Glossary

Key terms in 6G, 7G, and next-generation wireless technology. 20 definitions, updated regularly.

Updated April 2026

AI-Native Network

A network architecture where AI/ML is built into core functions (resource allocation, interference management, security) rather than added as an afterthought. A consensus direction for 6G design.

Backhaul

The network link connecting a base station to the core network. Can be fiber, microwave, or (in 6G) wireless at sub-THz frequencies. A bottleneck in many rural deployments.

Beamforming

Technique using multiple antenna elements to focus radio signals in specific directions. Essential at mmWave/THz frequencies where signals are highly directional. Massive MIMO uses 64–256+ elements.

Digital Twin

A real-time virtual replica of a physical network. In 6G, digital twins will simulate network behavior before deploying changes — reducing outages and optimizing performance.

ISAC

Integrated Sensing and Communication — using the same signal for both data transmission and radar-like sensing. A core 6G capability enabling environment mapping, gesture recognition, and object detection.

LDPC

Low-Density Parity-Check — an error correction code used in 5G NR data channels. Approaches the theoretical Shannon limit for error correction efficiency.

Massive MIMO

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output with many antenna elements (64+). Enables spatial multiplexing — serving multiple users simultaneously on the same frequency by directing separate beams to each.

mmWave

Millimeter wave frequencies (24–100 GHz). Used in 5G for high-capacity urban hotspots. 6G will extend into higher mmWave bands with improved beamforming.

Network Slicing

Creating isolated virtual networks on shared physical infrastructure, each with different performance characteristics (low latency, high bandwidth, massive IoT). Promised in 5G, still largely undeployed.

NTN

Non-Terrestrial Networks — satellite and high-altitude platform (HAPS) components integrated with terrestrial cellular. 5G Release 17 introduced NTN; 6G will make it native.

O-RAN / Open RAN

Open Radio Access Network — industry initiative to disaggregate base station hardware and software into interchangeable components from different vendors. Aims to reduce costs and vendor lock-in.

OFDM

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing — the modulation used in 4G and 5G. Splits data across many narrow subcarriers. Efficient but sensitive to Doppler shift at high speeds.

OTFS

Orthogonal Time Frequency Space — a modulation scheme that spreads data across both time and frequency using the delay-Doppler domain. Better than OFDM for high-mobility scenarios (vehicles, drones).

Polar Codes

Error correction codes used in 5G NR control channels. Invented by Erdal Arıkan (2008), proven to achieve channel capacity. Expected to evolve for 6G.

QAM

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation — encodes data in both amplitude and phase of a signal. Higher orders (256-QAM, 1024-QAM) pack more bits per symbol but require cleaner signals.

RAN

Radio Access Network — the part of the cellular network between user devices and the core network. Includes base stations, antennas, and signal processing equipment.

RIS

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface — panels of programmable reflective elements that redirect radio signals. Can extend coverage around corners and into dead zones without additional base stations.

Spectrum Sharing

Dynamic allocation of frequency bands between multiple operators or technologies. Replaces the traditional model of exclusive licensed spectrum with more flexible approaches (CBRS, DSA).

Sub-THz

Sub-terahertz frequencies (100–300 GHz). Candidate bands for 6G/7G offering massive bandwidth but limited range. Signals are blocked by walls and absorbed by rain.

Terahertz (THz)

Electromagnetic waves in the 0.3–10 THz range. 7G research targets these frequencies for 10+ Tbps links over short distances. Major challenges: power amplifier efficiency and atmospheric absorption.