August Contributors: We would like to express our gratitude to the July contributors as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Korea IT Times. We are now excited to publish the new contributor's article for August.
- Prof. Jong-Shik Kim, PhD: Working with AI, Living with AI
- Essays by Layne Hartsell PhD, and Alexander Krabbe, MD: The Echoes of War: The Specter Advances, A Response for the Sake of Sanity
- Byoung min Im, Columnist : The Courage of India's Prime Minister Modi
- Barnaby Page, VP of IR & Cyber Risk at SentinelOne: Cyber Safeguard: The Insurance Industry's Role in Enhancing Digital Security
- Layne Hartsell, PhD and Ashok Kumar Janakiraman, PharmD: Nanotechnology for the Treatment of Dementia
- Tae-il Kwon, PhD, CEO of Bigsun Systems: Next Generation Wireless Network Technology in the Age of AI
- Jinkook Kim, PhD, CEO of Coreline Soft: The role of AI in lung cancer screening
By Dr. Taeil Kwon, CEO of Bigsun Systems
The advancement of wireless communication technology in modern society has had a significant impact on our daily lives and across various industries. With the commercialization of 5G, high-speed data transmission and large-scale device connectivity have become possible, leading to the evolution of industries and society into new forms. However, the progress of technology does not stop here. As we enter the AI era, we are on the brink of the emergence of 6G and Wi-Fi 7, and these new technologies will offer even more innovative connectivity. This article will delve into how the next-generation 6G and Wi-Fi 7 technologies in the AI era could reshape our future.
6G communication is expected to go beyond mere technological advancement by maximizing its performance through close integration with AI technology. AI will play a crucial role in efficiently managing network resources and predicting user demands in real-time to provide optimal services. For example, AI can analyze users' data usage patterns, anticipate network congestion in advance, and take real-time measures to prevent it. These capabilities will ensure ultra-low latency and stability in the network, thereby enhancing the user experience.
One of the goals of 6G communication is to exponentially increase data transmission speeds by utilizing the Terahertz (THz) frequency band. The THz frequency band uses much higher frequencies than 5G, potentially providing speeds over 100 times faster. This speed improvement is ideal for AI applications that require real-time processing of large volumes of data. For instance, in highly complex systems like autonomous vehicles, ultra-fast data transmission can help prevent accidents and enable safer driving.
Moreover, 6G will accelerate the implementation of various advanced technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). For example, autonomous vehicles can share road information in real-time through 6G communication, optimizing traffic flow through vehicle-to-vehicle collaboration. This will not only improve convenience but also contribute to reducing traffic accidents and saving energy. In smart cities, various IoT devices can connect in real-time through 6G communication, leading to innovations in energy efficiency and urban management. For instance, smart lighting systems can reduce unnecessary energy consumption through real-time data analysis, contributing to environmental protection.
Wi-Fi 7 is another groundbreaking technology expected to dramatically increase data transmission speeds by utilizing the 6GHz band. Wi-Fi 7 will offer speeds more than four times faster than the current Wi-Fi 6E, enabling smoother ultra-high-definition video streaming and large-scale data transmission. This will significantly enhance the entertainment experience at home, as well as facilitate large file transfers and real-time collaboration in remote work environments.
Another important feature of Wi-Fi 7 is the reduction of network congestion and the enhancement of connection stability through Multi-Link Operation (MLO). By simultaneously utilizing multiple frequency bands, Wi-Fi 7 can reduce network congestion and maintain stable connections even in weak signal environments. For example, in densely populated urban areas or large-scale events, Wi-Fi 7 can ensure stable connections for numerous users. This is highly beneficial for various applications such as seamless streaming and real-time information delivery at large events.
Wi-Fi 7 will also apply AI technology to dynamically analyze the network environment and select the optimal path to maximize transmission efficiency. This will manage network traffic in real-time and provide the necessary bandwidth to users as needed, ensuring service quality. For example, when multiple devices in a home are using the network simultaneously, AI can allocate network resources optimally by considering the priority of each device, thereby delivering the best user experience.
While the development of 6G and Wi-Fi 7 offers many opportunities, it also presents technical challenges. To utilize higher frequency bands, new antenna technologies and power efficiency considerations are required, necessitating continuous research and development. For instance, to overcome the difficulty of signal propagation over long distances in the THz band, advanced antenna technologies such as beamforming are essential. Furthermore, AI-based solutions to address security issues are crucial. Strengthening the security of wireless networks to counter cyber threats is vital. AI-driven security technology can detect network attacks in real-time and automatically respond to them, creating a safer communication environment.
The introduction of 6G and Wi-Fi 7 will accelerate innovation across various industries. In manufacturing, implementing smart factories will become easier, and remote work and collaboration tools will advance further, increasing work efficiency. For instance, real-time data analysis using 6G can maximize the efficiency of production lines and enable rapid responses to disruptions. In the medical field, the activation of telemedicine and real-time health monitoring will improve the quality of patient care. For example, 6G-based remote surgery technology will allow for advanced medical services regardless of the patient's location.
The next-generation 6G and Wi-Fi 7 technologies in the AI era are crucial drivers of innovation in wireless communication. These technologies have the potential not only to transmit data but also to fundamentally change our way of life. The possibilities of ultra-high-speed, ultra-low latency, and hyperconnectivity offered by 6G and Wi-Fi 7 will create new opportunities across various industries and contribute to realizing a smarter and more connected society. This signifies not just technological progress but a leap toward a better life. Therefore, we can hold high expectations for the future that 6G and Wi-Fi 7 will bring. To achieve this, continuous research and development are required, and we must be prepared to meet new challenges as technology advances. The new era that 6G and Wi-Fi 7 will usher in is already approaching.
About the Author
Dr. Taeil Kwon, CEO of Bigsun Systems, is the leading expert in electronic information engineering and the pioneer of public Wi-Fi technology in South Korea. His leadership was instrumental in turning South Korea into an IT superpower. He successfully achieved the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit, the 2019 ASEAN-Korea Special Summit, and projects for KORAIL, SRT, COEX, and KINTEX. Dr. Kwon played a pivotal role in national development, advising the government and the Ministry of Science and ICT on public Wi-Fi policies. Prior to founding Bigsun Systems, he held a senior executive position at Sun Microsystems. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering from Soongsil University, a Master's in Electronic Engineering from Hanyang University, and a Ph.D. in Information Engineering from Chungbuk National University.
