What is 6G data? Here’s everything you need to know about the next step

6G internet is coming sooner than you think, and it’s going to revolutionise the way we connect and interact. While 5G is still expanding across India, technological advancements are already propelling us towards the next big leap: 6G.

Expected to arrive sometime by 2030, 6G promises speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G, with ultra-low latency that could eliminate lag entirely. Currently, 6G is in the research phase. However, understanding its potential can offer a glimpse into the future of connectivity. So, here’s everything you need to know about 6G internet, from how it’ll work, to the incredible possibilities it could unlock.

What is 6G?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s first break down what 6G actually is and why it matters. 6G technology is the sixth generation of cellular technology, promising speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G and ultra-low latency that’s about 1,000 times quicker than what we have now. Over time, each generation of cellular technology has adapted to meet new and growing demands.

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1G gave us voice calls, 2G and 3G added texting and mobile internet, 4G brought high-speed data, and 5G has powered smartphones and other smart devices and IoT with low latency.

Now, 6G plans to go further, by using AI and machine learning to support real-time, seamless communication across multiple devices and platforms. While 5G is still expanding, 6G aims to push the envelope even further, using higher frequencies to handle more data with almost no delay. Ultimately, 6G will work toward creating a hyper-connected “smart” society by connecting the physical and digital spaces in ways we’re only starting to explore.

What technology will 6G use?

6G is building on 5G’s infrastructure but differentiates itself by using ultra-high radio frequencies to carry more data at faster speeds. It’ll also come with built-in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to optimise performance and improve network management. So, what technologies will 6G use?

There are several important technologies that 6G will rely on. First, there are terahertz waves, which basically are high-frequency waves that sit between microwaves and infrared light and can support super-fast data transfer, way beyond what we have now.

Another important technology is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which will help manage and optimise the network in real-time, from predicting and fixing issues to improving security and offering personalised experiences.

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Then, there’s also Quantum communication, which promises to boost both security and speed in data transmission by using principles of quantum mechanics to ensure that any attempt to intercept data would alter its state, making unauthorised access detectable and preventing breaches.

Finally, edge computing will process data closer to where it’s generated, cutting down on lag and making things like autonomous vehicles or real-time video analytics work faster and more efficiently. Additionally, it’ll also reduce the load from centralised data centres, speeding up the whole network.

How is 6G different from 5G?

As 5G starts to settle in, 6G is already gearing up to take over. While 5G has made our devices faster and more connected, 6G will focus on creating smarter, more reliable, and far faster connections for everything from autonomous vehicles to remote surgeries. Here’s a look at how 6G will differ from 5G:

Blazing fast speeds

6G will push data transfer speeds to the extreme, potentially reaching up to 100 Gbps, which means you could download massive files in the blink of an eye or stream 8K videos without a single stutter. This upgrade will make everything from virtual reality to massive data-sharing effortless, with zero lag.

Unmatched reliability

Beyond speed, 6G will be built for reliability, which will be critical for things like remote surgeries, self-driving cars, and large-scale automation. 6G will be built to handle these real-time applications without lag or interruptions.

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Handling more devices, more data

6G will massively expand the network’s ability to handle a huge number of devices and data. With technologies like massive MIMO and beamforming, 6G will make sure the network can handle the growing number of connected devices and IoT gadgets like smart homes, sensors, and more without slowing down.

Advanced security

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, security is a top priority for 6G. It will integrate advanced AI and quantum communication to create a network that not only detects potential threats in real time but also encrypts data in ways that will be virtually impossible to hack. 

When is 6G going to come out?

As for when 6G will officially roll out, there’s no concrete date for now. However, many experts predict that 6G could make its commercial debut sometime in the 2030s. Before it becomes a reality, though, there’s a long list of challenges that will need to be addressed, including technological advancements, regulatory approvals, and infrastructure upgrades.

However, with ongoing research and big collaborations among tech leaders worldwide, there’s a lot of excitement about what’s coming. Organisations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and various industry alliances are actively working on setting the standards and requirements for 6G.

Furthermore, pilot projects and trials are already underway in several countries to test the feasibility and performance of 6G networks in real-world settings. So chances are we might get to learn more and more about 6G in the coming years.