Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Vision, application scenarios, and key technology trends for 6G mobile communications

  • Review
  • Published:
Science China Information Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

With the global commercialization of the fifth-generation (5G) network, many countries, including China, USA, European countries, Japan, and Korea, have started exploring 6G mobile communication network, following the tradition of “planning the next while commercializing one generation”. Currently, studies on 6G networks are at the infancy stage. Research on the vision and requirements for 6G is still ongoing, and the industry is yet to clarify the key enabling technologies for 6G. However, 6G will certainly build on the success of 5G. Therefore, developing high-quality 5G networks and seamlessly integrating 5G with verticals are the priorities before 2030, when 6G is projected to be commercialized. Also, global 5G standards will keep evolving to better support vertical applications. As a milestone, the Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) published Release 16 in July 2020, which continuously enhanced the capabilities of mobile broadband service based on Release 15 and realized the support for low-delay and high-reliability applications, such as Internet of Vehicles and industrial Internet. Currently, 3GPP is working on Releases 17 and 18, focusing on meeting the demands of medium- and high-data-rate machine communication with low-cost and high-precision positioning, which will be published in June 2022. Thus, 6G networks will further expand the application fields and scope of the Internet of Things to accommodate those services and applications that are beyond the capabilities of 5G networks. Herein, we present our vision, application scenarios, and key technological trends for 6G networks. Furthermore, we propose several future research opportunities in 6G networks with regard to industrialization and standardization.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. IMT-2030 (6G) Promotion Group. White paper on 6G vision and candidate technologies. 2021. http://www.caict.ac.cn/english/news/202106/t20210608_378637.html

  2. Tong W, Zhu P Y. 6G: The Next Horizon: From Connected People and Things to Connected Intelligence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021

    Book  Google Scholar 

  3. You X H, Wang C-X, Huang J, et al. Towards 6G wireless communication networks: vision, enabling technologies, and new paradigm shifts. Sci China Inf Sci, 2021, 64: 110301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Yuan Y F, Zhao Y J, Zong B Q, et al. Potential key technologies for 6G mobile communications. Sci China Inf Sci, 2020, 63: 183301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Feng D Q, Lai L F, Luo J J, et al. Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications: applications, opportunities and challenges. Sci China Inf Sci, 2021, 64: 120301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Wang Z Q, Han K F, Jiang J M, et al. Symbiotic sensing and communications towards 6G: vision, applications, and technology trends. 2021. ArXiv:2106.15197

  7. Marzetta T L. Noncooperative cellular wireless with unlimited numbers of base station antennas. IEEE Trans Wireless Commun, 2010, 9: 3590–3600

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Ngo H Q, Larsson E G, Marzetta T L. Energy and spectral efficiency of very large multiuser MIMO systems. IEEE Trans Commun, 2013, 61: 1436–1449

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Jeon C, Li K, Cavallaro J R, et al. On the achievable rates of decentralized equalization in massive MU-MIMO systems. In: Proceedings of IEEE International Symposium on Information Theory Conference, 2017

  10. Zhong Z, Fan L, Ge S. FDD massive MIMO uplink and downlink channel reciprocity properties: full or partial reciprocity? In: Proceedings of IEEE Global Communications Conference, 2020

  11. Garcia N, Wymeersch H, Slock D T M. Optimal precoders for tracking the AoD and AoA of a mmWave path. IEEE Trans Signal Process, 2018, 66: 5718–5729

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  12. Witrisal K, Meissner P, Leitinger E, et al. High-accuracy localization for assisted living: 5G systems will turn multipath channels from foe to friend. IEEE Signal Process Mag, 2016, 33: 59–70

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Tse D, Viswanath P. Fundamentals of Wireless Communication. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005

    Book  MATH  Google Scholar 

  14. 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). NR and NG-RAN Overall description. TS 38.300. https://portal.3gpp.org/desktopmodules/Specifications/SpecificationDetails.aspx?specificationId=3191

  15. I C L, Han S, Bian S. Energy-efficient 5G for a greener future. Nat Electron, 2020, 3: 182–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Tariq F, Khandaker M R A, Wong K K, et al. A speculative study on 6G. IEEE Wireless Commun, 2020, 27: 118–125

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Basar E, Di Renzo M, de Rosny J, et al. Wireless communications through reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. IEEE Access, 2019, 7: 116753

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Liang Y-C, Chen J, Long R Z, et al. Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces for smart wireless environments: channel estimation, system design and applications in 6G networks. Sci China Inf Sci, 2021, 64: 200301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Glybovski S B, Tretyakov S A, Belov P A, et al. Metasurfaces: from microwaves to visible. Phys Rep, 2016, 634: 1–72

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  20. Chen H T, Taylor A J, Yu N. A review of metasurfaces: physics and applications. Rep Prog Phys, 2016, 79: 076401

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Cui T J, Qi M Q, Wan X, et al. Coding metamaterials, digital metamaterials and programmable metamaterials. Light Sci Appl, 2014, 3: e218

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Shadrivov I V, Neshev D N. Tunable Metamaterials. Singapore: World Scientific, 2017. 9: 387–418

    Google Scholar 

  23. Zhu B, Feng Y, Zhao J, et al. Switchable metamaterial reflector/absorber for different polarized electromagnetic waves. Appl Phys Lett, 2010, 97: 051906

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Tao Z, Wan X, Pan B C, et al. Reconfigurable conversions of reflection, transmission, and polarization states using active metasurface. Appl Phys Lett, 2017, 110: 121901

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Zhao J, Cheng Q, Chen J, et al. A tunable metamaterial absorber using varactor diodes. New J Phys, 2013, 15: 043049

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Yang H H, Chen X B, Yang F, et al. Design of resistor-loaded reflectarray elements for both amplitude and phase control. Antenn Wirel Propag Lett, 2017, 16: 1159–1162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Cheng C-C, Lakshminarayanan B, Abbaspour-Tamijani A. A programmable lens-array antenna with monolithically integrated MEMS switches. IEEE Trans Microwave Theor Techn, 2009, 57: 1874–1884

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Phillion R, Okoniewski M. Improving the phase resolution of a micromotor-actuated phased reflectarray. In: Proceedings of IEEE Microsystems and Nanoelectronics Research Conference, 2008

  29. Chicherin D, Dudorov S, Lioubtchenko D, et al. MEMS-based high-impedance surfaces for millimeter and submillimeter wave applications. Microw Opt Technol Lett, 2006, 48: 2570–2573

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Shrekenhamer D, Chen W C, Padilla W. Liquid crystal tunable metamaterial absorber. Phys Rev Lett, 2013, 110: 77403

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Ju L, Geng B, Horng J, et al. Graphene plasmonics for tunable terahertz metamaterials. Nat Nanotech, 2011, 6: 630–634

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Lee S H, Choi M, Kim T T, et al. Switching terahertz waves with gate-controlled active graphene metamaterials. Nat Mater, 2012, 11: 936–941

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Jadidi M M, Sushkov A B, Myers-Ward R L, et al. Tunable terahertz hybrid metal-graphene plasmons. Nano Lett, 2015, 15: 7099–7104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Perruisseau-Carrier J, Bongard F, Golubovic-Niciforovic R, et al. Contributions to the modeling and design of reconfigurable reflecting cells embedding discrete control elements. IEEE Trans Microwave Theor Techn, 2010, 58: 1621–1628

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Salti H, Fourn E, Gillard R, et al. Minimization of MEMS breakdowns effects on the radiation of a MEMS based reconfigurable reflectarray. IEEE Trans Antenn Propagat, 2010, 58: 2281–2287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Tang W, Chen M Z, Chen X, et al. Wireless communications with reconfigurable intelligent surface: path loss modeling and experimental measurement. IEEE Trans Wireless Commun, 2021, 20: 421–439

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Dou J W, Chen Y J, Zhang N, et al. On the channel modeling of intelligent controllable electro-magnetic-surface. Chin J Radio Sci, 2020. doi: https://doi.org/10.12265/j.cjors.2020195

  38. Jian M, Zhao Y. A modified off-grid SBL channel estimation and transmission strategy for RIS-assisted wireless communication systems. In: Proceedings of IEEE International Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing Conference, 2020

  39. He Z Q, Yuan X J. Cascaded channel estimation for large intelligent metasurface assisted massive MIMO. IEEE Wireless Commun Lett, 2020, 9: 210–214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Zhang C, Patras P, Haddadi H. Deep learning in mobile and wireless networking: a survey. IEEE Commun Surv Tutor, 2019, 21: 2224–2287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Tang W, Dai Y J, Chen M Z, et al. Design and implementation of MIMO transmission through reconfigurable intelligent surface. In: Proceedings of IEEE 21st International Workshop on Signal Processing Advances in Wireless Communications, 2020. 1–5

  42. Nayeri P, Yang F, Elsherbeni A Z, et al. Theory, Designs, and Applications. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2018

    Google Scholar 

  43. Hum S V, McFeetors G, Okoniewski M. Integrated MEMS reflectarray elements. In: Proceedings of IEEE European Conference on Antennas Propagation, 2006

  44. Bi S, Ho C K, Zhang R. Wireless powered communication: opportunities and challenges. IEEE Commun Mag, 2015, 53: 117–125

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Wu Q Q, Zhang R. Towards smart and reconfigurable environment: intelligent reflecting surface aided wireless network. IEEE Commun Mag, 2020, 58: 106–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Zong B Q, Fan C, Wang X Y, et al. 6G technologies: key drivers, core requirements, system architectures, and enabling technologies. IEEE Veh Technol Mag, 2019, 14: 18–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Goodman J W. Introduction to Fourier Optics. New York: McGraw Hill, 1968

  48. Bjornson E. The role of academia in beyond-5G wireless research. IEEE ComSoc Technology News, 2020. https://www.comsoc.org/publications/ctn/role-academia-beyond-5g-wireless-research

  49. Xu B, Qi W, Zhao Y, et al. Holographic radio interferometry for target tracking in dense multipath indoor environments. In: Proceedings of IEEE 9th International Conference on Wireless Communications and Signal, 2017. 1–6

  50. Saad W, Bennis M, Chen M. A vision of 6G wireless systems: applications, trends, technologies, and open research problems. IEEE Network, 2020, 34: 134–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Konkol M R, Ross D D, Shi S, et al. High-power photodiode-integrated-connected array antenna. J Lightwave Technol, 2017, 35: 2010–2016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Murata H, Wijayanto Y N, Okamura Y. Integration of patch antenna on optical modulators. IEEE Photonic Soc Newslett, 2014, 28: 4–7

    Google Scholar 

  53. Zong B, Zhao X, Wang J, et al. Photonics defined radio: a new paradigm for future mobile communication of B5G/6G. In: Proceedings of 6th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology, 2018. 1–6

  54. Murakowski J, Schneider G J, Shi S, et al. Photonic probing of radio waves for k-space tomography. Opt Express, 2017, 25: 15746–15759

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Barber Z W, Harrington C, Krishna M R, et al. Spatial-spectral holographic real-time correlative optical processor with > 100 Gb/s throughput. Appl Opt, 2017, 56: 5398–5406

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Prucnal P R, Shastri B J. Neuromorphic Photonics. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2017

    Book  Google Scholar 

  57. Han K F, Huang K B. Wirelessly powered backscatter communication networks: modeling, coverage, and capacity. IEEE Trans Wireless Commun, 2017, 16: 2548–2561

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Zhang Q, Guo H, Liang Y C, et al. Constellation learning-based signal detection for ambient backscatter communication systems. IEEE J Sel Areas Commun, 2019, 37: 452–463

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Long R, Liang Y C, Guo H, et al. Symbiotic radio: a new communication paradigm for passive Internet of Things. IEEE Internet Things J, 2020, 7: 1350–1363

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Liang Y C, Zhang Q, Larsson E G, et al. Symbiotic radio: cognitive backscattering communications for future wireless networks. IEEE Trans Cogn Commun Netw, 2020, 6: 1242–1255

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Guo H, Liang Y C, Long R, et al. Cooperative ambient backscatter system: a symbiotic radio paradigm for passive IoT. IEEE Wireless Commun Lett, 2019, 8: 1191–1194

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2020YFB1806601).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, Beijing, 100191, China

    Zhiqin Wang, Ying Du, Kejun Wei, Kaifeng Han, Xiaoyan Xu & Guiming Wei

  2. Huawei Technologies Canada Co., Ltd., Ottawa, K2K 3J1, Canada

    Wen Tong, Peiying Zhu & Jianglei Ma

  3. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Hangzhou), Hangzhou, 310028, China

    Jun Wang

  4. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Chengdu), Chengdu, 611730, China

    Guangjian Wang

  5. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Shanghai), Shanghai, 200040, China

    Xueqiang Yan

  6. ZTE Corporation, Shenzhen, 518057, China

    Jiying Xiang, He Huang, Ruyue Li & Xinhui Wang

  7. Datang Mobile Communications Equipment Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100083, China

    Yingmin Wang, Shaohui Sun, Shiqiang Suo, Qiubin Gao & Xin Su

Authors
  1. Zhiqin Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ying Du
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kejun Wei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kaifeng Han
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Xiaoyan Xu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Guiming Wei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Wen Tong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Peiying Zhu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Jianglei Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Jun Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Guangjian Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  12. Xueqiang Yan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  13. Jiying Xiang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  14. He Huang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  15. Ruyue Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  16. Xinhui Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  17. Yingmin Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  18. Shaohui Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  19. Shiqiang Suo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  20. Qiubin Gao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  21. Xin Su
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Zhiqin Wang or Guiming Wei.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wang, Z., Du, Y., Wei, K. et al. Vision, application scenarios, and key technology trends for 6G mobile communications. Sci. China Inf. Sci. 65, 151301 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11432-021-3351-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11432-021-3351-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation