The 6G wireless communication network, which will replace 5G, is anticipated to go live in 2030. Improved scalability, improved radio spectrum utilisation, and dynamic access to various connection types are critical ways that 6G differs from 5G.
As a result, greater dependability and fewer connection drops will be made possible, essential for supporting cutting-edge technologies like drones and robotics. With the help of this dynamic access, linked devices can utilise several connections simultaneously (such as Wi-Fi and cellular) to maintain connectivity even if one source is disrupted.
These issues might worsen when 6G rollout. Criminals and hostile foreign enemies look to the 5G networks as an enticing target to exploit for valuable information and intelligence. For DHS to utilise and secure the full range of 5G and 6G use cases, solid technical standards and cybersecurity adherence must be included in the design and development of ICT technologies.
Considering this, the U.S. National Science Foundation hosted a conversation on how 6 G’s next-generation wireless technology and services might advance economic and national security goals. Information gathered from academia, business, civil society, and government leaders about research and development (R&D) and standardisation activities leading up to 6G.
The Director of the National Science Foundation, Sethuraman Panchanathan, has said that opportunities like this are crucial to the development of technology in the United States and beyond. “By cooperating, like-minded governments and agencies, industries, researchers, and entrepreneurs – truly the best and brightest – to share their perspectives and ideas. our rate of growth and scope of impact will be greatly accelerated.”
The conversation attempted to maintain 6G interoperability, affordability, security, resilience, and global competitiveness for the United States. The panel will concentrate on several topics: reliable technology that safeguards national security, open and interoperable innovation, security and privacy protection, affordability, environmental sustainability, global connectivity, electromagnetic spectrum, novel materials and manufacturing, standards, and international collaborations.
“Today’s discussions lay the foundation to guarantee that the United States, and our allies and partners, lead in 6G by conveying together academia, industry, and policymakers to discuss related transformative technologies, R&D, and standards,” said Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies.
NSF just published a new request for collaborations to promote Next-Generation Networks and Computing Systems, including 6G networks and services. In addition, the Resilient and Intelligent Next-Generation Systems (RINGS) programme was launched in April 2021 thanks to a new US$40 million public-private cooperation between private businesses and federal agencies. Nine firms, NIST and the DoD, are participating in this NSF-led programme to improve performance and resilience across next-generation wireless and communications technologies.
According to the organisation, the National Science Foundation has a history of innovating through cross-sector collaborations. “NSF has fuelled discovery and innovation across all branches of science and engineering for more than seven decades—including the vital contemporary wireless communication networks and systems that civilisation has come to rely on.”
The world has become interested in 6G technology. The Ministry for Communications and Information unveiled the first physical 6G lab in the area, Future Communications Connectivity (FCC) Lab, at SUTD in Singapore. It aims to bring together 6G R&D and SUTD’s AI Mega Centre. To allow the next generation of autonomous vehicles and drones, the FCCLab will work to improve 6G research and support emerging technologies like holographic communications and advanced sensing.
Singapore has already established 6G agreements with the top 6G institutes worldwide to improve its future talent and communications, and networking capabilities. One of them is the Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences and Finland’s 6G Flagship. As part of the FCP initiative, SUTD engages with national and international businesses.