6G networks; 6G roadmaps; 6G sustainability; energy-efficient networks; SDGs; SLR; 6g network; 6g roadmap; 6g sustainability; Energy efficient networks; Global sustainability; Roadmap; Sustainability objectives; Systematic literature review; Technological advances; United Nations; Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment; Computer Networks and Communications
Abstract :
[en] The evolution of 6G networks is a pivotal time to align technological advances with global sustainability objectives, specifically the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) examines how 6G technologies approach sustainability through energy efficiency, reducing e-waste, reducing emissions, smart cities, and governance frameworks. We identify that SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) are the most frequently targeted SDGs in 6G and its development. In addition to the latest key innovations in 6G, our findings reveal research gaps and directions forward. The “drips on the heatplate” analogy represents how individually small but well-timed sustainability efforts can accumulate to reduce future communication networks’ environmental strain significantly. This review highlights the existing trends of SDG integration in 6G and emphasizes the need for sustainability to be a core part of 6G design in the future.
Research center :
CRTI - Centre de Recherche en Technologie de l'Information
F108 - Electromagnétisme et Télécommunications S802 - Réseaux et Télécommunications
Research institute :
R300 - Institut de Recherche en Technologies de l'Information et Sciences de l'Informatique
Funders :
FOD ‘Economie, K.M.O., Middenstand en Energie’ of Belgium JU-SNS SUSTAIN-6G Project under European Union’s Horizon Europe program
Funding text :
This work was supported in part by the BEL6GICA project, supported by FOD Economie, K.M.O., Middenstand en Energie of Belgium. The work of F. Rottenberg was supported in part by the JU-SNS SUSTAIN-6G Project under European Union Horizon Europe program under Grant 101191936.
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