Preparing for 6G: What Telecom Operators Should Know

With the recent global deployment of 5G networks, telecom operators are already turning their attention toward the future: 6G. While 5G still has years of growth ahead, the telecom industry must prepare now for the unprecedented demands that 6G will bring. As 6G is expected to be commercially available by the 2030s, planning for its infrastructure, spectrum requirements, and particularly, inventory management is crucial to ensuring smooth transitions and operations.

6G promises transformative advancements in network capabilities, such as ultra-low latency, terabit-per-second speeds, immersive extended reality, and large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) applications. These developments will introduce a new set of challenges, especially in managing the necessary hardware, software, and infrastructure resources efficiently. Telecom inventory management systems must evolve to handle the scale and complexity of 6G networks. One such network inventory system/software already geared up for this is VC4-IMS

This blog explores what telecom operators should expect from 6G networks, how these changes will impact inventory management, and how VC4-IMS is uniquely positioned to help operators prepare for the next leap in technology.

What to Expect from 6G Networks

Before looking at 6G from an inventory management perspective, it’s essential to understand what 6G will bring to the table. The fundamental shifts in network design, functionality, and performance, will shape how telecom operators manage their infrastructure and assets. Let’s look at three aspects.

1. Terabit-Level Speeds and Ultra-Low Latency

6G will push network performance to the limits with speeds potentially reaching terabits per second (Tbps) and latency reduced to below 1 millisecond. These capabilities will support applications that require real-time responsiveness, such as immersive augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and even holographic communication.

This rapid increase in data flow will place greater demands on the network infrastructure, making efficient management of both physical and virtual assets a priority. Telecom operators will need future-orientated systems like VC4-IMS to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is deployed and maintained without causing network bottlenecks. VC4-IMS offers an integrated, single-source inventory management solution that consolidates physical, logical, and virtual assets, enabling real-time updates and automated processes that are crucial for maintaining such high-performance networks​​.

2. Massive IoT and Machine-Type Communications

6G networks will significantly expand the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling billions of connected devices to communicate seamlessly. This includes smart cities, connected vehicles, healthcare systems, and industrial applications. Unlike the current network models, which are designed for human-driven traffic, 6G will heavily support machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. The network will need to be highly adaptable to handle the varying traffic loads and dynamic requirements of such systems.

VC4-IMS supports this need by providing a comprehensive view of all network assets, including IoT devices, sensors, and micro-infrastructure units. It allows operators to manage both large-scale physical assets and a myriad of smaller, distributed components. The system's flexibility ensures that assets can be tracked, managed, and optimized efficiently, helping to reduce operational costs and improve service delivery​.

3. Edge Computing and Decentralized Network Architectures

As 6G pushes for ultra-low latency, network functions will increasingly be moved to the edge of the network. This means that instead of relying on centralized data centers, processing will be done closer to the devices or users. Edge computing will play a crucial role in achieving 6G’s goals, as it reduces latency and improves data processing speeds.

VC4-IMS is designed to support distributed network environments. Its GIS module provides interactive geographical views that help operators manage assets across multiple sites, including edge-based locations. This capability is vital for maintaining a dynamic and flexible inventory management system that can handle resources in a distributed, multi-site environment​.

Key Challenges for 6G Inventory Management and How VC4-IMS Addresses Them

1. The Convergence of Virtual and Physical Infrastructure

In 6G networks, the line between physical infrastructure (hardware like antennas, servers, base stations) and virtual infrastructure (virtualized network functions, software-defined networks) will blur even more than in 5G. This convergence creates a significant inventory management challenge that goes beyond simply tracking devices.

VC4-IMS addresses this challenge by offering a single source of truth that integrates both physical and logical inventories. This includes dynamic, virtualized assets that are no longer tied to a single physical device. VC4-IMS uses cross-layer intelligence to map virtual assets to the physical infrastructure they depend on, updating automatically as workloads move or scale. VC4-IMS can handle these interactions in real time, ensuring seamless operation and service continuity​​.

2. Quantum Networking and Inventory Management Complexity

As 6G matures, quantum networking—the application of quantum computing principles to network architecture—will likely play a role. Quantum networks could use quantum encryption or leverage quantum entanglement for super-secure, ultra-fast communication. The quantum components that enable this technology, such as quantum switches and repeaters, will require highly specialized infrastructure management and monitoring.

VC4-IMS is modular and scalable, allowing for the integration of new technologies like quantum networking. The platform’s flexibility means that it can evolve to incorporate environmental monitoring features, AI-based predictive maintenance, and other advanced capabilities necessary to manage quantum assets and their unique requirements​​.

3. Managing Satellite and Aerial-Based Infrastructure

6G will introduce an expanded role for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including satellite and aerial-based infrastructure like drones or high-altitude platform stations (HAPS). These NTNs will provide coverage in remote or rural areas and ensure the global availability of 6G networks.

VC4-IMS already supports multi-layer network management, including terrestrial and non-terrestrial components. Its integration module allows for seamless data sharing between ground stations and satellite operations, making it ideal for managing the status, location, and operational health of aerial and satellite assets​​.

Round Up: Thinking Beyond Traditional Inventory Management for 6G with VC4-IMS

While traditional inventory management challenges like asset tracking, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance remain essential, 6G introduces new complexities that telecom operators must prepare for. Whether it’s managing quantum networking components, edge computing environments, or rapidly deployed NTNs, operators must adopt more sophisticated, AI-powered inventory management systems to handle these future challenges.

VC4-IMS stands out as a future-proof solution, ready to evolve with the demands of 6G. By investing in VC4-IMS, telecom operators can ensure their networks are prepared for the next technological leap, driving both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

To learn more about how VC4-IMS can help your organization navigate the complexities of 6G and beyond, contact us today for a personalized consultation. Let our experts guide you in transforming your network operations for the 5G and future 6G era.