As the world looks to usher in the 6G networks of the future, engineers at Glasgow University’s School of Engineering are leading the way. 6G refers to the next generation of wireless communication technology that is expected to succeed 5G. While 6G is still in its early conceptual and research phase, we can expect it to significantly enhance the capabilities of wireless networks in terms of speed, reliability, and connectivity. Although not expected to be deployed until around 2030, Glasgow University looks to be the one that will bring 6G to the UK.
After unveiling the state-of-the-art TiC6G laboratory last year, researchers are expected to join the Tyndall National Institute’s Wireless Communications Laboratory (WCL) based at University College Cork in developing smart materials called intelligent reconfigurable surfaces (IRS), which are expected to become key enablers for 6G.
IRSs are a cutting-edge technology designed to enhance the performance of wireless communication networks by controlling how electromagnetic waves propagate. Millimeter waves and terahertz radiation are expected to be used in 6G, which have far more sensitive wave frequencies compared to the microwaves used in 5G. The unique properties of the IRS mean in the near future, we may see them finding use not only in 6G, but perhaps within buildings in smart city complexes, or in optimization systems for satellites and aerial networks.
Tyndall’s WCL was founded in 2020 by Holger Claussen, Lester Ho and Senad Bulja, all of whom are former researchers and technicians for Nokia. The programme is anticipated to receive £1.4 million in grants from British and Irish research funds over the next three years.
Professor Muhammad Imran, the head of the James Watt School of Engineering, said: “Intelligent reconfigurable surfaces will be key to solving the challenges of delivering robust 6G networks and enabling the next generation of wireless applications.”
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