The IEEE Spectrum article argues that the current trajectory of 6G development, focused on extremely high frequencies and bandwidth, might be misguided. While these frequencies offer theoretical speed improvements, they suffer from significant limitations like extremely short range and susceptibility to atmospheric interference. The article proposes a shift in focus towards utilizing the existing, and largely underutilized, mid-band spectrum for 6G. This approach, combined with advanced signal processing and network management techniques, could deliver substantial performance gains without the drawbacks of extremely high frequencies, offering a more practical and cost-effective path to a truly impactful next-generation wireless network.
The IEEE Spectrum article, "It's Time to Rethink 6G," posits that the relentless pursuit of higher frequencies for 6G wireless communication, primarily motivated by the desire for increased bandwidth, may be misguided and ultimately counterproductive. The authors argue that the currently envisioned terahertz (THz) frequencies, while theoretically capable of delivering immense bandwidth, present a multitude of significant challenges that could severely limit their practical applicability and overall effectiveness.
The core of their argument revolves around the unfavorable propagation characteristics of THz waves. These extremely high frequencies suffer from pronounced attenuation in the atmosphere, being readily absorbed by water vapor and oxygen molecules. This atmospheric absorption drastically reduces their range, requiring a significantly denser deployment of base stations to maintain coverage, a costly and potentially impractical proposition. Furthermore, even seemingly minor obstacles like foliage or rain can severely disrupt THz signals, making reliable communication in outdoor environments problematic.
The authors elaborate on the technological hurdles inherent in generating and processing these high-frequency signals. Developing efficient and cost-effective THz transmitters and receivers presents a substantial engineering challenge. The power requirements for generating usable THz signals are currently prohibitive, and the complexity of the necessary circuitry adds further to the cost and difficulty of implementation. This makes widespread deployment of THz-based 6G infrastructure unlikely in the near future.
Instead of fixating solely on higher frequencies and broader bandwidth, the article advocates for a more holistic and nuanced approach to 6G development. They propose exploring alternative strategies for enhancing wireless capacity, such as more sophisticated signal processing techniques, advanced antenna designs like massive MIMO, and innovative network architectures that leverage intelligent resource allocation and dynamic spectrum sharing. These approaches, they suggest, could offer more substantial and achievable improvements in network performance compared to the pursuit of the elusive and problematic THz spectrum.
The authors also emphasize the importance of considering the actual needs and use cases for 6G. They question whether the immense bandwidth promised by THz frequencies is truly necessary for the majority of applications, suggesting that focusing on improving latency, reliability, and energy efficiency may be more beneficial for many users and applications. Ultimately, they call for a more pragmatic and application-driven approach to 6G development, one that prioritizes practical solutions and demonstrable benefits over theoretical maximums. They conclude by suggesting a shift in focus from simply expanding bandwidth at any cost to a more comprehensive optimization of the overall network performance, taking into account the diverse needs of various applications and the limitations of available technologies.
Summary of Comments ( 183 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43027266
HN commenters largely agree that focusing on 6G is premature and driven by hype, especially given 5G's under-delivered promises and niche applications. Several express skepticism about the need for the speeds 6G promises, arguing current infrastructure improvements and better utilization of existing technologies are more pressing. Some suggest focusing on improving coverage, affordability, and power efficiency instead of chasing higher theoretical speeds. There's also concern about the research itself, with comments highlighting the impracticality of some proposed technologies and the lack of clear use cases beyond vague "future applications." A few commenters point out the cyclical nature of these G cycles, driven by marketing and telco interests rather than genuine user needs.
The Hacker News post "It's Time to Rethink 6G" (linking to an IEEE Spectrum article about 5G bandwidth) has generated a moderate discussion with several insightful comments. Many commenters focus on the perceived gap between the promised capabilities of 5G and its actual real-world performance, expressing skepticism about the rush towards 6G.
A recurring theme is the idea that the current focus on higher frequencies for 6G might be misguided. One commenter argues that lower frequencies, despite offering lower theoretical speeds, provide better coverage and penetration, which are more valuable for many applications. They suggest that focusing solely on peak speeds is a marketing ploy and that real-world improvements in average speeds and coverage would be more beneficial. This sentiment is echoed by others who point out the limited availability and high infrastructure costs associated with mmWave 5G, which has struggled to deliver on its initial promises.
Another commenter criticizes the hype cycle surrounding each new generation of wireless technology, arguing that the industry tends to overpromise and underdeliver. They suggest that instead of focusing on theoretical speeds, the emphasis should be on improving the efficiency and affordability of existing networks. This includes optimizing resource allocation, reducing latency, and improving spectral efficiency.
Several comments delve into the technical aspects of 6G, discussing potential technologies like Terahertz communication and the challenges associated with implementing them. One commenter points out the significant attenuation and atmospheric absorption issues with Terahertz frequencies, making them unsuitable for long-range communication. They suggest that research efforts should focus on addressing these technical hurdles before promoting 6G as a viable solution.
Some users express concern about the potential health effects of higher frequency radiation, although these comments are not as prevalent. Finally, a few commenters offer more optimistic perspectives, suggesting that 6G could enable new applications in areas like augmented reality, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things. However, they acknowledge that significant research and development are still required to realize the full potential of 6G.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflect a healthy dose of skepticism towards the hype surrounding 6G, with many users urging a more pragmatic approach focused on improving existing networks and addressing the shortcomings of 5G. There's a clear desire for a shift away from the relentless pursuit of higher frequencies and peak speeds towards a more balanced approach that prioritizes real-world performance, affordability, and practical applications.