Challenges and Future Trends in 6G Networks and Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the call for papers for the Special Issue “Challenges and Future Trends of 6G Networks and Technologies”, which will focus on advancements in telecommunications and wireless communications. This Special Issue aims to explore and showcase cutting-edge research and advancements in the realm of 6G networks, including 6G network architectures and protocols, key enabler technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing/communications. We invite researchers and industry experts to contribute original research papers, review articles, and case studies that delve into these exciting topics.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

1. 6G Network Architectures and Protocols:

• Design principles and architectural frameworks for 6G networks
• Integration of Open RAN concepts and paradigms in 6G deployments
• RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) design, implementation, and network optimization
• RAN slicing, network slicing, and virtualization in 6G systems
• Software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) in 6G
• Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) in 6G networks

2. Key Enabler Technologies in 6G:

• Terahertz (THz) communications
• Ultra-massive multiple-input, multiple-output (um-MIMO)
• New waveforms
• Over-the-air computation (AirComp)
• Localization and positioning
• Integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (TN–NTN integration)

3. AI for Networks and Networks for AI:

• Integration of AI and machine learning in network design and operation
• AI-driven network management, optimization, and troubleshooting
• AI-enabled network security and anomaly detection
• Federated learning and distributed intelligence in networks
• Network architectures and protocols to support AI applications

4. Quantum Computing for 6G:

• Quantum-inspired algorithms and techniques for network optimization
• Quantum machine learning for intelligent network management
• Quantum cryptography and secure communication in 6G
• Quantum-inspired optimization and resource allocation in 6G networks
• Quantum-assisted sensor networks and Internet of Things (IoT) applications

5. Quantum Communication in 6G Networks:

• Quantum key distribution (QKD) for secure communication in 6G
• Quantum entanglement and its applications in 6G networks
• Quantum repeaters and amplifiers for long-distance quantum communication
• Integration of quantum communication with classical networks in 6G
• Quantum-inspired channel coding and modulation schemes for 6G

We look forward to receiving your contributions and exploring the advancements and challenges in 6G communications, including the above topics and others related to 6G communications and networks. This Special Issue promises to shed light on the future of telecommunications and wireless networks, paving the way for innovative and transformative technologies.

Prof. Dr. Een-kee Hong
Dr. Haejoon Jung
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Electronics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• 6G
• terahertz
• ultra-massive multiple-input
• multiple-output
• localization and positioning
• non-terrestrial network (NTN)
• new waveform
• open radio access network (O-RAN)
• artificial intelligence (AI)
• quantum computing
• quantum communication