Key Enabling Technologies for 6G: The Role of UAVs, Terahertz Communication, and Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces in Shaping the Future of Wireless Networks
Sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks have the potential to transform global connectivity by supporting ultra-high data rates, ultra-reliable low latency communication (uRLLC), and intelligent, adaptive networking. To realize this vision, 6G must incorporate groundbreaking technologies that enhanc...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2224-2708/14/2/30 |
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| author | Wagdy M. Othman Abdelhamied A. Ateya Mohamed E. Nasr Ammar Muthanna Mohammed ElAffendi Andrey Koucheryavy Azhar A. Hamdi |
| author_facet | Wagdy M. Othman Abdelhamied A. Ateya Mohamed E. Nasr Ammar Muthanna Mohammed ElAffendi Andrey Koucheryavy Azhar A. Hamdi |
| author_sort | Wagdy M. Othman |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks have the potential to transform global connectivity by supporting ultra-high data rates, ultra-reliable low latency communication (uRLLC), and intelligent, adaptive networking. To realize this vision, 6G must incorporate groundbreaking technologies that enhance network efficiency, spectral utilization, and dynamic adaptability. Among them, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), terahertz (THz) communication, and intelligent reconfigurable surfaces (IRSs) are three major enablers in redefining the architecture and performance of next-generation wireless systems. This survey provides a comprehensive review of these transformative technologies, exploring their potential, design challenges, and integration into future 6G ecosystems. UAV-based communication provides flexible, on-demand communication in remote, harsh areas and is a vital solution for disasters, self-driving, and industrial automation. THz communication taking place in the 0.1–10 THz band reveals ultra-high bandwidth capable of a data rate of multi-gigabits per second and can avoid spectrum bottlenecks in conventional bands. IRS technology based on programmable metasurface allows real-time wavefront control, maximizing signal propagation and spectral/energy efficiency in complex settings. The work provides architectural evolution, active current research trends, and practical issues in applying these technologies, including their potential contribution to the creation of intelligent, ultra-connected 6G networks. In addition, it presents open research questions, possible answers, and future directions and provides information for academia, industry, and policymakers. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e521c39067af4d28802ef79a563565b6 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2224-2708 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks |
| spelling | doaj-art-e521c39067af4d28802ef79a563565b62025-08-20T03:13:45ZengMDPI AGJournal of Sensor and Actuator Networks2224-27082025-03-011423010.3390/jsan14020030Key Enabling Technologies for 6G: The Role of UAVs, Terahertz Communication, and Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces in Shaping the Future of Wireless NetworksWagdy M. Othman0Abdelhamied A. Ateya1Mohamed E. Nasr2Ammar Muthanna3Mohammed ElAffendi4Andrey Koucheryavy5Azhar A. Hamdi6Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, EgyptDepartment of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, EgyptElectronics and Electrical Communications Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, EgyptDepartment of Telecommunication Networks and Data Transmission, The Bonch-Bruevich Saint-Petersburg State University of Telecommunications, 193232 Saint Petersburg, RussiaEIAS Data Science Lab, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 11586, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Telecommunication Networks and Data Transmission, The Bonch-Bruevich Saint-Petersburg State University of Telecommunications, 193232 Saint Petersburg, RussiaDepartment of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, EgyptSixth-generation (6G) wireless networks have the potential to transform global connectivity by supporting ultra-high data rates, ultra-reliable low latency communication (uRLLC), and intelligent, adaptive networking. To realize this vision, 6G must incorporate groundbreaking technologies that enhance network efficiency, spectral utilization, and dynamic adaptability. Among them, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), terahertz (THz) communication, and intelligent reconfigurable surfaces (IRSs) are three major enablers in redefining the architecture and performance of next-generation wireless systems. This survey provides a comprehensive review of these transformative technologies, exploring their potential, design challenges, and integration into future 6G ecosystems. UAV-based communication provides flexible, on-demand communication in remote, harsh areas and is a vital solution for disasters, self-driving, and industrial automation. THz communication taking place in the 0.1–10 THz band reveals ultra-high bandwidth capable of a data rate of multi-gigabits per second and can avoid spectrum bottlenecks in conventional bands. IRS technology based on programmable metasurface allows real-time wavefront control, maximizing signal propagation and spectral/energy efficiency in complex settings. The work provides architectural evolution, active current research trends, and practical issues in applying these technologies, including their potential contribution to the creation of intelligent, ultra-connected 6G networks. In addition, it presents open research questions, possible answers, and future directions and provides information for academia, industry, and policymakers.https://www.mdpi.com/2224-2708/14/2/306GUAVterahertzintelligent reconfigurable surfacesultra-reliable low latency |
| spellingShingle | Wagdy M. Othman Abdelhamied A. Ateya Mohamed E. Nasr Ammar Muthanna Mohammed ElAffendi Andrey Koucheryavy Azhar A. Hamdi Key Enabling Technologies for 6G: The Role of UAVs, Terahertz Communication, and Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces in Shaping the Future of Wireless Networks Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks 6G UAV terahertz intelligent reconfigurable surfaces ultra-reliable low latency |
| title | Key Enabling Technologies for 6G: The Role of UAVs, Terahertz Communication, and Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces in Shaping the Future of Wireless Networks |
| title_full | Key Enabling Technologies for 6G: The Role of UAVs, Terahertz Communication, and Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces in Shaping the Future of Wireless Networks |
| title_fullStr | Key Enabling Technologies for 6G: The Role of UAVs, Terahertz Communication, and Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces in Shaping the Future of Wireless Networks |
| title_full_unstemmed | Key Enabling Technologies for 6G: The Role of UAVs, Terahertz Communication, and Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces in Shaping the Future of Wireless Networks |
| title_short | Key Enabling Technologies for 6G: The Role of UAVs, Terahertz Communication, and Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces in Shaping the Future of Wireless Networks |
| title_sort | key enabling technologies for 6g the role of uavs terahertz communication and intelligent reconfigurable surfaces in shaping the future of wireless networks |
| topic | 6G UAV terahertz intelligent reconfigurable surfaces ultra-reliable low latency |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2224-2708/14/2/30 |
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