Now the 6G

Japan launches a lightning-fast mobile technology that changes our world

Japan has successfully created the first 6G device, which is 20 times faster than 5G. The Japanese telecom industry also developed the first 6G gadget in history.

The Japanese 6G Technology can send data wirelessly over lengths of up to 300 feet at a speed of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps). The prototype was developed by a Japanese collaboration of four prominent telecom companies: DOCOMO, NEC Corporation, NTT Corporation, and Fujitsu. After extensive research, they discovered that the prototype device could reach such high speeds using the 300 GHz and 100 GHz wireless bands.

Background

Nowadays, it seems like most nations are rushing to enable 6G capabilities, and the race has certainly started. The UAE just declared its intention to introduce 6G technology by 2030. Creating a new technology from the ground up is a difficult undertaking that calls for much study, perseverance, and a large bankroll. Companies from Asian nations are investing in wireless technology, suggesting that Japan appears to be dedicated to the cause. One clear illustration of this is the nation’s intention to send out solar-powered, aerial 5G mobile units. In addition, the firms developing 6G devices are moving towards the 6G future by utilising sub-terahertz bands.

Nevertheless, the researchers working on the project must solve a few technical issues, as stated in a business release. It’s imperative to develop a reliable 6G connection that future generations can utilise; more of these new devices must be made from the ground up to prevent technological cross-contamination.

Even though the news might seem thrilling, the current devices are still a long way from having blazingly fast internet. All phones would need to meet standard criteria to support additional frequency bands in a traditional 6G rollout. And there’s the infrastructural issue as well. Even while most nations can expedite the issue, it would still require a significant amount of time for large populations to get their hands on a 6G device.

6G technology offers enhanced performance in applications like autonomous driving, remote surgery, IoT, video streaming, and virtual reality, with higher data rates and lower latency. Industry 5.0, coined by Michael Rada in 2015, is a new phase of technology that combines human ingenuity with advanced systems, aiming to create sustainable, smart cities, enhance efficiency, and improve the quality of life for future generations. Advanced technologies are transforming economies, with digital platforms, sustainable energy solutions, and biotech innovations becoming key sectors. Investments in deep tech sectors are increasing, driven by Industry 5.0’s promise of revolutionary changes. The growing metaverse and industrial omniverse are also transforming industries, providing operational visibility, predictive analytics, and system efficiency.

Analysis

The high-speed 6G wireless gadget can transmit data at 100 Gbps up to 100 meters, 20 times faster than its predecessor and 500 times faster than current 5G speeds. The prototype achieved remarkable speeds of 100 Gbps indoors and outdoors on a 300 GHz band. A consortium of Japanese companies, DOCOMO, NTT, NEC, and Fujitsu, has unveiled one of the world’s first high-speed 6G wireless devices. 6G, unlike 5G, uses higher-frequency bands between 100 and 300 GHz for faster data transfer. However, environmental factors can affect data flow.

Japan’s pioneering efforts in 6G technology demonstrate human ingenuity and relentless pursuit of innovation in the digital age, as the world eagerly anticipates its widespread adoption.

Five territories are advancing research into 6G technology, despite 5G’s infancy. Geopolitical rifts have led some countries to remove Chinese-made equipment from their 5G networks, and the next battle is to build 6G.

China initiated 6G research in 2018 and plans to launch it by 2029. Huawei, ZTE, and China Unicorn are involved. Australia has been invited to talk on 6G leadership. The U.S. initiated 6G research in 2018 with the FCC opening higher frequency spectrum, and in 2020, a Next G Alliance was formed with Apple, AT&T, and Google. South Korea plans to launch 6G technology in 2026, three years ahead of China, with tech giants LG, Samsung, and SK Telecom forming a development partnership and investing $11.7 billion in a digital economy. Japan plans to launch 6G mobile data tech by 2030, with a $9.6 billion development pot, alongside Sony, NTT, and Intel. The EU’s 6G program is less coordinated than individual nation states, with Finland’s Nokia leading research and the University of Oulu devoting $300 million. Germany’s Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance launched a 6G research project, while the University of Surrey launched a 6G Innovation Centre.

Industry 5.0 development and 6G technology are crucial for real-time data exchange, machine-to-machine communication, and remote monitoring in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain transform IoT applications, enabling efficient decision-making and supporting Industry 5.0 applications like smart manufacturing and supply chain management. The demand for fast internet and network reliability has increased, leading to advancements in wireless communication, including 6G networks. Physical layer security (PLS) has become an integral part of 6G networks, but existing techniques face challenges due to energy cost and computational complexity.