7G Network: The Next Generation of Connectivity - TTC (2024)

Every mobile wireless generation (G) from 1G to 5G refers to an update in the speed of operation, operating frequencies, and the working environment of the system and every new generation (G) has updated standards, new capabilities, new features, etc. which makes a difference from the prior generation.

The 7G (Seventh Generation) is the intelligent cellular technology that will succeed the 5G and 6G technology. The 7G will be upgraded to a much higher frequency range and will provide a higher capacity and a much lower delay in communication. As everyone in this world needs very high-speed internet so that mobile phones and other computing devices open websites or applications in the blink of an eye, a call with non-existent delay, universal integration, and extended connectivity. All these requirements will be met by a network technology called 7G.

Nowadays mobile phones have everything in them ranging from high speed, huge memory, small size various audio/video players, high-definition cameras, etc. In 6G technologies we might jump into the THz space, and 6G technologies of wireless communication networks shall integrate satellites to get global coverage.

The global coverage systems are the global position system (GPS), the COMPASS system, the Galileo system, and GLONASS. All these coverage systems are independent and developed by different countries. So, space roaming and handoffs are the main issues with 6G networks. The task of 7th generation (7G) wireless mobile communication networks is universal integration.

Optical fiber communication and radio communications are combined to provide a high-speed internet facility in 6G up to 11 Gbps. Further, satellites will be used to provide global coverage for wireless mobile communication networks in 6G.

To increase the global coverage in 6G, the satellite network and 5G networks are combined. Specially designed nano-antennas will be deployed in different locations to increase the coverage capabilities. 6G will make lots of advancements in the wireless sensor networks domain.

Due to the independent coverage systems being developed by different countries, space roaming and handoffs are the main issue with 6G. Using 6G technology, fly sensors will deploy in any part of the globe. A sensor will transmit information to its remote-control stations, which will further monitor any activity in a special area.

The patent landscape of 6G technology, though still in its infancy, indicates a rapidly growing interest and investment in the future of telecommunications.

Unlike previous generations, 6G is anticipated to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us, by introducing technologies that could support ultra-high-speed data transmission, extremely low latency, and highly reliable communication systems capable of supporting advanced applications such as holographic communication, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Everything (IoE).

In the early years, the patent activity surrounding 6G was minimal, reflecting the nascent stage of research and development in this area. However, as technological advancements in 5G began to plateau and the industry started to look towards the next big leap, there was a noticeable shift.

This turning point was marked by a surge in patent filings related to 6G technologies, signaling a concerted effort by governments, research institutions, and major corporations to lay the groundwork for the next generation of wireless communication.

This surge can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the realization that 6G could offer solutions to the limitations faced by 5G technology, such as even higher data rates, lower latency, and improved connectivity for a broader range of devices and services.

Secondly, the growing competition among nations and companies to establish leadership in the telecommunications sector has fueled a race to secure intellectual property rights that could offer a significant competitive edge in the future.

The areas of focus within 6G patent filings are diverse, reflecting the broad potential applications of 6G technology. These include, but are not limited to, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) integration for network optimization and management, new antenna technologies for enhanced signal transmission and reception, energy efficiency improvements to support sustainable development goals, and security enhancements to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

As the landscape continues to evolve, it is expected that the number of patents filed will fluctuate, influenced by breakthroughs in research, shifts in policy and regulation, and changes in market demand.

The current trend towards collaboration and open innovation in the development of 6G technology could also impact the patent landscape, as stakeholders may choose to share intellectual property to accelerate the deployment of 6G networks and their associated services.

7G Cellular Network

The principal aim of 7G cellular technology is to utilize space roaming for mobile wireless networks. Although the satellite functions for mobile communications are like the 6G for global inclusion, it will differentiate itself from the 6G with its satellite functions.

To make a realistic 7G network, it is essential to standardize the protocols and standards related to 7G. Once 7G fixes all its weaknesses, the capacity range and hand-off issues will no longer be a concern. Then the user will only be concerned with the cost of mobile phone calls, internet, and other services at that time.

Once again, this issue will introduce fundamental changes in standards and technology and will open new opportunities for research in computing. In the early 2030s, 6G will be available, and we have yet to fully understand its capabilities. Some recent research papers offer some clues, but the technology we need to implement will not mature for years.

7G is expected to provide the following capabilities

1. Non-existent delay in communication
2. Very high-speed connectivity
3. Utilization of Artificial Intelligence based core networking solutions
4. Virtual space environment with realistic sensations
5. Internet cognition
6. Better global coverage by using a satellite network
7. Internet of everything
8. Better remote access for diagnosis, learning, etc

We are moving towards a wireless world with endless benefits, where everybody wants high-speed internet and a delay-free calling facility. Our world is rapidly approaching the wireless environment, with a great need for uninterrupted information access anytime and wherever it is required. As with growing wireless technology, we see increased bandwidth at a lower cost and with higher quality.

Our mobile potential is enormous: Smart cities, connected infrastructure, wearable computers, autonomous driving, virtual and augmented reality, the Internet of Things, and much more are still yet to be utilized to their full potential.

Due to the potential of space roaming, we assume many things that will be possible in the next few years in the field of mobile networks. 7G will appear sooner than we think. As human progress moves faster with time, we humans are becoming more machine oriented. So, maybe a direct person-to-computer information exchange is possible using a rudimentary thinking interface with the technology universe-i.e., think about a cup of tea, and it is produced for you.