The Role of 6G Technologies in Advancing Smart City Applications: Opportunities and Challenges

Sanjeev Sharma, Renu Popli, Sajjan Singh, Gunjan Chhabra, Gurpreet Singh Saini (), Maninder Singh, Archana Sandhu, Ashutosh Sharma and Rajeev Kumar ()
Additional contact information
Sanjeev Sharma: Research Department, Rayat Bahra University, Kharar 140104, Punjab, India
Renu Popli: Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
Sajjan Singh: Chandigarh College of Engineering, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, Mohali 140307, Punjab, India
Gunjan Chhabra: Department of CSE, Graphic Era Hill University (Graphic Era Deemed to be University Dehradun), Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
Gurpreet Singh Saini: School of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
Maninder Singh: Research Department, Rayat Bahra University, Kharar 140104, Punjab, India
Archana Sandhu: MM Institute of Computer Technology and Business Management, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala 134007, Haryana, India
Ashutosh Sharma: Business School, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471300, China
Rajeev Kumar: Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 16, 1-53

Abstract: The deployment of fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks has already laid the ground-work for futuristic smart cities but along with this, it has also triggered the rapid growth of a wide range of applications, for example, the Internet of Everything (IoE), online gaming, extended/virtual reality (XR/VR), telemedicine, cloud computing, and others, which require ultra-low latency, ubiquitous coverage, higher data rates, extreme device density, ultra-high capacity, energy efficiency, and better reliability. Moreover, the predicted explosive surge in mobile traffic until 2030 along with envisioned potential use-cases/scenarios in a smart city context will far exceed the capabilities for which 5G was designed. Therefore, there is a need to harness the 6th Generation (6G) capabilities, which will not only meet the stringent requirements of smart megacities but can also open up a new range of potential applications. Other crucial concerns that need to be addressed are related to network security, data privacy, interoperability, the digital divide, and other integration issues. In this article, we examine current and emerging trends for the implementation of 6G in the smart city arena. Firstly, we give an inclusive and comprehensive review of potential 6th Generation (6G) mobile communication technologies that can find potential use in smart cities. The discussion of each technology also covers its potential benefits, challenges and future research direction. Secondly, we also explore promising smart city applications that will use these 6G technologies, such as, smart grids, smart healthcare, smart waste management, etc. In the conclusion part, we have also highlighted challenges and suggestions for possible future research directions. So, in a single paper, we have attempted to provide a wider perspective on 6G-enabled smart cities by including both the potential 6G technologies and their smart city applications. This paper will help readers gain a holistic view to ascertain the benefits, opportunities and applications that 6G technology can bring to meet the diverse, massive and futuristic requirements of smart cities.

Keywords: smart cities; mega cities; 6G; ISAC; IoT; UAV; non-terrestrial networks (NTN); V2X; smart healthcare; smart waste (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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