Toward 6G Deterministic Networks: Requirements, Technologies, and Challenges
As many emerging applications like industrial internet, autonomous driving, and telemedicine works well only over strictly high performance networks, the deterministic networking technology has become a critical supporting infrastructure. In this article, we review the evolution roadway and supporting theories of deterministic networking technology. We characterize the core demands of 6G wireless deterministic networks on four dimensions: the performance dimension, the spatial dimension, the functional dimension, and the management dimension. Despite immense challenges, it is believed that 6G deterministic networks have a prospect future by exploring several key enabling technologies including advanced air interface technologies, innovative network architecture, the comprehensive integration of communication, sensing, computing, and control, as well as intelligent scheduling.