[News Terms] The Core Infrastructure of Future Industrial Technology '6G'

The world has entered a race to dominate the 6th generation mobile communication (6G). Mobile communication infrastructure is the core of the data highway and an essential foundational technology for not only public convenience but also social and industrial development. In the 6G era, which is the core infrastructure of future industrial technologies, innovative technologies such as the metaverse, augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), robots (RT), urban air mobility (UAM), and quantum computers can be flexibly utilized. The government aims to demonstrate 6G communication technology for the first time in the world by 2026.

What is 6G? 6G is a more innovative communication technology than 5G, which was commercialized in 2019. It can provide communication services worldwide without being affected by terrestrial environments by using satellites. The range of radio waves is wider, and communication is possible underwater and in the air.

In the 6G era, it is expected that data transmission speeds will reach up to 1 terabit per second (Tbps) by utilizing the ultra-high frequency terahertz (THz) band. This speed is up to 50 times faster than 5G and up to 1000 times faster than 4G. Downloading a 20GB movie takes only 0.0016 seconds. It is also called the dream communication because it allows real-time precise control. Energy efficiency is also 100 to 1000 times higher than 5G.

One of the key technologies of 6G is Open RAN, a wireless access network. Base stations are implemented as hardware that transmits and receives radio waves, and various software necessary for operating network equipment can be installed. Once Open RAN is commercialized, telecom companies can interoperate base station equipment from different manufacturers to build networks. Low Earth orbit satellites orbiting at 2000 km altitude are also essential technology for 6G dominance. To realize 6G, continuous frequency bands ranging from megahertz (MHz) to tens of gigahertz (GHz) of ultra-wide bandwidth are required. Low Earth orbit satellites fulfill this role. Since they move in orbits close to the ground, communication latency is as low as 0.025 seconds, and there are no spatiotemporal constraints in service provision.

6G also plays a significant role in autonomous vehicles. Level 5 autonomous driving is a form of full automation where all procedures and driving are handled by the system. Driving must be possible without a driver, and full automation requires exchanging vast amounts of data without delay. For immediate control, 6G technology, which is faster than 5G, is necessary. It can also be applied to unmanned vehicles such as unmanned ships, air taxis, security and military drones, and drone delivery, which operate on similar principles to autonomous driving.

Typically, generational transitions occur every 10 years. In 2001, Japan was the first to commercialize 3G, Europe led 4G in 2009, and Korea led the 5G era in 2019. Countries around the world, including Korea, are already dedicating themselves to 6G development, and there are predictions that commercialization may be accelerated by 2 to 3 years.

The government has long established the "Future Mobile Communication R&D Promotion Strategy to Lead the 6G Era." The Ministry of Science and ICT is investing 200 billion won with the vision of "Leading the 6G Era Where Imagination Becomes Reality" to secure next-generation technology leadership, standardization and high-value-added patents, and to build research and industrial foundations. First, it aims to overcome the technical limitations of 5G by developing challenging and pioneering core 6G technologies, such as low Earth orbit satellite communication technology to support flying cars, which are difficult for private investment at present. It also leads international standardization of 6G and supports securing high-value-added standard patents. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for domestic production of core 6G components and equipment and fosters top-tier talent to create a solid research foundation and soil for industrial growth.