Revolutionary cooperative THz communication unveiled for future 6G networks

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation, a team of researchers from Yildiz Technical University in Turkey and Kafkas University has introduced an innovative cooperative terahertz (THz) communication system designed for flying ad hoc networks (FANETs). This state-of-the-art technology promises to significantly enhance the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in smart city applications, particularly in intelligent transportation systems (ITS).

UAVs are becoming indispensable in modern ITS due to their autonomous operations, mobility, and advanced communication and processing capabilities. As cities continue to grow, the need for more efficient and effective transportation systems becomes critical. The new cooperative THz communication system developed by the researchers addresses this need by utilizing the THz frequency spectrum, which is essential for the next-generation 6G wireless mobile communications.

"Utilizing the THz band for UAV communications in 6G networks could dramatically improve connectivity and functionality in various sectors, including emergency services, logistics, and urban planning," stated Prof. A.F.M. Shahen Shah, the lead researcher of the study. "Our findings indicate that this technology not only supports high-speed data transfer but also significantly reduces transmission delays and energy consumption."

The THz band, which ranges from 0.1 to 10 THz, is a high-frequency part of the electromagnetic spectrum that has been largely underutilized in current communication systems. It offers numerous advantages over existing frequency bands, including higher bandwidth, lower latency, and greater data transmission rates, which are crucial for supporting the vast data requirements of modern ITS.

The study's numerical results confirm the theoretical benefits of THz cooperative communication, showcasing its potential to overcome traditional challenges associated with UAV connectivity, such as signal attenuation and noise. This breakthrough is expected to pave the way for more resilient and efficient communication systems in our increasingly interconnected world.

The research team utilized a Markov chain model-based analytical approach to develop this system, focusing on optimizing the communication process among small UAVs operating within FANETs. This method ensures efficient data transfer and reduces the energy consumption and pollution associated with traditional communication methods, aligning with the goals of green communications.

Numerical results from the study confirm the effectiveness of the proposed THz communication system, demonstrating its potential to significantly improve the performance and reliability of UAV networks. This technology not only facilitates rapid deployment of UAV networks in emergency situations, such as natural disasters, but also in regular urban settings where quick and reliable communication is essential.

This research is supported by Kafkas University and is part of a larger effort to integrate advanced technological solutions into everyday urban planning and infrastructure development. The findings of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the development of next-generation wireless communication technologies, crucial for the increasingly connected and data-driven world.

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References

Authors: Nazifa Mustari ^a, Muhammet Ali Karabulut ^b, A.F.M. Shahen Shah ^a, Ufuk Tureli ^a

Affiliations:

^aDepartment of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Turkey

^bDepartment of Electrical Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey

Title of original paper: Revolutionary Cooperative THz Communication Unveiled for Future 6G Networks

Article link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geits.2023.100131

Journal: Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773153723000671

DOI: 10.1016/j.geits.2023.100131