6G Launch’s Biggest Problem Might Just Have Been Solved

Research engineers have developed a potential solution to one of the main challenges facing 6G technology: electromagnetic interference.

The researchers used reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, known as RIS, to control, redirect, strengthen, and manipulate wireless signals. The system can improve 6G connectivity while reducing interference.

6G networks are expected to deliver speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G. However, electromagnetic interference from connected devices remains a major obstacle to their development.

When commercially available, 6G is expected to improve standard wireless connectivity, smart homes, Internet of Things systems, and other connected technologies.

Researchers Use Intelligent Surfaces to Control Signals

Previous attempts to reduce electromagnetic interference also weakened the intended 6G signal.

A research team working with the University of Glasgow developed an RIS system with programmable elements positioned across its surface.

These elements can reflect and focus wireless signals, redirect interference, and improve signal strength. Researchers can also program and control each element individually.

The team developed what it calls an “EMI-aware framework.” The system identifies the characteristics of the interference, searches for the strongest available signal route, and uses the intelligent surface to direct the signal away from the interference.

System Could Reduce Energy and Computing Requirements

Jalil Kazim from the James Watt School of Engineering, who co-authored the research paper, said previous interference-cancellation methods required base stations to perform large amounts of digital signal processing.

This computing work also consumed significant amounts of energy.

“By placing an intelligent surface in the environment, we can shape the signal path in a way that helps handle the interference before it ever reaches the base station,” Kazim said.

He added that this approach could reduce both the computing workload and the energy demands placed on the network.

Technology Could Improve Security and Privacy

Electromagnetic interference is not only a connectivity problem. It could also create security and privacy risks in future 6G networks.

The RIS system can direct data signals towards specific users and devices. This could help ensure that information reaches the intended recipient while limiting access for unauthorised users.

Professor Muhammad Ali Imran, head of the James Watt School of Engineering and a co-author of the paper, said security, privacy and resilience must be treated as essential requirements in future networks.

“Our surface can direct the signal towards the users we trust and deny it to the ones we don’t, bringing us closer to the secure, flexible networks which will define the communications and sensing technologies of tomorrow,” he said.

Commercial 6G networks are expected to begin rolling out in 2030.