KAUST Advances Saudi Arabia's Leadership In Emerging 6G Technologies

By 2025, over 50 billion devices will be connected online. These devices range from those managing city electric grids to personal gadgets used for social media. This massive connectivity and data transmission were unimaginable a decade ago. The key difference now is the advancement in telecommunications technologies.

5G and the upcoming 6G technologies are revolutionising data availability, enabling gigabytes of data to be accessed almost anywhere globally with just a button press. The industry has identified two critical technologies for achieving these advancements: free-space optics (FSO) and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS).

FSO involves using lasers to transmit signals through free space, such as air or outer space, directly to detectors without cables. This method is crucial for high-frequency signals, especially since 6G operates at frequencies of at least 100 GHz. However, higher frequency signals face increased attenuation, making it essential to understand the impact of weather on signal transmission.

The collaboration includes continued funding for two KAUST telecommunications programs focusing on FSO and RIS. These programs aim to build an exhaustive database of events in Saudi Arabia, detailing communication outages' causes, frequency, and duration. This information helps strategically place base stations and set up auxiliary systems for when failures occur.

RIS offers another solution to signal loss issues. In urban areas, buildings often host base stations on their rooftops. Instead of traditional setups, RIS uses an array of cells that can be electronically reconfigured. Each cell typically consists of metal, insulator, and semiconductor layers, significantly contributing to enabling 6G access.

Positioning Saudi Arabia as a Leader

KAUST is positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in 6G technology by attracting companies to invest and scientists to test their research within the Kingdom. This strategic move aims to make significant contributions to the global telecommunications landscape.

This initiative not only fosters technological advancements but also enhances the Kingdom's reputation in the scientific community. By supporting cutting-edge research and development in telecommunications, Saudi Arabia is paving the way for future innovations in this field.

The comprehensive database being developed will provide valuable insights into communication outages' patterns and causes. This data will enable more efficient placement of base stations and better-prepared auxiliary systems, ensuring reliable connectivity even during adverse conditions.

"The collaboration includes the company's continued funding of two KAUST telecommunications programs: the first is investigating free-space optics (FSO), and the other is developing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)," stated a representative from KAUST.

The advancements in FSO technology are particularly noteworthy as they address the challenges posed by high-frequency signals like those used in 6G networks. By understanding how weather affects signal transmission, researchers can develop more robust communication systems capable of withstanding various environmental conditions.

"This technology measures the impact of weather on signal transmission in order to build a comprehensive database building," explained another expert involved in the project.

The development of RIS technology also plays a crucial role in overcoming signal loss issues commonly faced in urban environments. By electronically reconfiguring cells made up of metal, insulator, and semiconductor layers, RIS can significantly enhance signal strength and reliability.

"Buildings in urban areas often house base stations on their rooftops," noted a researcher working on RIS technology.

The ongoing research at KAUST demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing telecommunications technologies and establishing itself as a global leader in this field. Through strategic investments and collaborations with leading scientists and companies worldwide, the Kingdom is poised to make significant contributions to the future of telecommunications.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader vision of becoming a hub for innovation and technological excellence. By fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge research and development, KAUST is helping position the Kingdom at the forefront of global technological advancements.

With inputs from SPA