6G pioneer

Metropolis is at the forefront of the next tech revolution and industrial transformation

Sixth-generation wireless technology has emerged as a global industry focal point and a strategic cornerstone for nations, experts say.

As 6G technology is set to establish a more cutting-edge information network infrastructure for the "internet of everything", it is leading a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation.

Beijing has taken the lead in 6G-related research achievements nationwide, and will guide innovative pre-layout strategies for the industry and promote the construction of a globally leading open 6G trial and verification environment, according to the Beijing Science and Technology Commission and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park.

These efforts are expected to facilitate the transition of original innovation achievements into practical applications in Beijing.

6G technology supports holographic communication applications, enabling remote transmission and the interaction of various senses including visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, and even emotional stimuli.

By deploying a large number of sensors both inside and outside of the human body for real-time data collection, analysis, and modeling, a comprehensive "digital twin" representation of the user can be crafted within the virtual realm.

"The changes ushered in by 6G will be disruptive," said Xu Fei, director of the 6G research and development center at the ZGC Institute of Ubiquitous-X Innovation and Applications (ZGC X-NET) initiated by China Mobile Group.

Compared to 5G, 6G networks offer revolutionary improvements in speed, latency, reliability, and other performance indicators. Notably, the standout feature of 6G lies in its remarkable speed, which is poised to exceed 10 times the rates offered by 5G networks.

Moreover, 6G showcases a distinct capability to integrate a diverse array of functionalities such as perception, computing, artificial intelligence, big data, and security, empowering AI capabilities across various fields based on ubiquitous big data reservoirs.

In the 6G laboratory at China Mobile's International Information Park in Changping district, dozens of researchers move among cutting-edge 6G research devices, conducting a series of tests and experiments. Illuminated by lights, tablets in the researchers' hands initiate livestreaming, and when leaving the illuminated area, the devices automatically disconnect from the network. Ordinary-looking spotlights serve as signal sources, while identical circular devices next to the spotlights and on the computers play crucial roles as key components.

He Hongjun, the chief researcher at China Mobile Research Institute, explains that visible light transmission boasts robust security features and immunity to electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for electromagnetic-sensitive environments such as aircraft, hospitals and industrial control settings.

Currently, an initial small-scale 6G trial network has been established in Beijing, supporting a multiband fusion network comprising millimeter waves, visible light and other frequencies. It is capable of validating over 10 novel 6G technologies.

Additionally, Zhang Ping, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, led a team to establish the world's first communication and intelligence-integrated 6G trial network in July. This network enhances communication speed and incorporates AI technology to enhance its intelligence.

Moreover, Beijing took a pioneering step in September by issuing an action plan for 6G technology innovation and industry cultivation, outlining the layout for the development of 6G from key technological breakthroughs and trial platform construction to the cultivation of an industry ecosystem.

Yang Hua, the deputy director of ZGC X-NET, said that 6G applications will be expanded to satellite communication, low-altitude drones, and AI fields, fostering innovation in areas such as intelligent terminals and smart connected vehicles.

The institute is committed to accelerating forward-looking technological research on 6G to promote the integration of communication and AI development, he noted.

Looking ahead, Beijing plans to guide advanced layouts within the 6G industry, with a focus on researching distinctive intelligent base stations and core network equipment. By fully integrating rich application scenarios such as vehicle networking and the low-altitude economy, the city also aims to attract more superior technological and industrial resources from across the globe.

haonan@chinadaily.com.cn