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. 2024 Mar 15;24(6):1888. doi: 10.3390/s24061888

Table 3.

Summary of challenges and possible solutions for 6G deployment.

Challenges Possible Solutions
Technology innovation and standardization Establish testbeds to validate the performance of millimeter- and terahertz-wave communication in different environments. This includes testing for signal propagation, interference, and device compatibility. Invest in developing signal-processing algorithms that can efficiently handle the massive number of antennas involved in MIMO systems. This includes beamforming, channel estimation, and interference management [117,118,119,120].
Scarcity of high-frequency spectra
for bandwidth allocation
Collaborate with regulatory bodies to identify and allocate specific frequency bands for 6G, focusing on millimeter and terahertz bands. This involves conducting spectrum studies to identify underutilized or unallocated frequency ranges [121,122].
Create interoperability between current and 6G networks The technologies should be built to interoperate with the existing network and devices [123,124].
Investment cost Implement a phased approach to 6G deployment, focusing on specific geographic areas, use cases, or network functionalities. This approach minimizes high upfront costs [125].
Regulatory and policy challenges Establish international agreements and collaborate with regulatory bodies to harmonize spectrum allocation for 6G. Encourage the development of dynamic spectrum-sharing technologies to optimize spectrum utilization [126].
Power consumption A model for optimizing power has been introduced for a 6G-enabled massive IoT network. The primary objective is to enhance overall system performance, providing energy-saving features. Through efficient power resource management, the model minimizes power overhead attributed to the extensive number of connected devices. The proposed network assessment includes analyzing the maximum allocated power and spectral efficiency under various network operations and distinct precoding schemes [127,128].
International collaboration and harmonization Encourage international collaboration in standardization bodies to develop unified standards for 6G technologies. Harmonize spectrum allocation, protocols, and interfaces to ensure interoperability and a consistent user experience [129].
Security and privacy While robust security mechanisms are in place for safeguarding data during transit, there is a pressing need to prioritize data protection in processing and storage for comprehensive end-to-end security in 6G. Techniques such as oblivious computing, confidential computing, homomorphic encryption, and privacy-centric identifiers can be employed across 6G network services and components [130,131].
Environmental concerns Design devices and infrastructure for longevity and ease of recycling. Establish collection and recycling programs for end-of-life electronic components. Encourage manufacturers to adopt sustainable product life cycles [132,133].
The complexity of AI integration Since AI algorithms require large amounts of data and computational resources, which can strain network infrastructure and increase operational overhead, develop AI algorithms optimized for resource-constrained environments to reduce computational complexity. Implement edge computing and distributed AI architectures to offload processing tasks from centralized networks and invest in AI hardware accelerators and efficient algorithms to improve performance while minimizing resource consumption [134].