internet of Things, accommodating billions of jectories of development, research status, and stan-
devices [6] dardization strides within the 6G network architecture.
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TABLE 1. Targets for 6G system performance

Performance Objectives 5G 6G
Frequency Bands Sub-6GHz and mm-Wave Tera-Hertz
Peak Data Rates 2 - 20 Gbps 1 Tbps
Latency 1 ms 0.1 ms
Peak Spectral Efficiency 30 bits/s/Hz 60 bits/s/Hz
Reliability 10−7 10−9
Resolution - 1 - 3 mm
Energy Efficiency 10 100
Mobility 500 km/h 1000km/h
Connection Density 106 device/km2 108 device/km2

FIGURE 2. Vision of 6G: Re-imagining the future

Moreover, we propose a promising blueprint for the 6G consumption, expanding broadband connectivity, fortifying
network architecture. communication security, bolstering link reliability, reducing
3) Embarking from the worldwide 6G vision, the survey latency, and enabling intelligent communication. The aspira-
uncovers a spectrum of open research directions and tion for 6G is to achieve an extraordinary data rate exceeding
pivotal challenges in the 6G domain. It culminates with 100 Gbps, coupled with end-to-end delays under 1 ms [8].
insights gleaned from meticulous evaluations of an ex- Moreover, 6G is anticipated to meet exceptional levels of
tensive body of referenced literature. communication reliability, ushering in an era of unparalleled
connectivity. Anticipated as part of the ultra-era, future 6G
Subsequent sections of the survey are structured on the
networks aim to facilitate wireless communication with ultra-
foundation of delineating the comprehensive state-of-the-art,
low latency, ultra-high reliability, and ultra-fast mobility. The
bolstered by more number of authoritative citations and suc-
advancement towards this era involves leveraging ultra-large
cinct summary tables. This is then coupled with recognition
scale MIMO systems and ultra-high frequencies to support
of critical gaps in knowledge. Existing concepts are critically
high-speed wireless data transmission. Concurrently, these
scrutinized, appraising their merits, drawbacks, and trade-
networks are geared to provide ultra-high broadband con-
offs. This groundwork serves as the Launchpad for tackling
nectivity, enabling ultra-high-definition video streaming, as
open research conundrums through a spectrum of promising
illustrated in Fig-2.
avenues, while prudently avoiding potential pitfalls.
Realizing the ambitious requirements, of 6G hinges on
D. RE-IMAGINING THE FUTURE: THE VISION OF 6G novel and intelligent communication techniques. Concepts
Envisioned as a trans-formative leap from existing wireless like re-configurable intelligent surfaces, extra-large MIMO,
communication systems, 6G networks are poised to elevate spectrum innovations, holographic radio communications,
service quality and cater to immense data traffic demands. full-duplex wireless communication, diverse access and mod-
Their goals encompass maximizing data rates, curbing energy ulation approaches, and energy harvesting techniques are
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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

crucial for maximizing data rates and energy efficiency. Em- mainly included the key concepts of wireless data centre, dig-
ploying cell-free massive MIMO systems and integrating ter- ital twin, tactile internet, immersive XR etc and are compre-
restrial with non-terrestrial communications contribute to en- hensively explained in Table 3. To address the high demand
hanced connectivity and comprehensive coverage. Quantum requirements for 6G communication, the three scenarios are
communication and block chain enhance security and privacy, explained: meMBB, muRLLC and MBRLLC.
while holographic teleportation, edge computing, and the For the 6G technical survey, we formulated a strategy
prowess of artificial intelligence and machine learning ensure starting from the basic 6G communication, KPI’s for visual-
ultra-reliable and low-latency communication. izing performance parameters, state of art literature, technical
6G’s grand design is to seamlessly amalgamate diverse requirements, and network architecture emerging trends in
wireless networks, spanning terrestrial, airborne, underwater, the evolution of 6G architecture. The survey continued with
and satellite communication systems. This integration estab- the potential technologies for 6G viz THz, VLT, IRS tech-
lishes a powerful communication platform offering extensive nology, ultra-massive MIMO, AI, Block chain, ML, semantic
broadband connectivity with universal coverage. Unlike its communication etc. These technologies were then reviewed
predecessors, 6G networks are designed to adeptly cater to with emerging aspects for 6G that included the main features
delay-sensitive applications such as the Tactile Internet, holo- of new spectrum, new materials and antenna’s. All the main
graphic teleportation (tele-presence), the Internet of Smart technical aspects of 6G have been explained in the sub-
Things (IoST) and multi-sensory extended reality (XR) in- sections respectively. The methodology involved in the survey
volving augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and is outlined in Fig. I-E
virtual reality (VR). IoST applications encompass domains
like smart cities, smart radio environments, healthcare, grid III. TECHNICAL PRE-REQUISITES AND APPLICATION
management, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and SCENARIOS FOR 6G
home automation, all poised to be robustly supported by the The number of application scenarios visualized in the 6G
capabilities of 6G wireless communication networks [9], [10]. vision impose diverse performance demands on 6G commu-
nication systems. This section will provide a detailed vies of
E. RELATED WORKS the 6G technicalities required and its application scenarios.
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in publi-
cations related to the THz band. This surge is not limited to A. REQUIREMENTS OF 6G
technical papers alone; it also encompasses numerous tuto- The ITU-R initially identified eight key performance in-
rials and review articles that have surfaced in the academic dicators (KPIs) for the assessment of International Mobile
literature. In the following section, we aim to provide an Telecommunications 2020 (IMT-2020). However, as mobile
overview of these publications in Table-2. communication networks have rapidly evolved, these metrics
are no longer sufficient to address the important use cases and
II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY, CONTRIBUTION AND applications anticipated for 2030 and beyond. While the eight
HIGHLIGHTS KPIs originally employed to evaluate 5G remain relevant for
The review paper on 6G technology is based on a structured 6G, their specific values must be updated to accommodate
and systematic methodology in order to ensure a comprehen- advancements in technology and the emergence of new ap-
sive and well organised review. We began the survey with plications. Additionally, the evaluation of new services in the
the literature review on the appropriate academic databases 6G era necessitates the introduction of fresh indicators, en-
IEEE, Elsevier etc. the extensive research was done and compassing aspects such as sensing, positioning, intelligence
certain specific aspects of 6G were defined for the review. and security. The major KPI’s for 6G have been shown in
The review began with the evolution of 6G from 5G with Fig. 4 and the quantitative analysis of Key point indicators
the latest advancements outlining the 6G platform. The re- of 6G in comparison to 5G have been broadly summarized
search was also done on some key concepts including Tera- in Table-3. The numerical values of 6G Key Performance
Hertz communication, cell-free massive MIMO, RIS (recon- Indicators (KPIs) are derived from an analysis of various
figurable intelligent surfaces), Holographic communications, literature sources, as elaborated in the text and explained in
Edge computing, Block chain, Quantum communication, Ar- brief in Table 2.
tificial intelligence and Machine learning etc. The design
flow of 6G wireless communication networks with associated B. APPLICATION SCENARIOS
performance parameters is depicted in Fig. I-E. For 5G, there were mainly three application scenarios that
The second step was to visualize the technical pre- included eMBB, uRLLC and mMTC that were designed to
requisites and the application scenarios for 6G communica- address specific high demand requirements including sub-
tion. The major requirements of 6G were to identify the key stantial bandwidth and higher data rates, extensive device
performance indicators and the quantitative analysis of these connectivity, minimal latency with exceptional reliability.
KPI’s. The number of research papers have been analysed Numerous research papers have presented their visions for
for the detailed visualisation of the KPI’s for efficient 6G 6G application scenarios but there is a requirement of detailed
communication. The critically targeted technical scenarios survey for determining the most important application scenar-
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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

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TABLE 2. Targets for 6G system performance

Reference Contribution
The work has given the vision towards future 6G communications including the network architecture. It has provided
the description of newly emerging technologies e.g. terahertz communication, cell-free communication, intelligent
Zaman et-al [11]
reflective surfaces, holographic beam-forming and many more. Most importantly the work has described
the main challenges and directions for pursuing research towards achieving the goal of 6G.
The survey provides a forward looking perspective on the realm of 6G and its critical technologies. More specifically,
it aims to furnish a comprehensive review regarding pivotal technologies for 6G networks. The survey encompasses an
Alsabah et-al [8]
exploration of basic principles of operation of each technology, their important applications,
cutting-edge research technologies along with technical limitations.
A comprehensive survey has been provided on the 6G how its related with Internet of Things (IoT). It has provided
the technical hierarchy of 6G enabled IoT, mainly focusing on energy efficiency, security and organization of systems.
Hosseinzadeh et-al [12]
It has pointed out towards future directions and challenges mainly including data off-loading, data storage,
data sharing, scalability, user experience, authorization etc.
The review of key technologies and areas highlighting 6G networks and 6G prospectus has been given. The article
Mohsan et-al [13] has highlighted the historical outline of generation of communication technologies, prospective challenges and
desirable solutions towards 6G.
The paper has provided a thorough depiction of 6G vision, going into its technical pre-requisites and important
application scenarios. It has enlightened with a critical assessment of architecture of 6G networks along with
Wang et-al [2]
in-depth of key technologies. The work has for the first time presented an exploration of test-beds and advanced platforms
used for the characterization of 6G systems.
This work has conducted an in-depth analysis of AI’s application within the domain of Tera-hertz communications,
exploring the challenges, potentials and limitations associated with its integration. In addition, the survey has entered
Farhad et-al [14]
into the available platforms, solutions, experimental test-beds and easily available
simulators for Tera-Hertz communications
The main contribution of this work centers on the exploration of pivotal issues and identification of key attributes of
Alsharif et-al [15] 6G communications. The review mainly encompasses the envisioning of main technicalities, addressing
challenges and potential remedies and comprehensive research endeavors.
The main aim of the paper is to cast a retrospective gaze upon the past decade, re-examining previously encountered
challenges and elucidating the accomplishments made within the research community so far. In addition,
Akyildiz et-al [16]
it focuses on the identification and presentation of on-going challenges and novel research avenues awaiting exploration
within the realm of THz bands communication systems.

ios along with justifiable classification [17]. 6G applications previous generations including 4G and 5G. It seeks
Scenarios where 6G systems can be utilized to provide spe- to enable ultra-fast internet access and data transfer,
cific services, features, or benefits are presented in Fig. 5. stream high-definition content, and engage in data-
In the evolution to 6G, the existing application sce- intensive applications seamlessly. To achieve the high
narios will undergo further enhancement and expansion. data rates, meMBB requires access to a wide and sub-
These enhancements include further enhanced mobile broad- stantial portion of the spectrum [18]. It may involve the
band (feMBB), ultra-massive machine-type communications utilization of previously untapped frequency bands or
(umMTC), and enhanced ultra-reliable low-latency commu- the aggregation of multiple frequency bands to provide
nications (euRLLC). By 2030, the following three scenarios ample bandwidth for data transmission. meMBB is
will not only encounter traditional Key Performance Indica- expected to support a massive number of simultaneous
tors (KPIs) like data rate, connection density, and commu- connections, accommodating the proliferation of de-
nication system latency but will also encompass new KPIs vices in an increasingly connected world. This includes
related to imaging, positioning, sensing, security capacity, not only smartphones and tablets but also a wide range
and intelligence levels. Additionally, 6G will harness the inte- of IoT devices and sensors. Dense scene communica-
gration and development of various technologies to introduce tions scenario is particularly relevant in crowded or
hybrid application scenarios that combine attributes from densely populated areas where a multitude of devices
different categories. Beyond the three scenarios built upon require high-speed data connectivity. It may find ap-
the foundation of 5G, 6G is expected to introduce several plications in urban environments, sports stadiums, con-
new application developments that mainly include meMBB, certs, conferences, and other venues with concentrated
muRLLC and MBRLLC. The potential 6G application sce- user activity.
narios are shown in Fig. 5. meMBB is among the various envisaged application
scenarios for 6G networks, with the goal of advanc-
1) meMBB (Massive Enhanced Mobile Broad-Band)
ing wireless communication by providing exceptional
Massive Enhanced Mobile Broadband (meMBB) refers
data speeds, substantial bandwidth, and the capacity to
to a key application scenario and capability envisioned
support a multitude of concurrently connected devices.
for future wireless communication systems, particu-
meMBB applications encompass delivering immersive
larly in the context of 6G networks. meMBB aims
augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) encounters,
to provide significantly higher data rates compared to
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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

FIGURE 3. Design flow of 6G wireless communication networks with associated performance parameters.

enabling real-time high-definition video conferencing, band allows users to access internet, stream media
supporting autonomous vehicles and drones, and facili- and use various online services while on the move.
tating advanced cloud-based gaming and entertainment In the context of MBRLLC, reliability likely means
services. that users can expect a stable and consistent connection
2) muRLLC (Massive Ultra-Reliable Low Latency [5]. Low latency is crucial for applications like online
Communications) gaming, autonomous vehicles, video conferencing and
Massive Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications real time industrial automation. MBRLLC technology
(muRLLC) refers to a key application scenario com- emphasizes both reliability and low latency ensuring
monly used in the context of 5G and beyond wireless a dependable and responsive connection for various
communication technologies. Massive mainly refers to applications and use cases.
the ability of the network to handle a massive number Additionally there are various other scenarios that repre-
of devices simultaneously. In the context of the Internet sent a diverse range of communication needs and applications
of Things (IoT), this could mean connecting a vast and mainly include:
number of devices, including sensors and machines, to 1) Communications with exceptionally low power re-
the network. uRLLC is a category of communication quirements.
services that prioritize ultra-reliable, low-latency com- 2) Applications related to digital twins.
munication [19]. It’s designed for applications where 3) Integrated networks encompassing space, ground, air
extremely low latency and high reliability are critical. and sea..
This includes applications like autonomous vehicles, 4) Long distance communication solutions.
remote surgery, and industrial automation, where even 5) Communication systems designed for high mobility
a slight delay or error in data transmission could have environments
severe consequences. In Table-3, an overview of some new representative scenar-
3) MBRLLC (Mobile Broadband Reliable And Low ios is given with respect to the upcoming 6G technology.
Latency Communication)
Mobile Broadband Reliable and Low Latency Com- IV. NETWORK ARCHITECTURE OF 6G
munication" (MBRLLC) is a term that combines the To facilitate an energy efficient network with low cost, it’s
features of reliability and low latency related to mo- essential to transform the architecture of entire communi-
bile communications particularly 6G. Mobile broad- cation network. The network architecture of communication
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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

FIGURE 4. 6G Key point indicators, fundamental aspects for understanding the vision, development, and deployment of 6G technology.

systems is constantly developing as going from 1G to 5G in [39]. 6G is going to provide a full-space 3D network
number of aspects like virtual and cloud platforms including profoundly integrated with the heterogeneous dense
many more. In 5G, the main network architecture included terrestrial networks [40], [41].
SDN (software defined network), SBA (service based archi- 2) Security and reliability
tecture), NFV (network function virtualization) and network While it’s essential to introduce the network architec-
slicing which has made 5G network more flexible in terms ture to cater the diverse needs of various applications
of services (cost) and energy. But for real world network in 6G communications network, the crucial aspects like
applications, 5G is still facing challenges [29]. Keeping in security cannot be overlooked. The convergence of var-
consideration, the cost, application and technical require- ious communication technologies with virtualization,
ments, 5G architecture is enhancing towards 6G networks. data and industrial technologies has posed a threat to
6G architecture will be having core 5G network in addition the security in 6G technology. 6G networks are going to
to some more additional novel architectures. The network face number of security issues for example algorithms
architecture for 6G is shown in Fig. 6. The most important and models are prone to security risks in addition to
parts of the network architecture include: software vulnerabilities and issues of privacy in data
1) Integrated 3-D network [42], [43]. In view of the above risks, the upcoming
2) Security and Reliability 6G architecture need to rely upon multi-lateral model
3) Light weight, flexible and green that will take security risk into consideration right from
4) Integrated sensing computing the start of designing the new network. So, there is
5) Natively intelligent necessity of introducing some security technologies
The section first summarizes the evolved 5G network ar- like block-chain, physical layer security and quantum
chitecture and then developing architecture for 6G networks. communication while designing the architecture of 6G
network [44], [45].
A. EVOLVED ARCHITECTURE OF 6G NETWORKS 3) Integrated sensing communication and computing
The edge computing service has been introduced in the
The key considerations of the evolved architecture for 5G
network architecture of 5G in order to reduce the costs
networks have been summarized in Table 4.
as well as service latency [45]. In 6G, the computing
service can be realized by deep integrated sensing and
B. EMERGING TRENDS IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF 6G
data transmission functions. In order to ensure the ef-
NETWORKS
ficient services for number of application scenarios of
1) Integrated 3D multi-network
6G, every node in the network will have to perform the
All the existing and previous networks mainly provided
function of data transmission, sensing and computing
the connectivity to the urban terrestrial areas. However,
[46], [47].
the rural areas were deprived of the good connectivity.
4) Light weight, flexible and green
Also, the terrestrial area networks lack robustness and
While designing the network architecture there has
on-time communication during the crucial times like
been a continuous trend for the networks to be flexi-
disasters etc. This void is expected to be filled by 6G
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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

FIGURE 5. 6G applications Scenarios where 6G systems can be utilized to provide specific services, features, or benefits.

ble, green and light weight. It will be a boon for the help 6G to be natively intelligent [51]. The concept
flexible and dynamic allocation of network resources of architecture is capable of connecting a number of
that will also reduce the operational deployment costs. promising network technologies into a single structure
By using cell-free architecture [48], fully decoupled core. The architecture of 6G network with new flexible
RAN and Ran core convergence architecture [49], 6G architectures that mainly include cell-free architecture
architecture is going to be more flexible, greener and and many more technologies for enhancing the intelli-
light weighted [50]. gence of networks has been proposed.
5) Natively intelligent
6G is believed to be more intelligent than 5G. NWDAF
V. STATE OF THE ART: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
(network data analysis function) has been added to core
5G network, which has resulted in the improvement of In response to the swift evolution of the mobile communi-
collection of data and analysing capabilities of network. cations sector, addressing the constraints of 5G has become
Because of limited data resources, privacy issue and imperative, necessitating the on-going advancement toward
external AI support [9], the NWDAF does not provide 6G. This comprehensive exploration builds upon existing
AI network support. With the fast development of AI forward-looking 6G initiatives, presenting an extensive dis-
and communication sensing and computing, 6G is go- cussion and consolidation of the current state of 6G. The
ing to support AI intelligence and other technologies objective of this paper is to propose a definitive definition
like cognitive architecture, DEN2 (deep edge nodes for 6G, encompassing prevalent perceptions, and to meticu-
and networks), SSN’s (self-sustaining networks) will lously examine the latest advancements in 6G technology. A
comparison between this survey paper and other existing 6G
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TABLE 3. Targets for 6G system performance

S.no Representative new scenarios Explanation

It relates the real world systems to the digital world. The technology emphasizes on the digitization of the
physical world with the help of smart technologies like AI. Digital twins find applications in industry,
1. Digital Twin medicine, urban planning, transportation etc. Digital twin BAN (body area network) uses 6G to simulate a
virtual body and can diagnose various diseases in advance and can also predict the effect of medication
etc. on the virtual body [20], [21].
With the technological development like big data and AI, there has been enormous amount of data that
plays a vital role in the developing recent societies. This much data needs much space for storage. Presently,
the data centers are wired and consume high power, space and are very costly. So there is high demand for
wireless data centers but there are many challenges to implement them because of transmitting high data
2. Wireless data center
rates. It is expected that THz spectrum in 6G and cloud technology will take through, to realize cloud
based future wireless data centers. Cloud servers will be employed for massive data storage and THz
spectrum will provide the medium for transmission by supporting the function of wireless data
centers [22], [23].
It’s a concept that represents the communication systems that aim to provide reliability and
ultra-low latency for real time, touch based haptic interactions among devices and humans.
With the onset of 6G, tactile internet allows collection, digitization and transmission
3. Tactile internet of information over the available network. The major applications of tactile internet include
remote surgeries and telemedicine, immersive / extended reality by using haptic feedback,
robotics, gaming, training and education by facilitating hands on experiences. The TI concept is exciting
and aims to bring touch based real time digitization of the world [24].
It’s an advanced technology wherein an individual can see as well as communicate / interact with the
holographic images of others in a manner as is they are communicating with each other
4. Holographic Communication at the same place and time. It creates the realistic 3D images of remote things / individuals.
Apart from real life examples it’s expected that holographic communication technology will bring
its users to experience their connectivity with past and future as well [25].
The cutting edge technology allows its users to control the external devices through their brain
without any need of external links or connections. In this, the electronic devices
are controlled by the signals produced by the brain, wherein the device analyses the
5. Wireless Brain-Machine interface
signals and converts them to certain commands in order to make the device operational.
This technology can be better realized by 6G which makes it more reliable with high speeds, low latency,
low power consumption and higher accuracy [25], [26].
XR-extended reality is a combination of virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality.
VR refers to users connecting to digital environments (completely virtual). AR refers to users
overlaying the content (digital) onto the real world. MR refers to the integration of VR and AR.
6. Immersive XR Immersive XR aims to create a holistic environment by engaging multiple numbers of
senses that mainly include vision, sound, and touch. 6G is going to
achieve a completely immersive XR with its high speed, less delay,
high data rates etc [25].
It becomes one of the critical components of emergency services like natural disasters,
human accidents etc. wherein the communication networks need to be very quick and fast.
7. Emergency Rescue Communication
With the realization of 6G aiming at full space 3D coverage, the emergency rescue
communication option will be a life saver for mankind [27], [28].

survey papers is provided in Table 5. lenges inherent to 6G. The discussion culminates by
The distinctiveness and contributions of this survey can be drawing insights from the critical assessments of an
outlined as follows: extensive body of literature cited, providing valuable
lessons learned in the process.
1) Thorough evaluation of the global 6G vision, Key Per-
formance Indicators (KPIs), and application scenarios,
providing a critical analysis of the prevailing themes in VI. POTENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR 6G
current 6G research. The vision of 6G has set a path for this future wireless system.
2) In-depth examination of the development trends, re- With the aim of using all the spectra and offering a global
search status, and standardization progress related to coverage to its users, there is going to be the expansion of
the 6G network architecture, along with key technolo- communication systems towards intelligent secure services
gies. Additionally, a promising 6G network architecture integrated with sensing and computing. In view of this, it’s
is proposed based on the findings. expected that 5G is not going to fulfill support the 6G vision
3) Pivotal scrutiny of existing 6G materials, encompassing in terms of intelligent systems. A part of 6G technologies are
6G-style wireless channels, crucial 6G components and the expanded versions of 5G technology. In 5G data rates were
new antennas marking the comprehensive review of increased by using mm-Wave technology while as 6G is going
these elements in the context of 6G. to use THz, optical wireless technology and more advanced
4) Starting from the global 6G vision, this survey delves spectrum’s to meet the demand. Interfacing technologies like
into a set of open research directions and key chal- massive MIMO, OFDMA, half-duplex etc. of 5G are going to
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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

FIGURE 6. Network architecture of 6G, tailored to support wireless communication and connectivity.

be developed further in 6G [64]. The current world technol- frequency range is characterized by large bandwidth
ogy, AI is going to enhance the wireless communication by and high frequency, narrow beam, high molecular ab-
providing the intelligent solutions for all network layers of sorption etc [68]. THz communication is going to play
the communication system [65], [66]. Block-chain is another a significant role in positioning, sensing, imaging and
technique for providing reliable and secure communication so on. With reference to Shannon’s equation, THz can
systems [67]. To overcome the bottleneck in transmission part offer fast data services in Tbps meeting the essential
of the communication systems, a promising way to extract requirements of XR (AR/VR). Having narrow beam,
information is represented by semantic communication. The directivity THz communication will be highly secure
potential 6G technologies have been briefly shown in Fig. 7. with short distances [69], [70].
The developmental concepts, applications and the challenges 2) Visible Light technology
of the further evolved 6G technologies are explained in this Besides THz spectrum, optical wave communication is
section. going to provide the services of highly dense broadband
communication with no electromagnetic interference,
1) THz Communication high network security, very low latency, cost efficient,
It’s one of the promising areas for research as it’s going easy deployment and makes the use of unlicensed free
to offer number of advantages which are anticipated for spectrum. The optical band mainly consists of 10-
the requirements of 6G. The problems of spectrum con- 400nm (UV), 760nm-1mm (IR) and 360-760nm (vis-
gestion have made 5G systems insufficient for realizing ible light) [71]. In addition to providing services of
the demands for increasing data services by 6G sys- wireless communication, visible light is a good source
tems. In between the optical and mm-Wave frequency of energy and it provides illumination also. VLC is a
range, the recent spectrum is 0.1 to 3THz. The THz
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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

TABLE 4. Network Architectures of 6G

S.no Network Architectures Explanation

Network functions virtualization technology is an architectural approach that virtualizes and abstracts
the network services like routers, firewalls etc that were initially made to run on hardware appliances.
1. NFV
The main aim of NFV is to replace physical network architecture by virtualized software based instances.
In other words it aims at decoupling hardware and software [20], [30], [31].
Software defined network is the networking architecture approach that employs controllers based on
software to communicate with the said hardware of the network. SDN decouples the forwarding/data and
2. SDN
control plane with the aim of separating control functions from forwarding functions.
This architecture mainly includes application, data and control planes [32], [33], [34].
Service based architecture consists of separate modules acting as network elements that are connected
to furnish the services to the basic network. SBA tends to modularize the core 5G network by providing
3. SBA
service functions using NFV. Similar to SDN, SBA architecture also provides two plane functions namely
user plane function and control plane function for 5G network core [35].
The major scenarios of 5G communication systems i.e. eMBB, uRLLC and mMTC have quite
different network requirements. There is a need of flexible communication system to support the
4. Network slicing different scenarios. The network slicing concept has emerged which has taken into consideration all the
required factors. The main aim of network slicing is to provide number of application services by
multiplexing different networks virtualized on the same physical network [36], [37], [38].

TABLE 5. Outlook on the perspectives of reported works based on vision, KPI’, applications, architecture, key technologies and challenges.

Reported Content
Ref.
Application Network Key
Vision KPI’s Challenges
Scenarios Architecture Technologies
[52] # # @ # # @
[53] # N. R. @ # # @
[54] # N. R. @ # # @
[55] * N. R. N. R. # # @
[11] * N. R. # @ N. R. #
[56] * # # @ # #
[57] # # # @ # #
[58] * N. R. # # # @
[59] # # # # N. R. @
[60] # # # # # @
[25] # # # @ # @
[29] * # # @ # #
[17] * # # # # @
[61] * # # N. R. # #
[62] # N. R. # N. R. # @
[9] * N. R. N. R. # # #
[63] N. R. N. R. # # * #
This paper # # # # # #
Note: The symbol ‘#’ indicates that perspective which is explained in detail, ′ @′ indicates that aspect which is
mentioned in brief or in comprehensive manner and ‘*’ represents those references where only outlook for where
only outlook for 6G is given without complete vision for 6G whereas ’N. R.’ indicates that aspect which
is not not reported at all.

potential application for vehicular, indoor and under- 5G technology. In massive MIMO, the number of an-
water communication in addition to localized systems. tennas per user should be greater than 10 [75]. For 6G,
Some of its applications like WiFi, Lifi are capable of the concept of ultra-massive MIMO has been initiated
providing multi-user communication as well as illumi- which refers to hundreds and thousands of antenna
nation at the same time [72]. elements forming larger antenna arrays. It enhances the
3) IRS technology spectrum and energy efficiency, provides high position
In this technology, the reflection of the signals is con- accuracy with diversity in frequency range and flexibil-
trolled by certain software. The power of the signal can ity in network coverage [76].
be improved by using IRS technology [73]. In addition 5) AI
to this, intelligent reflection surface technology is used The great learning and understanding ability, robust-
to reduce the interference and chances of data theft by ness and capability for reasoning has made AI appli-
controlling the phase and amplitude of the signals [74]. cable for potential scenarios and number of applica-
4) Ultra-massive MIMO tions [77]. In this era, there have been various limita-
The concept of MIMO has proved very important for tions on the on-going traditional algorithms of wireless

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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
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Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

FIGURE 7. New technologies for 6G

communications because of the emerging technologies include the new spectrum, devices, materials and channels.
that has created the demand for intelligent services. In the following section, the potential elements and the chal-
It’s expected that Artificial intelligence can be applied lenges [44]to be faced with with every respective element will
throughout the 6G network layers, thereby simplifying be discussed.
the optimization and management of networks making
1) New Spectrum
them more reliable and efficient [78].
The first and foremost resource for any wireless com-
6) Block-chain
munication system is the availability of spectrum. To
The term block-chain has been initially coined for
achieve higher data rates, more part of the spectrum is
crypto-currency back in 2008. The traditional access
required. The allocation os spectrum is quite critical in
control and authentication mechanisms will not be ap-
terms of global economies and for convenient roaming
plicable in 6G because of frequently changing data
around the globe. With the evolving generations of
and flatter structure [79]. Block-chain is regarded as
mobile technologies, the usage of spectrum has been
fundamental technology in the context of 6G systems.
expanding to the higher frequencies. The mm-Wave
It offers a good solution to address trust and security
frequency were being first utilized in 5G, while as 6G
concerns that arise among distributed and diverse in-
is going to seek even more higher bands. Despite the
frastructures and devices of networks [67], [80].
fact that 6G will utilize high frequency bands but low
7) Semantic Communication
and mid-bands are equally necessary for achieving the
It’s a method of communication where there is an ex-
wider coverage. So 6g is going to have the framework
change of content of the message. It puts an emphasis
of multi-layered frequency bands as shown in Fig. 8.
on conveying context, meaning and mainly understand-
2) The New Materials and Antennas
ing among the communicators. It’s going to play an im-
Over the few recent years, there has been a remarkable
portant role in AI, NLP (natural language processing)
advancement in the semiconductor device technology
and most importantly human-computer interaction. Se-
which has ultimately led to the revolution in the digital
mantic communication is going to improve the quality
communication area. It is anticipated that the new mate-
of services, reliability and efficiency of communication
rial technologies will progress further enabling the use
and realization of connecting everything intelligently
of new spectrum and novel antennas for the upcoming
[81], [82].
6G.
a) Use of Silicon towards THz
VII. EMERGENT ASPECTS FOR 6G The use of silicon technologies which are intrinsi-
Apart from the advancements in the past wireless technolo- cally cost effective, compact in size, high yielding
gies and in addition to overcoming the challenges required and most importantly energy efficient play an
for the development of wireless systems, 6G is going to beset important role in the communication, computing,
a number of a number new elements. These elements mainly imaging and beyond. The more advanced tech-
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FIGURE 8. Framework of multi-layered frequency bands for 6G

niques are going to possibly integrate both elec- outdoor coverage as can shown in Fig. 9.
tronic and photonic components more efficiently 3) New Channels
on the same compact silicon that could be practi- The propagation techniques are mainly represented by
cally realized in the near future. Due to the contin- the channel models and are used for comparison and
uous progress in the semiconductor technology, evaluation among number of different systems. There
THz circuits have been achieved. It has become are mainly three broad categories of channel models:
possible to fabricate IC’s upto 700GHz by using deterministic model, stochastic and hybrid model. The
SiGe HBT (hetero-junction Bi-polar) technology. parameters of propagation are fixed in deterministic
Its estimated that this HBT is going to reach channels wherein the channels can be recreated by cer-
1THz mark. A THz antenna can be conveniently tain techniques like ray tracing, CEM (computational
integrated with the silicon substrates having a electromagnetics) and measurements etc. The stochas-
front-end circuit. Although its very challenging tic models are constructed from randomly distributed
to design on-chip antennas because of the gen- clusters generated in accordance to specific probabil-
erated surface waves in the substrates which can ity distribution function. Hybrid models, sometimes
interfere with the radiation of antenna resulting in referred as quasi-deterministic models and scattered
more losses. Its very desirable but challenging too elements from stochastic models [83]. In the transition
to design the antennas having low loss and high from 3G to 5G, channel model research emphasized
efficiency at THz frequencies. on enhancing the deterministic aspects but within some
b) Intelligent and Re-configurable surface materials complexity limit. With the introduction of new scenar-
The electrical properties of the materials can be ios, antennas and spectrum, channel modeling is facing
desirably tuned for making the devices more func- new challenges in the 6G as discussed below:
tional with reduced dimensions and cost effective.
For controlled flexibility, a number of tunable ma- a) There is a problem of increasing free space path
terials are proposed for the systems with this fea- losses with the spectrum going beyond 100 GHz
ture of tuning RIS (re-configurable intelligent sur- i.e. in to the THz range. To overcome this more
faces) are enabled for the digital platforms. RIS and more enhanced beam-forming techniques are
have the ability to manipulate the incoming em required. One of the prominent challenges for
waves and shape them to desired outputs by em- THz range in the phenomena of molecular ab-
ploying efficiently designed scatters called meta- sorption [84]. For small-scale fading THz signals
atoms which can enable beam-steering and beam- exhibit the properties of multi-path propagation
forming functions. The materials can include liq- like that of mm-Wave signals specially in case of
uid crystals, graphene etc. To enhance the multi- indoor scenarios [85].
user performance, the base station beam-forming b) The development of new antennas like ELAA (ex-
and the RIS phase control need to be optimized tremely large aperture array), RIS, ultra-massive
together. In those scenarios where there is no link MIMO have prominently affected the channel
between the base station and users/vehicles, RIS’s modeling. So. some of the features like non-
can be employed to increase the indoor as well as stationary channels, near-field spherical waves,
rate of cross-polarization, phase shifters etc need
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FIGURE 9. 6G Channel Modeling Challenges.

to be re-modeled in accordance to the desirable In order to provide the new possibilities for future
outputs [86], [87]. mobile systems, its going to offer sensing applications
c) The new scenarios like ISAC are more dependent which are novel in addition to providing connectivity.
on the environment and gets difficult to explain For creating cybernetic organisms, multi-sensor capa-
by stochastic models whereas some of the specific ble devices might be integrated to the humans for ad-
scenarios can be explained by deterministic mod- vanced human race. These novel capabilities are going
els. to support healthcare, spectroscopy, gesture recognition
4) New Devices etc.
During the past 20 years, feature phones were replaced 3) Cloud-based
by smartphones, the same kind of revolution is expected The new models of business and privacy protection will
during the 6G era. The devices in the future era are be enabled by virtual devices in addition to the physical
going to posses new possibilities that will include AI, devices. The 6G devices are expected to have a virtual
imaging and sensing, holographic displays, haptic com- counterpart on the cloud acting as its proxy, that will be
munications which will be the main targets of 6G com- shared and used on demand. It will enable the users to
munication systems. There can also be the perception use the desired services anytime and anywhere.
at human level, human-machine interaction at multi- 4) Smart
modal level, ambient sensing and energy harvesting etc It does not only refer to make the smarter smartphones
as can be visualized from the Fig. 10. The development but to augment the reality for automating everything.
of new possibilities have become the driving force for The future mobile devices will be implementing the
the four major trend as explained below. capabilities of AI and edge cloud computing. The future
1) Diverse devices will be having more intelligence with AI/ML,
Diversity does not only confine to the smartphones thus automating the productivity and service experi-
but it also includes many different types of devices ence.
which can perform as sensors and actuators. A num- There has been a shift in paradigm in the design of network
ber of industrial and human-oriented devices are going architecture and the air interfaces [3].To accommodate the
to emerge in the near future. There will be advanced wide array of applications and to achieve the ambitious objec-
integrated sensors, Artificial intelligence, new display tives of an era characterized by interconnected intelligence,
technologies e.g. medical implantable devices, smart we need to achieve groundbreaking innovations in the design
equipment’s, wearable devices automobiles and robots of the 6G air interface. These innovations will instigate signif-
& cobots. The rapid outgrowth of diverse devices will icant shifts in the fundamental design principles, as depicted
demand heightened standards for connectivity. Central in Fig. 11.
or anchor devices will play a pivotal role in ensuring a 6G services will evolve from being solely about connec-
smooth and uniform user experience. tivity to encompassing connectivity, sensing, and artificial
2) Versatile intelligence. In view of many aspects the paradigm shift has
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FIGURE 10. Trends and possibilities for future devices.

FIGURE 11. Shift of paradigm from 5G to 6G.

been summarized as follows: VIII. CONCLUSION

The mobile communications sector, spanning from 1G to 5G,
1) Private networking will receive support through the has reached a state of relative maturity, with its growth rate
integration of public networking and will be designed considerably slowing down. In this context, the significance
natively right from the outset. of unified standards has grown immensely as they are key
2) Security, which relies on encryption, will shift towards to achieving economies of scale. Just as with the previous
technology-based trustworthiness, adopting a multilat- transitions to 4G and 5G, the success of 6G hinges on a
eral trust framework and post-quantum cryptography. collaborative effort involving industry, academia, and various
3) Algorithms within each layer of the communication ecosystem participants. The worldwide standardization of 6G
system will transition from being solely analytical is unquestionably the roadmap to sustained success in the
to being both model and data-driven, harnessing the decades ahead. This paper has provided a comprehensive ex-
power of AI and machine learning to adapt to practical amination of the evolutionary path leading to future 6G wire-
conditions that are challenging to model analytically. less communication networks. In pursuit of this objective, we
4) The level of automation in network Operations, Ad- have identified the pivotal performance metrics for 6G net-
ministration, and Maintenance (OAM) will advance works. Furthermore, we have offered in-depth descriptions of
further, moving towards full touchless "level 5" native the essential technologies that can facilitate the attainment of
automation. these performance indicators. For each technology, we have
5) To naturally support intelligence within the system expounded upon its core concepts and operational principles.
and offer AI services to third parties, the networking Additionally, we have outlined the fundamental benefits and
infrastructure will become a converged platform for potential applications associated with each of these technolo-
networking and computing. gies. Moreover, this paper has shed light on several persisting
6) With the deployment of mega-LEO (Low Earth Or- research challenges and has outlined new research avenues
bit) constellations, the networking infrastructure will worthy of exploration in the future. It has also provided valu-
expand from being exclusively terrestrial to being an able insights and recommendations pertaining to the practical
integrated system that includes both terrestrial and non- implementation of the considered technologies.bThe indepth
terrestrial components. of 6G research has been highlighted briefly as follows:
1) The vision of 6G has re-imagined the future as a trans-
16 VOLUME 11, 2023

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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

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nications, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 118–125, 2020. for microwave field imaging.

VOLUME 11, 2023 19

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 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access. This is the author's version which has not been fully edited and
content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3367976

Author et al.: Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS

NAWAZ SHAFI received Bachelors in Electronics

and Communication Engineering from University
of Kashmir in 2013 and Ph.D. degree in Depart-
ment of Electronics and Communication Engineer-
ing from Malaviya National Institute of Technol-
ogy Jaipur, India. He is currently working as an
Assistant Professor in School of Electronics Engi-
neering VIT University Vellore, India His research
interests include modeling, simulation and fabri-
cation of advanced semiconductor devices for RF
and sensing applications. The research interests also include brain inspired
emerging neuromorphic devices, design and development of semiconductor
device based hybrid sensor systems and sub-10 nm FETs with alternate
conduction mechanisms like band-to-band tunneling, impact ionization, use
of negative capacitance, etc. to surpass the Boltzmann tyranny or different de-
vice architectures such as nanowires, nanotubes, nanosheets, etc. to achieve
enhanced electrostatic integrity.

MOATH A. ALAHBAH received his Ph.D. de-

gree from Cardiff University, U.K. He is cur-
rently an Assistant Professor with King Saud Uni-
versity, Saudi Arabia. His research interests in-
clude the development of photoelectronic, inte-
grated electronic active and passive discrete de-
vices, the design, fabrication, and characterization
of MMIC, RF and THz components, smart anten-
nas, microstrip antennas, microwave filters, meta-
materials, 5G antennas, MIMO antennas miniatur-
ized multiband antennas/wideband and microwave/millimeter components
using micro and nano technology.

20 VOLUME 11, 2023

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