What is going to replace 5G? This question has been on the minds of researchers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts alike, as 5G technology continues to roll out around the world. While 5G is still in its early stages of deployment, the development of its successor, 6G, is already underway.
With the potential to offer even faster data transfer speeds, improved energy efficiency, and the ability to connect an even greater number of devices to the internet, 6G is expected to revolutionize the way we communicate and connect with the world around us. However, the development of 6G is still in its infancy, and there are many technical and regulatory challenges that need to be overcome before it can become a reality.
Nevertheless, the potential benefits of 6G are so great that researchers and engineers around the world are working tirelessly to bring this technology to fruition.
What is 5G?
5G, or fifth-generation wireless technology, is the latest and fastest iteration of wireless connectivity. It is the successor to 4G LTE, and offers significantly faster internet speeds and improved connectivity. 5G networks use a combination of new radio frequencies, smaller cell towers, and advanced antenna technologies to provide users with data speeds up to 20 times faster than 4G. 5G is also designed to accommodate the growing number of internet-connected devices and sensors that make up the Internet of Things (IoT).
What is going to replace 5G?
While 5G is currently the latest and fastest wireless technology, there are a few potential technologies that could eventually replace it. One such technology is Li-Fi, which uses light waves to transmit data instead of radio waves. Another potential successor to 5G is terahertz (THz) communication, which operates at even higher frequencies than 5G and could provide even faster data transfer speeds. Quantum communication is also a promising technology that could eventually replace 5G, as it offers the potential for completely secure and unhackable communication.
Reconceptualizing urban infrastructure in the age of 5G networks
6G
6G is the next generation of wireless technology that is currently in development. While 5G is still in its early stages of deployment, researchers and engineers are already working on developing 6G technology that will offer even faster speeds and more advanced capabilities. Some of the potential features of 6G include faster data transfer speeds, improved energy efficiency, and the ability to connect even more devices to the internet.
Terahertz (THz) communication
Terahertz communication is a wireless technology that operates at extremely high frequencies, ranging from 100 GHz to 10 THz. This technology offers the potential for significantly faster data transfer speeds than 5G, as well as the ability to transmit large amounts of data over short distances. However, terahertz communication is still in the early stages of development, and there are significant technical challenges that need to be overcome before it can be widely deployed.
Li-Fi
Li-Fi, or light fidelity, is a wireless technology that uses light waves to transmit data instead of radio waves. Li-Fi technology uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit data and can provide significantly faster data transfer speeds than traditional Wi-Fi networks. Li-Fi also offers the potential for greater energy efficiency and improved security, as light waves are unable to pass through walls and other solid objects.
Quantum communication
Quantum communication is a technology that uses quantum mechanics to transmit data securely over long distances. Unlike traditional encryption methods, which can be cracked with enough computing power, quantum communication uses the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure that data transmissions are completely secure and unhackable.
Quantum communication offers the potential for completely secure communication, which could be particularly important for industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. However, quantum communication is still in the early stages of development, and there are significant technical challenges that need to be overcome before it can be widely deployed.
What is 6G?
6G, or sixth-generation wireless technology, is the next iteration of wireless connectivity that is currently in the research and development phase. While 5G is still being deployed and is expected to become more widespread in the coming years, researchers and engineers are already exploring the potential capabilities and features of 6G technology. Some of the expected features of 6G include even faster data transfer speeds, improved energy efficiency, and the ability to connect an even greater number of devices to the internet.
Does 6G exist?
While 6G is still in the research and development phase and has not yet been officially standardized or deployed, there are already several organizations and companies that are working on developing and testing 6G technologies. These include universities, research institutions, and tech companies such as Samsung, Nokia, and Huawei. However, it will likely be several years before 6G technology is commercially available and widely deployed.
When is 6G coming?
While it is difficult to predict exactly when 6G technology will become commercially available, it is expected that the first 6G networks will begin to be deployed in the mid to late 2020s. However, it is important to note that the deployment of 6G technology is still in the very early stages, and there are many technical and regulatory challenges that need to be overcome before 6G can be widely deployed. It is also likely that the deployment of 6G will be a gradual process, similar to the deployment of 5G technology.
Is 6G available in any country?
The short answer is: No. South Korea is planning to introduce its 6G network and services earlier than the US, UK, and China, with the launch scheduled for 2028. This follows South Korea’s successful rollout of 5G networks and 5G-enabled smartphones, making it the first country to do so.
Looking at 6G patents by country
A report from Statista in 2021 revealed that the majority of patent applications for 6G technology in the selected regions were filed in China, accounting for 40.3% of the total patents. The United States followed China with 35.2% of 6G patent applications originating from there.
| China | 40.3% |
| United States | 35.2% |
| Japan | 9.9% |
| Europe | 8.9% |
| South Korea | 4.2% |
| Other | 1.5% |
6G technology companies
Several entities, including companies such as Airtel, Anritsu, Apple, Ericsson, Fly, Huawei, Jio, Keysight, LG, Nokia, NTT Docomo, Samsung, Vi, Xiaomi, research institutes like Technology Innovation Institute and the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre, and countries such as the United States, European Union, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates have expressed interest in the development of 6G networks.
Industrial operations will get a boost with the 5G time-critical services
6G networks are expected to be more varied than their predecessors and to support a wide range of applications beyond the current mobile use cases, including ubiquitous instant communication, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), pervasive intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Mobile network operators are predicted to adopt flexible, decentralized business models for 6G, with localized spectrum licensing, infrastructure sharing, spectrum sharing, and intelligent automated management supported by artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technologies, short-packet communication, and mobile edge computing.
5G vs 6G vs 7G
| Technology | Data Transfer Speed | Latency | Frequency Bands | Use Cases | Development Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G | Up to 20 Gbps | 1-10 ms | Sub-6 GHz and mmWave | Improved mobile broadband, IoT, Smart cities, Autonomous vehicles | Commercially available, still being deployed |
| 6G | Expected to be even faster than 5G | <1 ms | Terahertz frequencies and beyond | Virtual and augmented reality, ubiquitous instant communication, pervasive intelligence, Internet of Things | Still in the research and development phase |
| 7G | Not yet developed | Not yet developed | Not yet developed | Not yet developed | Not yet developed |
It’s worth noting that the specifications of 7G technology are not yet known, as it has not yet been developed or standardized. The information provided for 6G technology is based on current research and development, and is subject to change as the technology continues to evolve.
The future of wireless communication
The future of wireless communication is set to be an exciting and innovative era driven by the development of 6G technology. As the world becomes increasingly connected, 6G networks will offer faster and more reliable connectivity, enabling a wide range of new applications and use cases beyond what is currently possible with 5G. With the potential to support virtual and augmented reality, intelligent automation, and real-time communication on a global scale, 6G networks will enable us to experience the world in new and exciting ways.
The adoption of flexible and decentralized business models, supported by artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, will create a more inclusive and accessible wireless network that benefits everyone. The development of 6G networks will also foster international cooperation and innovation as companies, research institutions, and countries work together to push the boundaries of what is possible with wireless communication.
Bottom line
What is going to replace 5G? While the answer to this question is still uncertain, it is clear that the development of wireless communication technology is an ongoing process that will continue to evolve and improve in the years to come. With the advent of 6G technology on the horizon, we are on the cusp of a new era of connectivity that will enable us to connect and communicate in ways that were once unimaginable.
As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with wireless communication technology, we can look forward to a future that is more connected, more intelligent, and more innovative than ever before. While the development of 6G technology may still be in its early stages, the potential benefits are so great that it is sure to be a major driving force in the evolution of wireless communication technology for years to come.
FAQ
Will 5G replace broadband?
While 5G offers significantly faster internet speeds than its predecessor, 4G LTE, it is unlikely to completely replace fixed broadband connections such as cable or fiber. In comparison, 5G has the potential to offer faster and more reliable connectivity in certain situations, such as in rural or remote areas; fixed broadband connections still offer greater stability and consistent speeds over long periods of time. Moreover, many households and businesses require the high bandwidth and unlimited data allowances provided by fixed broadband connections, which may not be feasible with 5G.
Which country has 6G technology?
Currently, there is no country that has fully developed and deployed 6G technology, as it is still in the research and development phase. However, several countries, including China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and European Union member states, are investing significant resources into 6G research and development. Some companies, such as Samsung and Huawei, have also announced their plans to develop and test 6G technology.
Will there be a 7G?
While it is difficult to predict the future of wireless communication technology, it is possible that there may eventually be a 7G network in the distant future. However, it is important to note that the development of wireless technology is a complex process that requires significant investment in research and development, as well as the infrastructure required to support new networks. Therefore, it may be several decades before 7G technology becomes a reality, if it ever does.
