5G vs 6G

1. 5Gvs6G|Differencebetween5Gand6G
This page compares 5G vs 6G and mentions difference between 5G and 6G. It covers basics of 5G vs 6G including
their definitions and working in order to derive difference between 5G and 6G.
Introduction: The wireless telecommunication networks are widely deployed across the globe to tackle
tremendous growth in the mobile handset market. This has led to development of wireless standards from 1G to
6G. 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) has been formed by group of companies in order to develop and
maintain protocols for mobile telecom technologies. It has started with major success in GSM standardization
followed by UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, LTE, LTE-advanced, 5G NR and 6G. Each of these standards support different
wireless technologies which offer various data rates, coverages, subscriber densities and unique advanced
features (services) for the users.
5GWireless
The term 5G refers to fifth generation of wireless technology. With several years of research and testing 5G NR
has been introduced recently in April, 2019. It precedes 4G LTE technology and follows same 3GPP roadmap. The
specifications have been introduced from 3GPP Release 15 and beyond.
There are different phases under which 5G NR (New Radio) will be deployed as per 3GPP specifications published
in the december 2017. There are two main modes viz. Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) based on
individual or combined RAT operation in coordination with LTE. In standalone mode, UE works by 5G RAT alone
and LTE RAT is not needed. In non-standalone mode, LTE is used for control (C-Plane) functions e.g., call
origination, call termination, location registration etc. whereas 5G NR will focus on U-Plane alone. The figure-1
depicts 5G NR architecture.

2. Following are the features of 5G wireless technology.
• Bandwidth: Supports 1Gbps or higher
• Frequency bands: Sub-1 GHz, 1 to 6 GHz, > 6 GHz in mm bands (28 GHz, 40 GHz), Refer 5G bands>>.
• Peak data rate: Approx. 1 to 10 Gbps
• Cell Edge Data rate: 100 Mbps
• End to End delay : 1 to 5 ms
• Refer 5G basic tutorial for more information on 5G wireless technology and its network architecture.
6GWireless
The term 6G refers to sixth generation of wireless technology. It is proposed to integrate advanced features in
the existing 5G technology to fulfil objectives at individual and group levels. Some of the 6G services include
holographic communications, Artificial intelligence, high precision manufacturing, new technologies such as sub-
THz or VLC (Visible Light Communications), 3D coverage framework, terrestrial and aerial radio APs to provide
cloud functionalities and so on.
At the time of writing as on June 2019, 5G has been installed and tested in major cities of USA by Sprint, Verizon
and T-Mobile whereas 6G wireless is undergoing research. Companies such as Samsung and SK Telecom have
started research in 6G wireless technology domain. Moreover, SK telecom has joined hands with Ericsson and
Nokia for research in 6G technology. 6G uses cell-less architecture in which UE connects to the RAN and not to a
single cell.

3. Following are the key technical features introduced in 6G wireless.
• New Spectrum: Due to increase in traffic demand and scarcity of spectrum resources THz (Terahertz) and Visible
light bands have been introduced for communication in 6G mobile communication system.
• New channel coding has been introduced based on Turbo, LDPC, Polar, etc.
• Sparse theory (compressed sensing)
• Very large-scale antenna processing for THz
• Advanced signal processing
• Flexible spectrum (Full (free) spectrum, Spectrum sharing)
• AI based wireless communication
• Space-Air-Ground-Sea integrated communication
• Wireless Tactile Network
5Gvs6G|Differencebetween5Gand6G
Following table compares 5G vs 6G with respect to various parameters and mentions tabular difference between
5G and 6G wireless technologies. The information has been collected from various research conducted on 5G and
6G areas across the globe.
Features 5G 6G
Frequency Bands
• Sub 6 GHz,
• mmwave for fixed access
• Sub 6 GHz,
• mmwave for mobile accessm exploration
of THz bands (above 140 GHz),
• Non-RF bands (e.g. optical, VLC) etc.
Data rate
1 Gbps to 20 Gbps (Downlink Data
Rate - 20 Gbps, Uplink Data Rate - 10
Gbps) 1 Tbps
Latency (End to
End Delay) 5 ms (Radio: 1 msec) < 1 ms (Radio : 0.1 msec)
Architecture
• Dense sub 6 GHz smaller BSs with
umbrella macro BSs
• Mmwave small cells of about 100
meters (for fixed access)
• Cell free smart surfaces at high
frequencies (mmwave tiny cells are used for
fixed and mobile access)
• Temporary hotspots served by drone
mounted BSs or tethered Balloons.
• Trials of tiny THz cells (under progress)

4. Application
types
• eMBB (Enhanced Mobile
Broadband) • URLLC (Ultra Reliable
Low Latency Communications)
• mMTC (Massive Machine Type
Communications) • MBRLLC • mURLLC • HCS • MPS
Device types • Smartphones • Sensors • Drones
• Sensors & DLT devices • CRAS • XR and
BCI equipment • Smart implants
Spectral and
energy efficiency
gain 10 x in bps/Hz/m2 1000 x in bps/Hz/m3
Traffic Capacity 10 Mbps/m2 1 to 10 Gbps/m2
Reliability 10-5 10-9
Localization
precision 10 cm on 2D 1 cm on 3D
User experience 50 Mbps 2D everywhere 10 Gbps 3D everywhere
Conclusion: The goal of 6G technology is to fulfil vision of 5G technology and in addition to meet Wisdom
connection, Deep connectivity, Holographic connectivity and Ubiquitous connectivity. 5G accommodates different
types of networks whereas 6G aggregates them dynamically. In order to understand basics of 5G vs 6G i.e.
difference between 5G and 6G, also refer difference between 4G versus 5G >>, advantages and disadvantages
of 6G wireless technology >> as well as 5G technology related resources mentioned below.
An article from: https://www.rfwireless-world.com/