The 6G hype is already here!

By Omar Abdulla

Think about extending the idea of the Internet of Things (IoT) to the Internet of Everything (IoE).

This could theoretically be possible with 6G.

Most of us are familiar with 3G, 4G, and 5G. These are all different generations of wireless networks. Occasionally, the rate of progress is too fast for people to keep track of.

There is no doubt that each one is so much more powerful than those before it. Each one brings about a dramatic shift in society. At the time when 5G is being rolled out across the globe, 6G plans are already underway, possibly providing internet access to outer space.

How is it different from 5G, you ask? The 6G network could potentially supersede the existing networks and facilitate the development of a completely new type of internet. As 6G uses higher-frequency radio bands, speeds are expected to be much faster and the “latency” to be lower.

With speeds of up to 95 Gbps, it is touted as being much faster than 5G. There are already experimental 6G research teams and networks in China, South Korea, the United States, Japan, and Europe.

Also, Etisalat, the UAE’s telecom company, has already announced its 6G plans. Its R&D center is being upgraded in advance of 6G implementation, the carrier announced in June this year.

Let’s go back a bit. Mobile phones were originally (0G). These were bulky devices with large receivers. It wasn’t until 1G that the public could make mobile phone calls. With 2G, we texted; with 3G, we had SMS and online browsing; with 4G, we had online access and video via mobile broadband; with 5G, we have 4G plus ultra-HD video, smart devices and IoT devices.

Since 6G doesn’t exist yet, it’s hard to guess what it will look like. Wireless companies and academics describe 6G as a fully integrated, internet-based technology that allows instantaneous communication among consumers, devices, vehicles, and the surroundings. At the moment, we have smartphones and smart home devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). At some point, we may have an all-encompassing Internet of Everything. However, this will depend on future developments such as 6G. A number of examples, such as automated cars and drones, remote-controlled factories, and other applications of artificial intelligence (AI) have been seen in recent discussions about 5G. With the advent of 6G, it is expected that such applications will become more developed. According to experts, artificial intelligence will be required to keep everything coordinated and running as smoothly as possible.

While 5G is starting to get interesting, we have a long way to go before we see any signs of 6G networks, so let’s enjoy some of the exciting tech 5G will bring us until then. Consequently, we’ll find out more about 6G as technology develops and advances.