6G optical-RF wireless integration: a review on heterogeneous cellular network channel modeling, measurements, and challenges

This paper investigates the potential transformation to be ushered in by 6G technology in telecommunications, enabling huge data rates, low latencies, high-reliability connectivity, and broadened connections based on its heterogeneous cellular architecture. It is a complex work dealing with an analysis of the evolution toward 6G while using heterogeneous networks (HetNets) that take advantage of various technologies, such as small cells, macro cells, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), and ultra-dense networks (UDNs). It discusses the architectural progress, such as spectrum efficiency, advanced beamforming, and application of AI and ML toward network optimization for 6G HetNets. The deployment challenge for the 6G HetNets: spectrum allocation, energy efficiency, interoperability, security, with solutions such as cognitive radio networks, energy harvesting, and blockchain for improved security. It also delves into the far-reaching impacts of 6G HetNets in sectors like smart cities, autonomous driving, IoT, telemedicine, and AR/VR experiences. The importance of 6G is further expounded in achieving seamless connectivity, superior mobile broadband, and supporting massive machine-type communications, therefore reshaping our digital interactions. The paper concludes on the significance of collaborative research, policy development, and standardization efforts in 6G deployment complexity management and exploitation of the full potential of 6G toward technological and societal development. It presents a holistic view of 6G’s heterogeneous cellular architecture, emphasizing its architectural innovations, challenges, and the promising future it portends for wireless communication systems.