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Review
. 2021 Mar 2;21(5):1709.
doi: 10.3390/s21051709.

6G Enabled Smart Infrastructure for Sustainable Society: Opportunities, Challenges, and Research Roadmap

Agbotiname Lucky Imoize  1   2 , Oluwadara Adedeji  3 , Nistha Tandiya  4 , Sachin Shetty  5
Affiliations
Review

6G Enabled Smart Infrastructure for Sustainable Society: Opportunities, Challenges, and Research Roadmap

Agbotiname Lucky Imoize et al. Sensors (Basel). .

Abstract

The 5G wireless communication network is currently faced with the challenge of limited data speed exacerbated by the proliferation of billions of data-intensive applications. To address this problem, researchers are developing cutting-edge technologies for the envisioned 6G wireless communication standards to satisfy the escalating wireless services demands. Though some of the candidate technologies in the 5G standards will apply to 6G wireless networks, key disruptive technologies that will guarantee the desired quality of physical experience to achieve ubiquitous wireless connectivity are expected in 6G. This article first provides a foundational background on the evolution of different wireless communication standards to have a proper insight into the vision and requirements of 6G. Second, we provide a panoramic view of the enabling technologies proposed to facilitate 6G and introduce emerging 6G applications such as multi-sensory-extended reality, digital replica, and more. Next, the technology-driven challenges, social, psychological, health and commercialization issues posed to actualizing 6G, and the probable solutions to tackle these challenges are discussed extensively. Additionally, we present new use cases of the 6G technology in agriculture, education, media and entertainment, logistics and transportation, and tourism. Furthermore, we discuss the multi-faceted communication capabilities of 6G that will contribute significantly to global sustainability and how 6G will bring about a dramatic change in the business arena. Finally, we highlight the research trends, open research issues, and key take-away lessons for future research exploration in 6G wireless communication.

Keywords: 6G applications; 6G business model; 6G challenges; 6G enabling technologies; 6G infrastructure; 6G requirements; 6G sustainability; 6G use cases; 6G vision; 6G wireless communication.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
This is a figure showing the layout of the paper.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparative Analysis of 5G and 6G Key Performance Indicators.
Figure 3
Figure 3
6G Driving Trends.
Figure 4
Figure 4
6G Enabling Technologies.
Figure 5
Figure 5
This diagram shows a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS)-assisted communication system.
Figure 6
Figure 6
UAV/CubeSat facilitated ubiquitous connectivity.
Figure 7
Figure 7
An illustration of Cell-free Massive MIMO.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Non-wireless technology-related challenges for 6G.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Useful choices for developing the preferred sustainable 6G business futures.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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