A self-driving car can generate up to 19 terabytes of data per hour, creating potential strain on 5G networks that handle real-time data from multiple vehicles. The 20 to 50 millisecond latency of 5G may become critical, as delays in stop commands can lead to accidents. The shift to 6G aims to address these issues with extremely fast speeds, very short delays, and built-in AI capabilities that enhance sensing and communication.
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) in 6G networks will function like radar, offering millimeter-level precision to detect objects or accidents, potentially prior to current camera systems. This technology could significantly improve the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles, as well as support applications such as digital twins that require real-time data integration.
The transition to 6G presents challenges including interoperability issues, cybersecurity risks, and high energy consumption. The fragmented architecture of existing 5G networks poses a bottleneck, since 6G is designed to be AI-native and edge-integrated. Legacy networking components may struggle to meet the high bandwidth and low latency demands required for 6G deployment.
6G networks will be built as standalone (SA) systems from the start, a significant shift from 5G’s non-standalone (NSA) approach which relied on 4G core infrastructure. Ericsson states that standalone 6G networks will simplify system complexity, improve scalability, and reduce integration costs by aligning both radio access and core networks.
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a collaboration of seven telecom standards organizations, is working to develop unified standards for 6G. These standards aim to ensure interoperability and enable advanced capabilities such as network slicing by 6G networks, which promise transfer speeds 50 to 100 times faster than 5G, with peak speeds reaching up to 1 terabit per second and microsecond latency.
Industry experts warn that while 6G will enhance security through improved design, it will also introduce new risks associated with AI. Stephen Douglas from Keysight Technologies noted that AI-native architectures may widen the attack surface for hybrid networks by exposing more APIs and models. Gartner predicts that by 2026, AI and GenAI applications will account for over 30% of API demand.
Ericsson has identified over 20 potential threat types related to 6G, including challenges with the misuse of spatial mapping data and adversarial attacks. Many existing routers, firewalls, and edge devices are inadequately equipped to handle 6G’s higher bandwidth and lower latency requirements. As such, Douglas suggests that these devices will need enhancements to support the demands of next-generation networks.
Most enterprise networks currently are only partially prepared for a transition to 6G, according to Douglas. He emphasized the need for modern LAN and WAN architectures that can accommodate the bandwidth, latency, and AI-driven operations expected of 6G. Investments in fiber networks, edge computing, and zero-trust architecture are critical for future readiness.
Ericsson anticipates finalizing 6G specifications by 2028, with commercial rollouts expected around 2029-2030. Initial rollouts will depend on existing 5G SA infrastructure before introducing more advanced AI-native capabilities. Experts recommend enterprises adopt a phased migration strategy and begin preparing their networks today by enhancing security policies and investing in technologies that will facilitate the transition.
