Futuristic Technological Aspects of 6G Networks

There is a multitude of emerging or proposed technologies that may for the first time be used in upcoming network generations. This chapter will cover some of the advanced, possibly even futuristic, technological aspects that are expected to be unique to 6G. Advanced aspects include ultra-massive umMIMO, beamforming and channel control with programmable (reflective) metasurfaces. Futuristic concepts include holographic radio, quantum and molecular communication, aerial networks established with the help of drones and satellites, as well as the use of blockchain technologies in network security.