While 5G is being implemented, Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are preparing for the deployment of 6G. Tech companies are collaborating with universities like IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras to conduct research on 6G technologies. Research, technology development, standardization, and awareness are the main areas of focus at IIIT Bangalore. Bennett University offers 6G as part of its curriculum in a partnership with IIT Roorkee. HEIs are aware of the necessity of 6G research to maintain India's position as a global leader in this field, despite difficulties in funding and cooperation. Online courses on 6G are also available for upskilling.
Numerous Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are working to take advantage of the deployment of 6G in the nation while 5G is still being rolled out in Indian cities. In order to take advantage of the innumerable opportunities that the 6G network will present for professionals and students, research initiatives are being launched to facilitate better network coverage.
With InterDigital Inc., a mobile and video technology company, IIT Kanpur has announced a bilateral research partnership to develop 6G enabler technologies that affect future wireless standards. Extreme Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) system advancements will be supported at IIT-K to increase spectrum efficiency and expand network coverage in preparation for the deployment of 6G networks.
Since Ericsson's 6G network will be autonomously operated by AI algorithms, the company has partnered with the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at IIT Madras to conduct joint research in the field of responsible artificial intelligence (AI). "AI would be necessary for 6G to operate effectively. Prof. B Ravindran, faculty head of CeRAI, IIT Madras, and Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI (RBCDSAI), states that CeRAI will work on developing responsible AI frameworks for network-enabled AI applications and AI for 6G network functionality. Prof. Ravindran also states that CeRAI and Ericsson will collaborate on projects of shared interest and participate in discussions on policy briefs and domain standards.
In order to advance the 6G initiative, IIIT Bangalore is concentrating on four key areas: research, technology development, standardization, and public education. The faculty is actively involved in the standardization of the Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) in 5G and 6G wireless systems for TSDSI as part of the standardization activities. According to Prof. Milind Gandhe, chief executive officer, IIIT Bangalore, Comet Foundation, "there is an acute shortage of skilled resources in this area of technology, so we would require a lot of resources." The institute held eight workshops to raise awareness about 6G and advanced communication systems, and 474 students attended.
Gandhe continues, "The 5G coverage is not uniform due to the small cell size. The 4G cell radius is 10 km, the 5G cell radius is 1 km, which is significantly lower". Gandhe continues, "For 6G, we are enhancing the quality of 5G by boosting the signal strength even when it is far from the tower and attempting to ensure the uniform spread of signal.
Together with IIT Roorkee faculty, Bennett University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, is proposing a project in the area of 5G and 6G networks. "OptiSystem, a simulation program used for 6G research work, fosters research at BU. According to Dr. Abhay Bansal, dean of the School of Engineering (School of Computer Science Engineering & Technology and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences), dean of International Relations and Corporate Outreach, Bennett University is collaborating with the German Academy of Higher Education (DADB) for 5G/6G courses for Electronics Communication Engineering (ECE) and Computer Science Engineering (CSE) students. The university has incorporated 6G technology into its course on "Future Technologies Under 5G".
A new generation of communication technologies is introduced to the world every ten years. According to Bansal, India is renowned for producing affordable, reliable technology, so we must make room for 6G research in order to take advantage of its potential and help India overtake other nations as a leader in this field.
