Page 25 - ITU Journal Future and evolving technologies Volume 2 (2021), Issue 7 – Terahertz communications

ITU Journal on Future and Evolving Technologies, Volume 2 (2021), Issue 7

As an example, by em‑ ploying AI/ML using a DNN, Hoc Networks, vol. 68, pp. 1 – 15, 2018, ad‑
initial extraction of the fea‑ tures can be obtained using vances in Wireless Communication and Networ-
drones, which are then re‑ layed at the network edges king for Cooperating Autonomous Systems. [On‑
for the subsequent processing. Here, a THz band can be line]. Available: http://www.sciencedirect.com/
highly leveraged by relaying massive data to the network science/article/pii/S1570870517301671
edges for MEC. In addition, novel energy ef icient MAC
[3] G. Chmaj and H. Selvaraj, “Distributed Processing
protocols for THz‑enabled drone networks and DSNs Applications for UAV/drones: A Survey,” in Pro-
will be required for intelligently of‑ loading massive
gress in Systems Engineering, H. Selvaraj, D. Zydek,
computations to the network edges, also considering
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6. CONCLUSIONS
[4] M. Latva‑aho, “Radio Access Networking
Challenges Towards 2030,” in Proc. 1st Inter‑
In this paper, we have summarized major characteris‑
tics of the various possible real‑world applications of the national Telecommunication Union Workshop
THz‑enabled drone networks and DSNs. After presenting on Network 2030, New York, Oct. 2018. [On‑
the capacity potential of the THz‑enabled drone networks line]. Available: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU‑T/
via numerical results considering both ideal and realis‑ Workshops‑and‑Seminars/201810/Documents/
tic (fading) conditions of beam misalignment fading and Matt_Latvaaho_Presentation.pdf
multipath fading, we have discussed the major research
[5] Z. Zhang, Y . Xiao, Z. Ma, M. Xiao, Z. Ding, X. Lei,
challenges and directions for THz‑enabled drone net‑
G. K. Karagiannidis, and P . Fan, “6G Wireless Net‑
works and DSNs, from physical layer channel estimation
works: Vision, Requirements, Architecture, and
up to higher network layers, security/privacy issues. We
Key Technologies,” IEEE Vehicular Technology Ma-
outline and highlight AI/ML‑based approaches as promi-
gazine, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 28–41, 2019.
sing solutions. We proclaim that THz‑enabled DSNs
will be an integral part of the forthcoming 6G [6] C. Chaccour, M. N. Soorki, W. Saad, M. Bennis,
non‑terrestrial networks. For development and P. Popovski, and M. Debbah, “Seven De ining
validation of the THz band solutions across all layers, Features of Terahertz (THz) Wireless systems: A
novel test beds for the real‑world experiments are Fellowship of Communication and Sensing,” arXiv,
essential. Additionally, with the progression towards 2021. [Online]. Available: https://arxiv.org/abs/
practical THz transceivers at sea level, novel THz 2102.07668
transceivers for the drones will be required towards
realizing 6G communications keeping in view the highly [7] L. Bariah, L. Mohjazi, S. Muhaidat, P . C. Sofotasios,
mobile nature of the drones, UM‑MIMO given the G. K. Kurt, H. Yanikomeroglu, and O. A. Dobre, “A
battery limitations, and the sharp THz beams. Currently, Prospective Look: Key Enabling Technologies,
such works are mostly limited to the near‑THz Applications and Open Research Topics in 6G
transmission windows of 300‑650 GHz, albeit, wireless Networks,” IEEE Access, vol. 8, pp. 174 792–174
systems at actual THz carrier frequencies (0.1 THz up to 820, 2020.
10 THz) will be needed. Along with research directions
[8] A. A. Boulogeorgos, A. Alexiou, T . Merkle, C. Schu‑
mentioned in this paper, also further work is expected for bert, R. Elschner, A. Katsiotis, P . Stavrianos,
standardizing and regulating the THz band.
D. Kritharidis, P . Chartsias, J. Kokkoniemi, M. Juntti,
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT J. Lehtomaki, A. Teixeira, and F. Rodrigues, “Ter‑
ahertz Technologies to Deliver Optical Network
This work is supported in part by the Higher Education Quality of Experience in Wireless Systems Beyond
Commission (HEC), Government of Pakistan under the 5G,” IEEE Communications Magazine, vol. 56, no. 6,
PhD scholarship program titled: HRDI Faculty Develop‑ pp. 144–151, 2018.
ment of UESTPs Batch‑V, SAP No: 50028241.
[9] I. F. Akyildiz and J. M. Jornet, “Realizing Ultra‑
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