RF-MEMS as a Key Enabling Technology in the Road to 6G, Future Networks and Tactile Internet

The evolving landscapes of 6G and, over the long term, Future Networks (FN) present challenges that cannot be effectively tackled through conventional design and development methods. It is anticipated that the network will transform into a complex system of systems, incorporating self-management and self-evolution capabilities, particularly at the edge. This study outlines a significant role for Micro and Nanotechnologies (MEMS/NEMS) in realizing the aspirations of 6G and FN. It offers an in-depth depiction of 6G/FN, accompanied by a reinterpretation of the Hardware (HW) concept, leveraging MEMS/NEMS technologies. Furthermore, RF-MEMS technology (MEMS for Radio Frequency passives) is cited as an illustrative example of a solution that enables 6G/FN.