Perspectives and Research Challenges in Wireless Communications Hardware for the Future Internet and Its Applications Services

Dimitrios G. Arnaoutoglou, Tzichat M. Empliouk, Theodoros N. F. Kaifas, Constantinos L. Zekios and George A. Kyriacou ()
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Dimitrios G. Arnaoutoglou: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Tzichat M. Empliouk: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Theodoros N. F. Kaifas: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Constantinos L. Zekios: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33174, USA
George A. Kyriacou: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece

Future Internet, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-55

Abstract: The transition from 5G to 6G wireless systems introduces new challenges at the physical layer, including the need for higher frequency operations, massive MIMO deployment, advanced beamforming techniques, and sustainable energy harvesting mechanisms. A plethora of feature articles, review and white papers, and roadmaps elaborate on the perspectives and research challenges of wireless systems, in general, including both unified physical and cyber space. Hence, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the technological challenges and recent advancements in wireless communication hardware that underpin the development of next-generation networks, particularly 6G. Emphasizing the physical layer, the study explores critical enabling technologies including beamforming, massive MIMO, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), millimeter-wave (mmWave) and terahertz (THz) communications, wireless power transfer, and energy harvesting. These technologies are analyzed in terms of their functional roles, implementation challenges, and integration into future wireless infrastructure. Beyond traditional physical layer components, the paper also discusses the role of reconfigurable RF front-ends, innovative antenna architectures, and user-end devices that contribute to the adaptability and efficiency of emerging communication systems. In addition, the inclusion of application-driven paradigms such as digital twins highlights how new use cases are shaping design requirements and pushing the boundaries of hardware capabilities. By linking foundational physical-layer technologies with evolving application demands, this work provides a holistic perspective aimed at guiding future research directions and informing the design of scalable, energy-efficient, and resilient wireless communication platforms for the Future Internet. Specifically, we first try to identify the demands and, in turn, explore existing or emerging technologies that have the potential to meet these needs. Especially, there will be an extended reference about the state-of-the-art antennas for massive MIMO terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

Keywords: Internet of Things; multifunctional antennas; beamforming networks; passive components; 5G systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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