6G Enabled Advanced Transportation Systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates how 6G can act as an enabler for future transportation systems by examining two interacting dimensions: ubiquitous connectivity across space, air, and ground networks, and the emergence of intelligent transportation through localization, integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), and enhanced security. It surveys candidate 6G technologies and standardization progress, with detailed treatments of railway THz-channel characterization, air-to-ground connectivity, and non-terrestrial networks (HAPS and LEO satellites), as well as localization accuracy, ISAC resource management, V2X, MEC, and network slicing for autonomous driving. The work also summarizes security considerations and ongoing standardization in ITU-T SG17 and 3GPP NR-NTN, highlighting how RIS, OTFS, and advanced coding schemes can bolster reliability and efficiency in 6G-enabled transport. Overall, the paper provides a structured blueprint for realizing ubiquitous, intelligent, and secure transportation systems under 6G, including guidance for researchers and standardization bodies to address remaining technical challenges.

Abstract

With the emergence of communication services with stringent requirements such as autonomous driving or on-flight Internet, the sixth-generation (6G) wireless network is envisaged to become an enabling technology for future transportation systems. In this paper, two ways of interactions between 6G networks and transportation are extensively investigated. On one hand, the new usage scenarios and capabilities of 6G over existing cellular networks are firstly highlighted. Then, its potential in seamless and ubiquitous connectivity across the heterogeneous space-air-ground transportation systems is demonstrated, where railways, airplanes, high-altitude platforms and satellites are investigated. On the other hand, we reveal that the introduction of 6G guarantees a more intelligent, efficient and secure transportation system. Specifically, technical analysis on how 6G can empower future transportation is provided, based on the latest research and standardization progresses in localization, integrated sensing and communications, and security. The technical challenges and insights for a road ahead are also summarized for possible inspirations on 6G enabled advanced transportation.

Figures (7)

• Figure 1: Illustration of the evolution from the three usage scenarios of 5G to the six new usage scenarios of 6G.
• Figure 2: The view of five smart rail mobility scenarios.
• Figure 3: An illustration of measurement campaign, measurement data, and RT simulations.
• Figure 4: Illustration of the architecture of a cellular ATG network.
• Figure 5: Illustration of the scenario of NTN networks constructed by HAPS and LEO satellite constellations.