E3S Web of Conferences 412, 01036 (2023) https://doi.org/10.

1051/e3sconf/202341201036
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Advancements and Challenges in

Energy-efficient 6G Mobile
Communication Network
Khadija SLIMANI1,2, Samira KHOULJI1, Mohamed Larbi KERKEB3

1National School of Applied Sciences, Abdelmalek Esaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco.

2LDR laboratory, Higher School of Computer Science, Electronics and Automation (ESIEA), Paris,
France.
3Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco.

Abstract. The arrival of 6G mobile communication networks is anticipated to revolutionize the

technological landscape, bringing about profound innovations. This research paper explores the
various technological advancements that will pave the way for the advent of 6G networks, with a
particular focus on addressing energy consumption. It is widely recognized that energy efficiency
plays a crucial role in the evolution of 6G networks. To enhance network performance, user
experience, and resource management, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to be
a pivotal technology. AI-based solutions can effectively optimize energy usage and contribute to the
overall efficiency of 6G networks. Furthermore, the incorporation of wireless communication
systems, telecommunication, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will be integral to the infrastructure of
6G networks. The need for significant enhancements in 6G networks is also examined in this study.
Ensuring the safety and protection of 6G networks from cyber threats becomes increasingly important
due to the growing reliance on networked communication and the sensitive nature of transmitted
information. Cutting-edge security methods such as homomorphic encryption and blockchain
technology may be essential in this regard. Moreover, this research paper explores the impact of 6G
networks on various domains and discusses the challenges that must be overcome to unlock the
technology's full potential. To ensure responsible adoption and usage of 6G networks, the
development of new business models and regulatory frameworks may be necessary to support their
implementation while addressing energy consumption concerns.

Index Terms— 6G, AI, energy consumption, mobile communication, NGN, IoT.

1 Introduction
Software-defined collaboration, network function software as a service, and fifth-
generation wireless (5G) are just a few of the cutting-edge technologies that make Next
Generation Networks (NGN) possible. When compared to the previous communication
infrastructure, NGN is a radical departure. The NGN is based on the concept of
convergence, where a single network carries all forms of data and services (including voice,
data, and various forms of media) in packet form [1-2]. Its multi-tiered design is meant to
encourage rapid service expansion and technological progress. NGNs are built on a more
adaptable and scalable architecture that can accommodate the technological change and
services so that they become available.
Technology has changed the face of mobile communication, whether we're talking
about voice/data commuters or the fundamental structure of cellular networks [3-4]. Over

© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
E3S Web of Conferences 412, 01036 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202341201036
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time, cellular technologies have undergone continuous evolution, progressing from the first
generation to the current fifth generation (5G), in order to cater to the escalating demands
for bandwidth, throughput, and latency. However, each successive generation has witnessed
a proportional increase in energy consumption, primarily due to the incorporation of new
hardware to support additional applications. Notably, 5G already consumes four times more
energy than its predecessor, 4G, and is poised to contribute to a significant surge in the
conventional energy consumption trajectory. Consequently, the advent of 5G has raised
substantial concerns regarding energy efficiency. Looking ahead, the forthcoming sixth
generation (6G) presents an unprecedented challenge to energy efficiency and
sustainability, given its even greater technical and network complexity. A steady increase in
data transfer rates from 1G to 6G has been noted over the years (see figure 1).

Fig. 1. Mobile technology evolution per decade.

NGNs are able to offer more adaptable and scalable networks thanks to these
developments, meaning they can better accommodate emerging technologies and services.
They can be used in many different contexts, such as smart cities, the IoT, and multimedia
services. On the other hand, there are a few obstacles that must be overcome before NGNs
can be widely adopted, such as security, interconnection, and the need for standardized
protocols. Despite these difficulties, NGNs have a bright future because of the increasing
need for sophisticated communication networks and the general trend towards digitalization
[5]. Moreover, NGNs offer the potential for significant energy savings and improved
efficiency compared to traditional communication systems. With their advanced network
architecture and intelligent routing algorithms, NGNs can optimize energy consumption by
dynamically allocating resources and reducing unnecessary data transmission. This energy-
efficient approach not only contributes to cost savings but also aligns with the global efforts
to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. Therefore, NGNs are
positioned to play a pivotal role in directing the development of future communications and
technology while addressing the pressing challenge of energy consumption.

2 NGN architecture and its Advantages

The Next Generation Network (NGN) is an architecture that enables the convergence
of voice, data, and video communication services over a single IP-based network [6-7]. The

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NGN architecture is designed to provide flexible and scalable services to end-users, reduce
operational costs for service providers, and support innovative new services. The NGN
architecture is composed of three essential layers: the Access layer, the Transport layer, and
the Service layer (see figure 2).
→ The Access layer provides connectivity between the end-user devices and the
network, using various access technologies such as wireless or fiber-optic.
→ The Transport layer provides transport of traffic between the Access layer and
the Service layer, using packet-switched technology such as IP, MPLS, or
Ethernet.
→ The Service layer provides various communication services such as voice, data,
and video, using a variety of protocols such as SIP, H.323, or RTP.

The NGN architecture supports both circuit-switched and packet-switched technologies [8],
enabling service providers to offer traditional voice services over the same network as new
IP-based services. One of the key advantages of the NGN architecture is its flexibility and
scalability. Service providers can easily add new services and features to the network
without having to make significant changes to the underlying infrastructure. The NGN
architecture also enables service providers to reduce operational costs by consolidating their
network infrastructure and reducing the number of network elements needed to provide
services [9]. Another advantage of the NGN architecture is its support for Quality of
Service (QoS) mechanisms [10]. QoS mechanisms enable service providers to prioritize
traffic based on its type and importance, ensuring that critical traffic such as voice and
video receive the necessary bandwidth and latency to ensure a high-quality user
experience.

Fig. 2. NGN architecture

Overall, the NGN architecture is a flexible, scalable, and energy-efficient solution for
delivering a wide range of communication services over a single IP-based network. Its
support for QoS mechanisms and ability to converge different communication services onto

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a single network not only reduce costs for service providers but also contribute to
significant energy savings. By consolidating various services onto a unified infrastructure,
NGNs eliminate the need for multiple physical networks, reducing the energy consumption
associated with their maintenance and operation. This energy-conscious approach aligns
with the growing global focus on sustainable practices and positions NGNs as an
environmentally friendly choice for service providers aiming to offer innovative new
services while minimizing their environmental footprint.

3 Methods
Next Generation Networks (NGNs) may significantly alter the way we communicate
with electronic devices [11]. These network-centric approaches, including NGNs, play a
crucial role in the development of "smart cities" [12], where they bring residents cutting-
edge communication services that elevate their standard of living. Moreover, NGNs are
instrumental in facilitating the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) by enabling secure
and reliable data exchange between connected devices [13]. By leveraging NGNs, cities
can optimize their infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and ensure seamless connectivity, all
while minimizing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. Through their ability
to support advanced communication services and enable safe and efficient data
transmission, NGNs are driving the evolution of smart cities and paving the way for a more
connected and sustainable future.

The utilization of NGNs to support communication services, including high-definition

audio, has opened up new opportunities for communication and collaboration. However,
despite their numerous advantages, NGNs are not without challenges during deployment
and implementation. Confidentiality poses a major concern, as these structures must be
safeguarded against computer security threats. Integration is also a critical consideration, as
NGNs need to seamlessly collaborate with other network systems and various technologies.
Additionally, NGNs should be built on clinical guidelines to ensure their ability to adapt to
emerging technologies and infrastructure, as they become more widely accessible.

4 Result and discussion

NGNs usher in a new era of communication systems, providing advanced
capabilities and enhanced services compared to older networks. They have been utilized to
support a wide range of applications, including pervasive computing, the Internet of Things
(IoT), as well as incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as AI and emotions
recognition, and are positioned to have a significant impact on the success of information
and communications technology, encompassing:

✓ The rise of the smart city, where millions of sensors are installed in infrastructure
including roads, homes, automobiles, buildings, and factories. 6G will be the
dependable wireless high-speed connectivity that enables apps to collaborate and
interface with one another, making it ideal for data-oriented tasks [14-15].

✓ The integration of AI and emotions in NGNs has the potential to revolutionize

communication experiences by enabling systems to understand and respond to
human emotions, resulting in more personalized and empathetic interactions [16-17].

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✓ Cyber robots and driverless cars are becoming increasingly popular, with the 6G
system allowing for widespread use of things like aerial vehicle mail delivery
systems and robots and even the implementation of self-driving cars [18].

✓ The other major development is the creation of smart objects and environments,
which will further the 6G architectural growth, by facilitating wireless
communications in settings that include huge, intelligent displays. Transmission in
cellular networks occurs at base stations, which come in a wide range of shapes and
sizes depending on the situation [19-20].

The evolution of software, from Smart manufacturing to Industry 5.0, relies on the
interconnectivity between machines, particularly in dynamic environments. Therefore, it
becomes crucial to assess the features offered by phone carriers [21] to ensure seamless
integration and efficient communication within the NGN framework.

The primary consideration in evaluating 5G and 6G cellular services is the data rate
they offer. Comparing the mobility services of both generations, we observe that 5G
achieves a maximum speed of 500 km/hr, while 6G reaches 1000 km/hr. However, the
noteworthy distinction lies in the maximum data rate, with 5G capable of achieving 1 Gbps,
while 6G surpasses it by a factor of 100. Consequently, 6G exhibits superior potential in
providing more satisfying services to users/devices moving at speeds of 500 km/hr or
higher, such as those on airplanes or high-speed trains [22-23]. Regarding spectral
efficiency, 5G offers a rate of 30 bps/Hz, which is approximately, double that of LTE (15
bps/Hz). In contrast, 6G holds the potential to deliver an impressive rate of 100 bps/Hz,
indicating significantly faster data transfer. However, it is worth noting that 6G
communication exhibits relatively higher U-plane latency and C-plane response time
compared to 5G communication in transmitting information (one way) at the IP layers.
While 5G technology does not encompass true artificial intelligence, 6G stands out by
offering the capability for machines to exhibit human-like behavior. Genuine artificial
intelligence depends on the synergy of computers operating collectively as an "AI cluster"
to learn and enhance their performance. Moreover, 6G's inclusion of authentic artificial
intelligence brings about not only advanced functionalities but also the potential for energy-
efficient AI processing, enabling more sustainable and intelligent systems. The network
resembling a mobile-phone network's base station consists of small cells that combine to
form extensive networks of communication algorithms. This setup enables IoT devices to
enhance their learning capabilities through cluster-based schemes and self-training
algorithms. The high-speed data support offered by 6G technology will enhance system
performance, albeit with an inevitable increase in computational complexity and throughput
[24-25].
The 6G standard not only enhances security compared to its predecessor, 5G, but also
prioritizes energy efficiency. It achieves this by incorporating cryptographic algorithms at
both the physical and application levels, providing an additional layer of protection for user
data while minimizing energy consumption. One key distinction between 6G and 5G lies in
the utilization of satellites for signal transmission rather than traditional base stations. This
satellite-based approach enables extensive mobile coverage, leading to a substantial
increase in volume spectral efficiency, measured in bits per second per square meter
(bps/Hz/m3). This enhanced spectral efficiency signifies a significant improvement in the
amount of data that can be transmitted within a given frequency spectrum and physical
space. Furthermore, the integration of smart cities components in 6G facilitates the
seamless connection of sensor nodes in smart city environments. This integration

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streamlines the deployment and operation of sensor nodes, contributing to the overall
efficiency and effectiveness of smart city systems.

In summary, 6G not only enhances security and enables satellite-based signal

transmission but also places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency. Through the
integration of cryptographic algorithms, satellite communication, and streamlined
connectivity for smart cities, the 6G standard paves the way for a more secure, sustainable,
and energy-efficient wireless communication future.

5 Conclusion
This research study highlights the significance of Artificial Intelligence, advanced
analytics, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the development of next-generation
networks. The paper emphasizes the need for enhanced speed, dependability, and security
in these networks, with a particular focus on energy efficiency. Furthermore, the paper
explores how next-generation networks have the potential to revolutionize various fields,
by optimizing energy consumption and minimizing wastage, these networks have the
potential to revolutionize various industries. The article also addresses the current
limitations of existing networks and the challenges that must be overcome to fully harness
the potential of future generation networks.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift towards the exploration of 5G mmWave
Positioning for Vehicular Networks, which will contribute to a deeper understanding and
advancement of next-generation networks. As research and development continue, it is
expected that these networks will continue to evolve and shape the future of communication
technology.

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