On challenges of sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks: A comprehensive survey of requirements, applications, and security issues

Abstract

Fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks are likely to offer high data rates, increased reliability, and low delay for mobile, personal, and local area networks. Along with the rapid growth of smart wireless sensing and communication technologies, data traffic has increased significantly and existing 5G networks are not able to fully support future massive data traffic for services, storage, and processing. To meet the challenges that are ahead, both research communities and industry are exploring the sixth generation (6G) Terahertz-based wireless network that is expected to be offered to industrial users in just ten years. Gaining knowledge and understanding of the different challenges and facets of 6G is crucial in meeting the requirements of future communication and addressing evolving quality of service (QoS) demands. This survey provides a comprehensive examination of specifications, requirements, applications, and enabling technologies related to 6G. It covers disruptive and innovative, integration of 6G with advanced architectures and networks such as software-defined networks (SDN), network functions virtualization (NFV), Cloud/Fog computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) oriented technologies. The survey also addresses privacy and security concerns and provides potential futuristic use cases such as virtual reality, smart healthcare, and Industry 5.0. Furthermore, it identifies the current challenges and outlines future research directions to facilitate the deployment of 6G networks.