articleIEEE Communications MagazineMar 13, 2023GREEN OA

6G Wireless Communications: From Far-Field Beam Steering to Near-Field Beam Focusing

Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications · Ben-Gurion University of the Negev · +4 more institutions

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Abstract

6G networks will be required to support higher data rates, improved energy efficiency, lower latency, and more diverse users compared with 5G systems. To meet these requirements, electrically extremely large-scale antenna arrays are envisioned to be key physical-layer technologies. As a consequence, it is expected that some portion of future 6G wireless communications may take place in the radiating near-field (Fresnel) region, in addition to the far-field operation as in current wireless technologies. In this article, we discuss the opportunities and challenges that arise in radiating near-field communications. We begin by discussing the key physical characteristics of near-field communications, where the…

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