Where 6G Stands Today: Evolution, Enablers, and Research Gaps

As the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication system continues its global deployment, both industry and academia have started conceptualizing the 6th generation (6G) to address the growing need for a progressively advanced and digital society. Even while 5G offers considerable advancements over LTE, it could struggle to be sufficient to meet all of the requirements, including ultra-high reliability, seamless automation, and ubiquitous coverage. In response, 6G is supposed to bring out a highly intelligent, automated, and ultra-reliable communication system that can handle a vast number of connected devices. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of 6G, beginning with its main stringent requirements while focusing on key enabling technologies such as terahertz (THz) communications, intelligent reflecting surfaces, massive MIMO and AI-driven networking that will shape the 6G networks. Furthermore, the paper lists various 6G applications and usage scenarios that will benefit from these advancements. At the end, we outline the potential challenges that must be addressed to achieve the 6G promises.