TIA 1 - Sub-THz Mobile Access

Mobile access networks operating in the sub-THz band (100 GHz to 1 THz) have emerged as key enablers for the most demanding 6G applications in terms of data rate, latency, and sensing capabilities. However, the successful deployment of these futuristic access networks requires the addressing of crucial technical challenges, particularly to keep energy consumption at tolerable levels and to guarantee robust connectivity in real-world mobility scenarios. To this end, this TIA provides a whole range of groundbreaking technological solutions covering all aspects of communication systems design, including channel modelling, hardware, analog/digital signal processing, and network infrastructure.

+ Channel Modelling and Measurements

Channel measurements lay the foundation for the design of modern communications systems, giving insights on the radio environment and supporting the development of accurate channel models. The increasing complexity of system design and functionalities in future sub-THz access network amplifies the need for comprehensive knowledge production and detailed understanding of the wireless channel. In this research topic, research groups from 6G-RIC contribute to push the knowledge on the propagation characteristics of sub-THz signals in diverse application scenarios such as industrial environments, kiosk-downloading, data centers, office scenarios, and outdoor environments.

One-pagers

+ Hardware design and analog signal processing

In sub-THz mobile access networks, the utilization of cost-effective and energy-efficient hardware components plays a crucial role in enabling commercially and societally sustainable deployments. However, current semiconductor technologies and transceiver designs face challenges in scaling to sub-THz signals with multi-GHz bandwidths, resulting in prohibitive solutions. In this research topic, 6G-RIC researchers are pioneering the development of novel optimized analog signal processing architectures aimed at reducing the energy consumption and cost of conventional designs, while ensuring the performance required by the most advanced 6G applications.

One-pagers

+ Digital signal processing and network architecture

Conventionally, mobile access networks have evolved by relying on increasingly advanced digital transceiver architectures and complex signal processing algorithms to maximize spectral efficiency. However, the unique challenges of sub-THz mobile access networks, such as high energy-efficiency requirements and harsh propagation conditions, alongside vast spectrum availability, call for entirely different approaches. Therefore, in 6G-RIC we focus on developing innovative, low-complexity, and highly integrated digital signal processing techniques and network infrastructures that, departing from classical high spectral efficiency targets, naturally account for practical hardware constraints while ensuring robust and seamless connectivity in real-world scenarios.