Scoring the Terabit/s Goal:Broadband Connectivity in 6G

TLDR

6G aims for peak data rates up to 1 Tbps, requiring enablers across infrastructure, spectrum, and protocol levels. The paper investigates how to achieve vastly improved broadband connectivity in future 6G wireless systems. The authors propose a multi‑layered strategy that combines ultra‑massive MIMO, holographic radio, intelligent reflecting surfaces, cell‑free networking, integrated access/backhaul, space‑terrestrial links, sub‑6 GHz coverage with higher‑band peak links, and advanced coding, modulation, and waveforms to meet 6G goals.

Abstract

This paper explores the road to vastly improving the broadband connectivity in future 6G wireless systems. Different categories of use cases are considered, with peak data rates up to 1 Tbps. Several categories of enablers at the infrastructure, spectrum, and protocol/algorithmic levels are required to realize the intended broadband connectivity goals in 6G. At the infrastructure level, we consider ultra-massive MIMO technology (possibly implemented using holographic radio), intelligent reflecting surfaces, user-centric cell-free networking, integrated access and backhaul, and integrated space and terrestrial networks. At the spectrum level, the network must seamlessly utilize sub-6 GHz bands for coverage and spatial multiplexing of many devices, while higher bands will be mainly used for pushing the peak rates of point-to-point links. Finally, at the protocol/algorithmic level, the enablers include improved coding, modulation, and waveforms to achieve lower latency, higher reliability, and reduced complexity.