6G and Onward to Next G

CHAPTER 1Introduction

“Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.”

PABLO PICASSO(1881–1973)

1.1 Toward 6G: A New Era of Convergence

This book is a sequel to our last Wiley‐IEEE Press book titled “Toward 6G: A New Era of Convergence,” which was authored together with Amin Ebrahimzadeh and was the first published book on future 6G mobile networks [1].

In our prequel book, we argued that 6G should not only explore more spectrum at high‐frequency bands but, more importantly, converge driving technological trends. Our applied approach was in line with the bold, forward‐looking research agenda put forth by Saad et al. [2], which intends to serve as a basis for stimulating more out‐of‐the‐box research that will drive the 6G revolution. Specifically, Saad et al. [2] claim that there will be the following four driving applications behind 6G: (i) multisensory extended reality (XR) applications, (ii) connected robotics and autonomous systems, (iii) wireless brain–computer interaction (a subclass of human–machine interaction), and (iv) blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. Among other 6G driving trends, they emphasize the importance of edge intelligence and the emergence of smart environments and new human‐centric service classes, as well as the end of the smartphone era, given that smart wearables are increasingly replacing the functionalities of smartphones. They argue that smartphones were central to 4G and 5G. However, in recent years there has been an increase ...