Next-Generation Wireless Networks

- Overview

Next-Generation Wireless Networks (NGWN), primarily looking towards 6G, build on 5G's foundation, promising significantly faster speeds (Terabits/sec), ultra-low latency (microseconds), massive device capacity, and integrating AI/ML for intelligent, autonomous operations, sensing, and communication. 

Key technologies involve new frequencies (THz), integrated sensing, non-terrestrial networks (satellites), cell-free MIMO, and enhanced security for applications like immersive IoT, digital twins, and autonomous systems, with standards expected around 2028-2030. 

1. Key Characteristics & Technologies: 

• Speed & Latency: Aiming for speeds up to 1 Tbps and latency under 1 microsecond for instantaneous communication.
• AI/ML Integration: AI-native networks for automation, resource management, and context-aware services.
• Sensing & Communication: Combining communication with sensing capabilities (Integrated Sensing and Communication - ISAC).
• Frequency Spectrum: Utilizing higher frequencies (like terahertz) and new spectrum management.
• Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): Integrating satellites and drones for ubiquitous coverage (e.g., Backscatter Communication for ambient IoT).
• Advanced Architectures: Cell-free massive MIMO, distributed computing, and multi-agent systems for better efficiency and scalability.

2. Enabling Applications:

• Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting humans, devices, and equipment seamlessly.
• Autonomous Systems: Real-time control for self-driving vehicles and robotics.
• Digital Twins & Immersive Experiences: Enabling highly realistic simulations and holographic communication.
• Healthcare: Remote healthcare, real-time monitoring.
• Smart Cities & Industry 4.0: Enhanced connectivity for smart infrastructure and automation.

3. Development & Timeline: 

• 5G Deployment: Still expanding, but facing challenges that drive the need for 6G.
• 6G Standards: Expected around 2028-2030.
• Industry Initiatives: Organizations like the Next G Alliance are creating roadmaps for U.S. leadership, focusing on open, secure, and interoperable standards.

- NGWNs for Autonomous Intelligent Communications 

Next Generation Wireless Networks (NGWNs) for Autonomous Intelligent Communications integrate AI/ML into every network layer (edge to cloud) to manage extreme data, low latency, and ultra-reliability for self-driving cars, smart cities, and remote surgery, moving towards 6G by enabling cognitive, self-optimizing systems using technologies like V2X, MEC, and advanced multiple access (NOMA), creating truly autonomous, intent-driven networks. 

1. Key Concepts & Goals:

• AI Integration: Embedding AI/ML (deep learning, reinforcement learning, etc.) directly into network functions for intelligent management, orchestration, and resource allocation.
• Ubiquitous Intelligence: Creating a network where intelligence isn't centralized but distributed across the network, enabling "AI for networking" (managing the network) and "networking for AI" (supporting AI applications).
• Autonomous Systems: Moving beyond automation to autonomous decision-making (Level 4 autonomy), allowing self-healing, self-configuration, and intent-based services.

2. Core Technologies & Enablers:

• Mobile Edge Computing (MEC): Processing data closer to users for ultra-low latency.
• Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) & D2D: Enabling direct communication for autonomous vehicles.
• Next Generation Multiple Access (NGMA): Solutions like Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) for massive device connectivity.
• Network Slicing: Creating customized virtual networks for diverse service needs (e.g., eMBB, URLLC).
• Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC): Combining communication with sensing capabilities.

3. Applications & Impact:

• Autonomous Driving: Real-time sensor data processing and V2X communication.
• Smart Cities & IoT: Cognitive management of massive device networks.
• Remote Healthcare: Ultra-reliable communication for remote surgery.
• Industrial Automation (Industry 5.0): Intelligent, self-governing factory systems.

4. Challenges:

• Handling massive data volumes and dynamic traffic.
• Ensuring diverse Quality of Service (QoS) for various AI services.
• Securing decentralized AI/ML systems (e.g., using blockchain).

- NGWN: Highly Heterogeneous and Dynamic Networks

Next-Generation Wireless Networks (NGWNs) are envisioned as highly complex systems integrating diverse Radio Access Technologies (like LTE, WLAN), terrestrial, satellite, and aerial elements, creating a heterogeneous environment for mobile users (MUTs). 

This heterogeneity, coupled with constant user movement, makes them extremely dynamic, requiring smart resource management for seamless, high-quality broadband, supporting new demanding applications like autonomous driving and Industry 5.0. 

1. Key Characteristics of NGWNs:

• Heterogeneity: Merging various networks (cellular, Wi-Fi, satellite, aerial) and technologies (3GPP, non-3GPP) to provide unified access.
• Dynamism: Rapid changes in network conditions, traffic, and user location (mobility).
• Integration: Convergence of different network infrastructures (fixed, mobile, satellite).

2. Why NGWNs are Heterogeneous & Dynamic:

• Diverse RATs: Seamlessly switching between different technologies (e.g., 5G, 6G, Wi-Fi, satellite) for optimal performance.
• Mobility: Users (MUTs) moving between terrestrial, aerial (drones), and satellite coverage.
• New Applications: Demands from autonomous vehicles, IoT, and smart factories require adaptable, robust connectivity.
• Resource Management: Challenges in orchestrating resources across disparate networks for consistent quality of service (QoS).

3. Benefits:

• Uniform Experience: Delivering consistent, high-speed broadband regardless of location or device.
• Flexibility & Cost-Effectiveness: Enabling diverse deployment scenarios.
• Enhanced Capabilities: Supporting latency-sensitive and high-throughput applications.

- The Research Topics of NGWN

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Next-Generation Wireless Networks (NGWN) using evolutionary computing and fuzzy systems
• Wireless communications and networking with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• Wireless virtual reality
• Mobile edge caching and computing
• Spectrum management and co-existence of multiple radio access technologies
• Artificial intelligence for Internet of Things
• Vehicular networks and smart cities
• Audio/video communication in NGWN
• Big data analytics for NGWN
• Intelligent communication for NGWN
• Distributed computation, in-network processing, and data mining in NGWN
• Case studies or applications of dynamic networks using NGWN
• NDN/SDN edge computing
• Quantum computing
• Communication protocols for NGWN
• Fog/cloud computing in NGWN