6G network technology is the next generation of wireless technology, promising to deliver even faster speeds, lower latency and greater capacity than 5G. Whereas 5G’s potential has been most realized for consumers, 6G will be more focused on supporting long-awaited industry applications. 6G is still in its early stages of development. But it could revolutionize how we live and work. 

To power their on-the-go and connected lifestyles, today’s consumers are searching for faster, more reliable experiences — from their smartphones to their wearable devices and in-vehicle infotainment system. Network providers recognize this need and continue to develop and invest in 5G infrastructure — the premier wireless technology available today. But as industry applications, such as those within factories and warehouses continue to grow and stretch the limits of 5G, 6G development is becoming more of a focus for network providers. In fact, 6G testing and rollout should kick off in 2030. 

The move to 6G networks is not as simple as flipping a switch and will require significant investments in infrastructure. New towers will be needed to provide the broader coverage and higher bandwidth that 6G requires. Fiber optic cables will be needed to carry the massive amounts of data that 6G will generate. And new software will be required to manage the complex network of 6G devices.

In addition to infrastructure, the transition to 6G will also require new devices. 5G devices will not be compatible with 6G networks, so new smartphones, vehicles and IoT devices will have to be developed.

6G is still in its early stages of development, and there is not yet a single standard for the technology. While this could slow down the deployment of 6G networks because different vendors will have to develop their own solutions, ongoing efforts to develop 6G standards are underway which could accelerate 6G network deployment.

Millimeter wave frequencies (mmWave) are radio frequencies with a wavelength of 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters, and offer several advantages over other frequencies. They have high bandwidth to support a large amount of data. They also have low latency to transmit data quickly. These advantages make mmWave frequencies ideal for resource-intensive applications where speed and reliability are critical. 

However, mmWave frequencies also pose some challenges. They have a limited range so they can only travel short distances. They are also easily blocked by objects, such as buildings, walls and trees. These factors require mmWave networks to be densely deployed with many base stations to provide solid coverage. In addition, because they are much more prone to signal attenuation than lower frequency bands, mmWave frequencies require massive MIMO antennas and precision, high-frequency connectors to achieve optimal performance.

The development of 6G networking technology has generated excitement and anticipation as it has the potential to unlock a new era of transformative applications once only imagined.  Recent advancements in AI have only heightened the possibilities.  

Self-driving (autonomous) vehicles

6G technology will enable self-driving vehicles to achieve a higher level of autonomy than is currently possible with 5G — making possible a future of highways populated with autonomous vehicles.  

6G’s ultra-low latency and high bandwidth enable real-time communication between the vehicle and its surroundings, helping vehicles to avoid accidents and make better decisions.

Remote healthcare, including robotic surgery

Geographic location may cease to be a limiting factor for medical procedures. 6G is expected to advance remote healthcare by enabling it to be performed more effectively and efficiently than is currently possible, such as 6G-enabled remote surgery for patients in rural areas or requiring specialized care unavailable locally.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)  

Immersive tech like VR gaming could see a new era with 6G networking technology. With next-level VR gaming, users may transport themselves into realistic virtual worlds. Similarly, 6G could broaden the possibility for AR training, where users interact with virtual objects in the real world, allowing trainees to learn new skills in a more immersive and realistic way. 6G could even bring the advent of tactile internet and holographic communications.

Smart cities  

We've heard a lot about smart cities but will only be able to fully experience them once 6G is a reality. Supporting infrastructure, including wireless networks and 224G data centers, will enable self-driving vehicles to communicate with traffic lights and road sensors. Additionally, fully realized 6G will allow real-time communication between first responders and the public, improving coordination and communication during emergencies. 

Industrial automation 

6G will enable Industry 4.0 to embrace the possibilities of artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital twin technology — where large amounts of data must be processed, analyzed and acted upon instantaneously. This technology can be used to monitor, control and automate industrial processes in real time. This enables improved efficiency and productivity, such as adjusting manufacturing lines when a fault is detected and better raising awareness of a potential issue before the fault occurs. 

Internet of things (IoT) 

The greater bandwidth and connectivity offered by 6G will provide increased functionality for IoT devices. From smart home appliances to wearables and medical devices, 6G technology will facilitate greater interactivity and data sharing among IoT-enabled hardware. 

6G is expected to bring several advancements in data security but it is essential to remember that no system is entirely secure. Each IoT device is a potential gateway for attack, and the security of the entire network depends on the security of its embedded software. High-profile instances of data breaches, data loss and data privacy have occurred over the past few years, raising questions about the safety of cloud data — especially in applications like robotic surgery and autonomous vehicles where human lives are on the line. 

Despite these concerns, 6G is expected to take several steps forward in the arena of data security, including: 

Stronger encryption

6G is expected to employ more robust encryption protocols, making it more difficult for unauthorized parties to access and decipher data transmitted over the network. This will protect data stored in the cloud and during transmission. 

Robust authentication and authorization mechanisms 

6G will likely incorporate multi-factor authentication, biometric recognition and AI-driven behavior analysis to verify user identities and ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information stored in the cloud.

Ultra-low latency and real-time communication 

6G's potential for ultra-low latency and real-time communication could enable rapid threat detection and response. This means that security systems could quickly identify and mitigate potential breaches before they escalate. 

Starting with 1G in 1979, each generational “leap” of wireless technology has occurred about every decade. 6G will become the sixth-generation technology standard, but it won't be fully realized on day one. As infrastructure is built out, broadband providers will no doubt be racing to have the best network. This means that like 5G, 6G will need to evolve and iterate along the way to allow for the full potential of the network technology to be realized. Just as 4G LTE was a big step forward to 5G, 6G will need additional development over multiple years. Each generation in wireless tech has provided iterative enhancements along the way, and 6G will be no exception. 

Molex is committed to leading the development and evolution of 6G networks, infrastructures and devices with cutting-edge engineering expertise, interconnectivity innovation, and our global footprint. Our continued investments in state-of-the-art technologies enable the development of cost-effective, best-in-class products that will help our customers make 6G ideas and technology a reality. 

To learn more about how Molex is creating connections for the future of 6G and so much more, read our latest report: Predicting the Connectivity of Tomorrow: The Innovations Driving the Connected World.