Journal of Management Analytics

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6G and Internet of Things: a survey

Jin Ho Kim

To cite this article: Jin Ho Kim (2021) 6G and Internet of Things: a survey, Journal of Management
Analytics, 8:2, 316-332, DOI: 10.1080/23270012.2021.1882350

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/23270012.2021.1882350

Published online: 18 Mar 2021.

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Journal of Management Analytics, 2021
Vol. 8, No. 2, 316–332, https://doi.org/10.1080/23270012.2021.1882350

REVIEW
6G and Internet of Things: a survey
Jin Ho Kim *

College of Business, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL, USA

(Received 31 December 2020; revised 24 January 2021; accepted 25 January 2021)

The 5G networks which have begun to spread worldwide are expected to

contribute to an increase in the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies
and applications, which require massive connectivity, security, and ultra-low
latency. However, it is known that 5G alone is not sufficient for many IoT
devices to exchange various types of data in real time. These constraints
promote the emergence of 6G technologies which can support higher network
capacity, lower latency, and faster data transmission than 5G networks. To
understand the current trends in 6G research and their relation to IoT, this
paper introduces the main drivers of 6G technology, describes 6G’s enabling
technologies, summarizes current 6G research, and introduces the possible
applications of 6G to IoT technologies and service areas.
Keywords: 6G; Internet of Things; IoT; terahertz; extended reality

1. Introduction
Recently, 5G networks have begun to spread worldwide (Ghosh, 2020). Based on
advanced access control and network optimization technologies, 5G networks
provide higher capacities, higher data rates, lower latency, massive device connec-
tivity, lower cost, and better consistent quality of service than 4G networks (Gupta
& Jha, 2015). The spread of 5G will contribute to an increase in the usage of
various Internet of Things applications, which require massive connectivity, security,
and ultra-low latency (S. Li, Da Xu, & Zhao, 2018; D. Wang et al., 2018).
Since the term “Internet of Things” was coined by Keven Ashton in 1998, IoT
technologies have been rapidly developed and adopted by fields such as logistics,
healthcare, and the automobile industry (Da Xu, 2016; Da Xu, He, & Li, 2014;
Guinard, Trifa, Pham, & Liechti, 2009; Priyanka, Maheswari, Thangavel, & Bala,
2020; B. Xu et al., 2014; C. Zhang & Chen, 2020). IoT also becomes a key technology
in advanced IT areas such as cyber-physical systems, industry 4.0, artificial intelli-
gence (AI), and big data analysis (Karunanithy & Velusamy, 2020; Kim, 2017;
Sanchez, Exposito, & Aguilar, 2020; Tung, 2019; L. D. Xu, 2020; L. D. Xu &
Duan, 2019; L. D. Xu, Xu, & Li, 2018). According to Tankovska (2020), the
number of IoT devices in use globally was 22 billion as of 2018, and is forecast to
reach 50 billion by 2030. In order to support diverse business models and services,
performance demands for IoT devices are increasing. As such, it is expected that
existing 5G networks alone will be too limited for many devices to exchange some

*Email: jkim5@lewisu.edu
© 2021 Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
 Journal of Management Analytics 317

types of data in real time (Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020; Monserrat et al., 2020; Saad,
Bennis, & Chen, 2020). These constraints promote the emergence of 6G technologies
which can support higher network capacity, lower latency, and faster data trans-
mission than 5G networks can.
6G will satisfy future expectations of IoT applications and overcome the restric-
tions of 5G networks (Lu & Ning, 2020; Saad et al., 2020). 6G will be able to
“connect everything, provide full dimensional wireless coverage, and integrate all
functions, including sensing, communication, computing, caching, control, position-
ing, radar, navigation, and imaging, to support full-vertical applications” (Z. Zhang
et al., 2019, p. 29). It will also integrate a variety of applications, technologies, and
communications (Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020). 6G networks are expected to
launch commercially by 2030; the development of 6G technology is still in its early
stages. Therefore, there is as yet no specific discussion of 6G’s technical standards
or performance globally, and research initiatives have begun centering on companies
and research institutes in each country (Zong et al., 2019).
To understand the current status of research on 6G and its relation to IoT, we
reviewed articles from major academic research databases including IEEE Xplore
and Web of Science, major academic research databases. This paper first briefly pre-
sents the key drivers of 6G technologies, followed by introduction of 6G projects and
cases, a discussion of enabling technologies, a summary of current 6G-related
research, and an introduction to the potential applications of 6G for IoT. Finally,
the research results are summarized.

2. Key drivers of 6G
The core drivers of 6G development are technology-driven paradigm shifts and the
continuous evolution of wireless networks, as well as the challenges and performance
limitations of current 5G technologies. It is now known that 5G technology will not
be able to support the requirements of near-future IoT technologies such as augmen-
ted reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and connected vehicles (Y. Chen et al., 2020).

2.1. Limitations of 5G technology

According to Zong et al. (2019), even though 5G provides ultrareliable low latency
communication (URLLC), it has some limitations, such as the weakness of short-
packet, sensing-based URLLC. This can restrict the reliability of low-latency services
with high data rates that are essential for AR, mixed reality (MR), and VR. Addition-
ally, smart devices are expected to exponentially increase data traffic and require high-
speed data transfer, which are overlooked in 5G standards (Elmeadawy & Shubair,
2020). Likewise, 5G lacks support for advanced IoT technologies requiring the con-
vergence of communication, detection, control, and computing functions. Therefore,
a need for 6G emerges in order to support these IoT technologies. Elmeadawy and
Shubair (2020) compare the technical specifications of 5G and 6G in Table 1. In com-
parison with 5G, 6G will be able to support higher reliability, lower latency, and full
integration with AI, extended reality (XR), IoT, and blockchain technologies (Lu &
Zheng, 2020).
318 J.H. Kim

Table 1. Comparison between 5G and 6G.

Characteristic 5G 6G

Operating frequency 3–300 GHz Up to 1 THz

Uplink data rate 10 Gbps 1 Tbps
Downlink data rate 20 Gbps 1 Tbps
Spectral efficiency 10 bps/Hz/m2 1000 bps/Hz/m2
Reliability 10−5 10−9
Maximum mobility 500 km/h 1000 km/hr
U-plane latency 0.5 msec 0.1 msec
C-plane latency 10 msec 1 msec
Processing delay 100 ns 10 ns
Traffic capacity 10 Mbps/m2 1–10 Gbps/m2
Localization precision 10 cm on 2D 1 cm on 3D
Uniform user experience 50 Mbps 2D 10 Gbps 3D
Time buffer Not real time Real time
Center of gravity User Service
Satellite integration None Full
AI integration Partial Full
XR integration Partial Full
Haptic communication integration Partial Full
Automation integration Partial Full

Notes: Retrieved from “Enabling Technologies For 6G Future Wireless Communications: Opportunities
And Challenges” by S. Elmeadawy, R. M. Shubair, 2020, arXiv: Signal Processing, p. 2.

2.2. Current trends in 6G

Katz, Pirinen, and Posti (2019) describe driving global trends supporting the key fea-
tures of 6G in the future. The Internet of Things, including vehicular connectivity and
machine-to-machine (m2m), needs to communicate via wireless networks. To cover
this massive connectivity globally, cellular networks must be connected to satellite
networks. The ever-growing internet traffic caused by high-definition video, virtual
reality, and holographic images entails the necessity of higher-frequency bands,
which are less congested and offer wider bandwidths. Transitioning to higher frequen-
cies increases the complexity of network design and density and consumes more
resources to implement the infrastructure. Lastly, social responsibility to address
the information gap between rich and poor will further spur the development of
6G to resolve this issue with new technologies and business models.
Y. Chen et al. (2020) point out four technology trends promoting the development
of 6G. First, due to exponentially increasing internet traffic via wireless networks,
wider spectra of bandwidth, including terahertz, will become essential to implement
mobile networks that can be integrated with sensing to provide optimized transpor-
tation management. Second, three-dimensional vertical networks integrating satellite
and cellular communication will be required to support seamless connections to
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), based on ubiquitous access to internet. Third, arti-
ficial intelligence will need to be deployed to enhance network performance and
decrease the computational complexity of network operations. Finally, green and sus-
tainable design will become a critical requirement of mobile networks, which pro-
motes the development of 6G.
 Journal of Management Analytics 319

3. 6G projects and cases

This section introduces the main research projects and cases involving 6G technol-
ogies. In research, the University of Lulu launched a 6G flagship research program
and held the world’s first 6G summit in 2019 (Latva-aho, Leppänen, Clazzer, &
Munari, 2020), and in 2020 the University of Surrey established the 6th Generation
Innovation Center to be a global research hub focused on 6G (McCaskill, 2020). The
International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) research project Network 2030
studies and supports future advanced networking technologies related to 6G and pro-
vides technical standards and guidlines (FG-NET, 2019). Brito, Mendes, and Gontijo
(2020) proposed a framework and roadmap including technologies, policies, and laws
for buidling 6G network echosystems in Brazil.
In business, Samsung described its vision for the next generation of communi-
cation system and plans to commercialize 6G technologies by 2030 (Newsroom,
2020). Its vision includes the integration of humans and machines through advanced
IT services such as truly immersive extended reality (XR), high-fidelity mobile holo-
grams, and digital replicas. Nokia partnered with other IT companies such as Erics-
son, Intel, and Siemens to lead the Hexa-X project to connect people, the physical
world, and the cyberworld using 6G technologies (Moritz, 2020).

4. 6G enabling technologies
The proliferation of various IoT devices requiring faster and more stable mobile
internet access creates new requirements that 5G cannot satisfy. For example, intelli-
gent vehicles on roads and robots in industry will inspire the development of ubiqui-
tous mobile ultrabroadband (uMUB) which guarantees high-speed wireless internet,
ultra-high-speed low latency communications (uHSLLC) reducing request and
response time, and ultrahigh data density (uHDD) which supports wireless internet
connections among tremendous numbers of smart devices (Zong et al., 2019).
Monserrat et al. (2020) propose three technological pillars of future 6G networks:
cell-less deployment, “network everywhere,” and federated AI-based networking.
First, due to the extreme densification of networks, the cellular concept which has
been a key technology of existing mobile networks (e.g. 2G, 3G, and 4G) will face
limitations such as network coverage issues and intercell interference. To resolve
them, unmanned aerial stations and high-throughput satellites have been explored
as new types of communication node which do not require cell-based mobile net-
works (Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020; Monserrat et al., 2020). A typical aerial-
space-terrestrial integrated network can be represented as three layers: “a space-
based network composed of various orbit satellites, an aerial network composed of
aircraft, and a ground-based network that includes terrestrial cellular mobile net-
works, satellite ground stations, and mobile satellite terminals” (Zong et al., 2019,
p. 26). The integration of terrestrial, airborne, and satellite networks into wireless net-
works will be critical for 6G systems (Saad et al., 2020).
Second, the spread of IoT devices will require internet access at more diverse
times, places, and in more diverse situations. To implement ubiquitous internet
access that is more closely integrated to IoT devices and users, hyperdense network
design is being considered based on the radio stripe concept, which allows for flexible
and cost-effective antenna systems, wireless, contactless battery charging for IoT
320 J.H. Kim

devices, and terahertz communication using bandwidths between 0.1 and 10 THz
(Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020; Monserrat et al., 2020; Saad et al., 2020; Zong et al.,
2019).
Finally, AI, which has not been used in previous generations of mobile communi-
cation technologies (3G and 4G), will be essential in the development of 6G in order
to automate resource management (Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020; Han et al., 2020)
and improve air interface algorithms (Y. Chen et al., 2020). Based on deep neural net-
works, deep learning (DL), one of the key applications of AI, is employed by wireless
networks to predict network traffic, manage interference, and allocate network
resources (Katz et al., 2019; Monserrat et al., 2020; Zong et al., 2019). Mobile edge
computing integrated with AI is a key enabling technology for 6G to bring distributed
autonomy into the system. AI can also be used to reduce security risks by identifying
cyber-attacks in wireless networks (Lu, 2019), and to manage telecommunication ser-
vices (Chen, Li, & Chen, 2020).
Apart from the technologies belonging to Monserrat et al. (2020)’s three major
pillars, scholars propose several other types of 6G enabling technologies. Holographic
beamforming (HBF) can manipulate network coverage shape and provide flexible
and efficient management of radio frequencies between 6G systems and IoT
devices (Black, 2017; Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020). Ultra-accurate positioning
within a few centimeters will be essential to IoT devices, and will also help 6G
systems optimize network resources such as beamforming (Y. Chen et al., 2020).
Blockchain, a distributed ledger technology, enables trust between applications and
devices without centralized intermediary architectures (Nguyen et al., 2020). The
6G network’s low latency, reliable connection, and scalability can make blockchain
a fundamental technology for IoT (Saad et al., 2020). Additionally, blockchain will
be applied to process big data and manage massive connectivity in 6G (Elmeadawy
& Shubair, 2020).

5. 6G research status
To investigate current research trends in 6G, articles related to the development of 6G
technology such as algorithms, architectures, hardware, and software were searched
using IEEE Xplore. Next, the papers were categorized based on Monserrat et al.
(2020)’s three technological pillars of future 6G networks: network everywhere,
cell-less deployment, and federated AI-based networks. The fourth category, 6G
security, was added on the basis of the current state of 6G research. After that, key
studies for each category were introduced. There are as yet few research articles
related to 6G technology, and most are literature review and conference papers.

5.1. Network everywhere

5.1.1. Antenna systems
Since 6G requires high data rates, integration between antennae and mobile devices
becomes more sophisticated. To overcome this issue, some literature discusses using
optical technologies. Optical wireless communication systems can be appropriate sol-
utions for 6G because of their wide-spectrum bandwidths. Therefore, Arai (2019) pro-
poses high-gain optical beam scanning antennae as part of 6G networks. Also, optical
distribution networks that provide maximum efficiency and data throughput can be
 Journal of Management Analytics 321

integrated with antenna modules (Waterhouse & Novak, 2019). As 6G networks are
considered to support multi-data transmission based on unallocated bandwidth (Z.
Zhang et al., 2019), Alves et al. (2020) present advanced, nanoscale optical wireless
communication to provide seamless integration of multi-links. 6G systems are
expected to have limitations operating at room temperature, due to very complex
and sophisticated processes (Dean et al., 2014). To combat this, Zanella et al.
(2020) adopt a novel nanoantenna approach, which is an efficient, boundary-free,
and generalized substrate mathematical model. As an alternative to existing fre-
quency resources, millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication is being considered
for 6G network systems. Zhu, Xiao, Xia, and Wu (2019) considered multi-beamform-
ing for mmWave to improve its performance and robustness.
As THz waves have high path attenuation and strong directivity, indoor objects
can easily block them and hinder communications. Therefore, an intelligent reflecting
surface (IRS), a metal surface with a large number of reflecting materials, is proposed
for installation in indoor environments to detour around obstacles (Ma, Chen, Chi,
et al., 2020). To enhance the performance of 6G networks, existing IRS technologies
which smartly manage communication between systems and users are advanced by
applying multiple distributed IRSs (He, Yu, & Shi, 2020). To effectively control the
IRS, Pengnoo et al. (2020) use the Digital Twin, a virtual model of physical indoor
environments. Lastly, Ma, Chen, Chen, et al. (2020) suggest improvements to THz
multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems by using IRSs
for applications indoors. For mobile devices, fluid antennas, a type of software-con-
trolled, flexible antennas, are thought to support stable radio communications in
diverse environments (Wong, Tong, Zhang, & Zhongbin, 2020).

5.1.2 MIMO communication

Massive MIMO systems, the core of 5G networks, allow the transmitting and receiv-
ing of multiple data signals simultaneously via the same radio channel (Chataut &
Akl, 2020). Since 6G networks’ large-scale antenna arrays increase the complexity
of systems, operation costs, and power consumption, “beamforming-enabled
antenna arrays, cognitive spectrum usage, as well as adaptive modulation and
coding are necessary to optimize the communication efficiency” (C. Huang et al.,
2020, p. 1). To increase channel capacity in 6G networks, Doan, Kwon, and Yeh
(2019) employed multi-polarization antennae supporting polarization diversity.
MIMO systems in THz are restricted in indoor environments because THz waves
have strong straightness and poor diffraction. By applying an IRS which can intelli-
gently control the propagation direction, Z. Chen et al. (2020) introduce the IRS-
assisted THz MIMO system model to reduce the complexity of network optimization.
Full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO) can solve the space-limitation problems in
massive MIMO systems, so Cumali, Ozbek, Mumtaz, and Gonzalez (2020) suggested
a user-selection algorithm in FD-MIMO with a non-uniform rectangular array struc-
ture. Lastly, the system model proposed by X. Zhang, Wang, and Poor (2020) shows
how to improve the quality of service for 6G multimedia mobile networks by integrat-
ing emerging wireless techniques such as finite blocklength coding (FBC), the hybrid
automatic repeat request with incremental redundancy (HARQ-IR) protocol, milli-
meter waves (mmWave), and cell-free (CF) massive multiple-input multiple-output
(m-MIMO).
322 J.H. Kim

5.1.3 Terahertz communication

The emergence of advanced IT technologies such as virtual/augmented reality (VR/
AR), autonomous driving, and the Internet of Things gives rise to the need for 6G
networks because they are difficult to handle with existing 5G networks (Ishak,
Dahri, Awang, Chong, & Seman, 2019). To support large numbers of devices and
the increase in mobile data rates in 6G, industries and scholars have considered ter-
ahertz communications promising because the THz band is expected to increase
bandwidth tenfold (Ishak et al., 2019; Tan & Dai, 2019). Since the increased fre-
quency of the THz signal causes serious attenuation issues, MIMO uses a large
antenna array to compensate for the attenuation (Akyildiz, Jornet, & Han, 2014).
Tan and Dai (2019) found that, in THz signals with large bandwidth, channel path
components are divided into completely separate spatial directions at different sub-
carrier frequencies, and propose delay-phase precoding (DPP), a new hybrid precod-
ing architecture, to resolve the issue. This hybrid precoding processes both digital and
analog signals, which increases spectral efficiency and decreases hardware complexity
and power consumption, and can be enhanced by optimizing the antenna structures
(R. Zhang, Hao, Sun, & Yang, 2020). To solve the neighbor search problem caused by
the use of THz, Xia and Jornet (2019) propose a time-effective neighbor discovery
protocol that leverages antenna radiation to find and match meaningful signal pat-
terns. Self-backhauling is one of the key methods to optimize channel resource
sharing in THz, so a joint timeslot scheduling, sub-band scheduling, and power allo-
cation (JTSP) scheme has been suggested to solve the expected resource allocation
issues in 6G THz (Yu, Tang, Wang, & Han, 2020).

5.2. AI-based networking

Artificial intelligence, including machine learning, has been explored as a way to over-
come limitations of 6G networks such as interference, complex resource manage-
ment, the large volume of signaling, and high energy consumption (Shangwei
Zhang, Liu, Guo, Qi, & Kato, 2020). Letaief, Chen, Shi, Zhang, and Zhang (2019)
consider 6G an intelligent information system supported by AI technologies, and
demonstrate how 6G leverages modern AI technologies to enable its main functions.
For example, AI for 6G can enhance situational awareness of network operations,
network reliability and security, and predictions for resource management in order
to make better decisions. Reinforcement learning (RL) and deep reinforcement learn-
ing (DRL), advanced AI technologies, establish a feedback loop between the decision
makers and the actual physical systems, and allow the decision makers to continu-
ously optimize their decisions. Lastly, AI combining self-learning and self-optimiz-
ation can play a key role in providing effective end-to-end communication in 6G
from the transmitter to the receiver. Deep learning technology can be applied to
detection for massive MIMO systems. L. Li and Meng (2020) demonstrate that a like-
lihood ascent search (DPLAS) based on the deep learning algorithm can improve
detection for MIMO systems. Grant-free non-orthogonal multiple access (GF-
NOMA) is considered a key technology of future mobile networks because it
enhances massive user access and reduces traffic overhead (Abbas, Shirvanimoghad-
dam, Li, & Vucetic, 2019; Tang, Kang, Ren, & Yue, 2018). To improve the detection
performance of GF-NOMA, S. Wang, Yu, Yuan, Liu, and Fei (2020) applied the deep
neuron network (DNN) in the constellation design.
 Journal of Management Analytics 323

Due to the challenges of 6G such as high connection density, big data generated
by various devices, and diversified system requirements, AI-based resource mange-
ment is considered a promising technology (Elsayed & Erol-Kantarci, 2019; Lin &
Zhao, 2020). For supporting massive access by IoT devices in 6G, Song, Bai, Yi,
Wu, and Liu (2020) propose artificial-intelligence-based approaches to distributed
IoT networks. These methods allow IoT devices to adjust transmission parameters
intelligently, resulting in improved performance. Since ultrareliable and low-latency
communications are one of the critical requirements in 6G, She et al. (2020)
suggest a multi-hierarchy architecture that enables the intelligent platform for
devices, edge networks, and cloud networks, which improves URLLC. The number
of IoT devices is expected to grow enormously in 6G. A deep learning algorithm pro-
posed by Qiang, Shao, and Chen (2020) enhances the detection of large numbers of
devices in 6G networks. Based on the principle of approximate message passing
(AMP), the model-driven deep learning algorithm is able to improve performance
without prior information about active probabilities and channel variance.
Edge computing is a key cloud computing technology which can reduce the dis-
tance between users and servers (Pan & McElhannon, 2018). For device-to-device
communications in 6G, AI is expected to improve mobile edge computing, enable
intelligent network slicing, and provide cognitive networking (Shangwei Zhang
et al., 2020). To manage resources in a vast number of edge servers, Rodrigues,
Suto, and Kato (2019) propose a machine-learning-based server deployment policy
for 6G networks. Because 6G is expected to consist of decentralized intelligent net-
works, a decentralized application-provisioning architecture based on AI has been
designed for the 6G network (Qiao, Huang, Dustdar, & Chen, 2020), and an efficient
and secure federated learning method has been suggested as one of a decentralized
machine-learning solution (Liu et al., 2020).

5.3. Cell-less deployment

Due to the limitations of existing cellular communication networks, 6G communi-
cation technology requires an integrated space and terrestrial network (ISTN) (X.
Huang, Zhang, Liu, Guo, & Hanzo, 2019). According to X. Huang et al. (2019),
the ISTN is to be composed of three layers: (i) the space-borne network layer includ-
ing orbiting satellites such as those in geostationary Earth orbits (GEOs), medium
Earth orbits (MEOs), and low Earth orbits (LEOs); (ii) the airborne network layer
including aerial platforms such as stratospheric balloons, airships, and aircraft,
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and high-altitude platform stations (HAPSs);
and (iii) ground-based networks consisting of cellular and wireless networks and
ground infrastructure for satellite communications. To integrate the heterogenous
6G networks and devices, Calvanese Strinati et al. (2020) suggested a hierarchical
3D network architecture that has joint communication, computation, and caching
capabilities.
Because the terrestrial mobile networks can cover only 20% of the entire terrain,
satellite communication has been considered an essential part of 6G networks: satel-
lites can have world-wide coverage without restriction of locations (Höyhtyä &
Martio, 2020; Wei, Han, & Cao, 2019). However, the integration of the satellite
and terrestrial networks is expected to encounter problems. To integrate the two,
Giordani and Zorzi (2020) proposed using mmWave frequencies to establish
324 J.H. Kim

high-capacity communications. A traffic-offloading scheme designed by Abderrahim,

Amin, Alouini, and Shihada (2020) shows the intelligent allocation of traffic between
the networks on the basis of type of data. Several scholars have studied a way to use
edge servers for 6G networks with both satellite and ground-based networks. For IoT
devices in 6G networks with satellites, Wei et al. (2019) suggested a satellite IoT edge
intelligent computing architecture that is optimized for processing the data generated
by IoT devices. By deploying double-edged computing servers for terrestrial mobile
networks and satellite networks, J. Zhang, Zhang, Wang, Liu, and Wang (2020) pre-
sented a 6G architecture that improved network performance. On the other hand,
Höyhtyä and Martio (2020) illustrated a network architecture for an autonomous
ship that effectively integrates satellite networks with terrestrial systems.
UAVs are regarded as an important auxiliary of communication infrastructure
because of their aerial superiority (Esfahlani, 2019; Na, Liu, Shi, Liu, & Gao, 2020).
However, unlike servers on the ground, UAVs are unable to support large storage
spaces for caching due to size and performance limits. Therefore, Fadlullah and
Kato (2020) propose a heterogeneous computing platform which enhances caching
intelligence and performance using a learning algorithm. To increase communication
capability between UAVs and IoT devices, Na et al. (2020) propose to optimize UAV
trajectory and resource allocation. UAVs can be equipped with various sensors and
share the collected data with users and other devices over cellular networks, resulting
in increased requirements and complexity (H. Zhang, Song, & Han, 2020). To resolve
this issue, Shuhang Zhang, Zhang, and Song (2020) have designed full dimension UAV-
to-everything communications supporting three communication modes: UAV-to-
network, UAV-to-UAV, and UAV-to-device. The hierarchical UAV network system
model proposed by Seo, Ko, and Chung (2020) can optimize data flow and mitigate
the time-constraint problems in UAV integrated 6G networks.

5.4. Security in 6G
6G has to support an enormous number of IoT devices through more diverse network
channels than previous systems, so it is expected to face various security difficulties.
For this reason, blockchain has been considered a core security feature of 6G net-
works (Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020; Hewa et al., 2020; Lu, 2020; Nguyen et al.,
2020; Saad et al., 2020; Yrjölä, 2020). Blockchain, which is a distributed ledger tech-
nology, offers trust between applications and devices without centralized intermedi-
ary architectures (Nguyen et al., 2020). The 6G networks’ low-latency, reliable
connections, and scalability can make blockchain a fundamental technology for
IoT (Hewa et al., 2020; Saad et al., 2020). To support secure access control and
privacy for resources and user information, Manogaran et al. (2020) introduced a
blockchain-based integrated security measure, which verifies performance for
access control and privacy on the basis of certain metrics. Blockchain can also be
applied to 6G resource sharing and spectrum management for IoT communication
(H. Xu et al., 2020).

5.5. Limitations of current 6G development

As shown above, the current research on 6G has focused mainly on designing effective
antenna systems, implementing MIMO communication, and supporting terahertz
 Journal of Management Analytics 325

frequencies, which allow wireless high-speed internet access to various IoT devices.
These technologies, which are mostly extensions of existing cellular technologies
such as 4G and 5G, improve network efficiency, reduce network latency, and
resolve network density problems.
To cover global regions with heterogenous IoT devices in the future, 6G will be
required to connect with non-terrestrial networks and integrate with AI technologies.
However, not many studies have been pursued in these areas yet. Several articles have
discussed AI techniques for optimizing resource management, improving user detec-
tion, and supporting intelligent edge computing. Several articles have also suggested
ways to integrate satellites and UAVs into terrestrial cellular networks for ubiquitous
network access. Therefore, scholars must pay attention to these area as future 6G
research topics.

6. Potential applications of 6G in IoT

The architecture of 6G consists of integrated space and terrestrial network infrastruc-
tures and intelligent platforms (T. Huang et al., 2019). The 6G infrastructure, includ-
ing satellites, UAV, and terrestrial systems will allows XR applications, which require
the heavy real-time network traffic, to provide mobile services regardless of location
(Y. Chen et al., 2020; Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020; Monserrat et al., 2020; Saad et al.,
2020). 6G’s intelligent platform, in combination with AI, will provide an optimized
communication environment for heterogenous IoT devices, such as autonomous
vehicles and medical devices, depending on the characteristics of each device or appli-
cation (Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020; Monserrat et al., 2020).
As such, the emergence of 6G technology will significantly expand IoT beyond what
is possible with existing networks and technologies. Thanks to 6G technology, the enor-
mous number of IoT devices will be able to exchange data at high speeds and low
latencies without being constrained by location. In this section, we introduce the poten-
tial applications of 6G in the area of IoT which were discussed in the previous articles.

6.1. Automation
Automation of IoT is expected to be an important application for 6G. Based on the inte-
gration of sensing and communication, the 6G network will enable mobile robots to col-
laborate with each other in a stable and fast manner (Y. Chen et al., 2020; Elmeadawy &
Shubair, 2020; Saad et al., 2020), resulting in improved productivity, accuracy, and flexi-
bility in manufacturing (Monserrat et al., 2020). Even though autonomous vehicles have
independent platforms, autonomous driving features require stable and secure vehicular
networking as this is directly connected with the safety of drivers (Al-Dulaimi & Lin,
2020). 6G networks can serve as a fundamental infrastructure for vehicular communi-
cation systems. 6G networks’ enhanced ultrareliable low-latency communication
allows autonomous vehicles to exchange information with servers or other vehicles to
enhance road safety and driving satisfaction (Monserrat et al., 2020).

6.2. Extended reality (XR)

6G can promote the development of XR technology in the IoT area by leveraging
high-performance mobile networks. The concept of extended reality, which combines
326 J.H. Kim

the real world with virtual environments, covers both VR and AR. While VR provides
a computer-simulated virtual world using a headset generating sounds and images,
AR adds digital content to the real world using mobile devices (Danielsson, Holm,
& Syberfeldt, 2020; Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020). Both VR and AR are expected
to benefit from the development of 6G networks supporting reliable connectivity,
high-speed data rates and low latency (Y. Chen et al., 2020; Elmeadawy & Shubair,
2020; Monserrat et al., 2020; Saad et al., 2020). 6G’s ultramobile broadband will
allow VR technology to maximize mobility without any physical restrictions, and
AR technology to interact with the real world without delay (Monserrat et al.,
2020). 6G will also enable XR applications with multiple sensor inputs, which are
not handled by existing 5G systems’ network capacity (Saad et al., 2020).

6.3. Wireless brain-computer

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies provide alternative methods for com-
munication and control without relying on human nerve systems (Allison, Wolpaw,
& Wolpaw, 2007; Vallabhaneni, Wang, & He, 2005; Wolpaw et al., 2000). The
advancement of mobile communication technologies has resulted in wireless BCI.
Traditionally, BCI was used for patients who cannot control their bodies; however,
wireless BCI has revolutionized interfaces for various use cases (Saad et al., 2020).
5G is known to be limited in supporting wireless BCI due to its data rate and
latency capabilities. 6G will support wireless BCI technology with better networks
and spectra (Elmeadawy & Shubair, 2020). These 6G properties can be applied to
various wearable devices and heads-up displays (Monserrat et al., 2020).

6.4. Other applications

In addition to the articles mentioned above, other 6G applications were also discussed
in the research. To reduce the costs of communication and increase network flexi-
bility, wireless communication has been introduced in data centers (Cui, Wang,
Cheng, & Chen, 2011; Hamza, Deogun, & Alexander, 2016). 6G systems can be con-
sidered as potential options for wireless data centers, because wireless communication
is better than wired in terms of network flexibility and physical space (Rommel,
Raddo, & Monroy, 2018). 6G technologies that integrate space and ground communi-
cation systems can provide seamless network connections for high-speed railway
wireless systems required to cover vast geographical regions with high data rates
(Yan, Fang, Hao, & Fang, 2020).

7. Conclusion
The commercialization of 5G technology will certainly accelerate the spread of
various IoT-related technologies and services. However, 5G has obvious limitations
in supporting more advanced IoT applications. In order to overcome these restric-
tions, 6G technology is being developed, but is still in its infancy and still establishing
technical specifications and standards for each country. This paper introduces the
main drivers of 6G technologies such as 5G’s lack of support for advanced IoT appli-
cations and various technological and social trends, describes 6G’s enabling technol-
ogies, summarizes current 6G research, and introduces the possible applications of
 Journal of Management Analytics 327

6G for IoT technologies and related service areas. The main contribution of this
paper is to help the reader understand 6G technologies and find 6G related research
topics by introducing the ongoing 6G related projects, cases, and expected technol-
ogies, reviewing the current status of 6G research, finding the gaps in the recent
research, and elucidating how 6G will be applied to the development of IoT in the
future.

Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

ORCID
Jin Ho Kim http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4064-157X

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