Researchers have developed a new technology that could solve one of the biggest problems facing future 6G mobile networks. The new system helps reduce electromagnetic interference, which is one of the main challenges in delivering faster and more reliable wireless communication.
The research uses a technology called Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS). These are smart surfaces that can control and direct wireless signals in a better way. Instead of allowing signals to travel randomly and get affected by interference, the RIS system can reflect, strengthen, and redirect signals toward the correct destination. This helps improve network performance while reducing signal loss.
Experts believe that 6G technology could be up to 100 times faster than 5G. It is expected to support faster internet, better video streaming, advanced smart homes, self-driving vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT), and many other connected devices. However, before 6G becomes available, engineers must solve the problem of electromagnetic interference, which can reduce signal quality and slow down communication.
Electromagnetic interference happens when wireless signals from different electronic devices overlap and disturb each other. As more smartphones, smart devices, sensors, and connected machines use wireless communication, interference becomes a bigger issue. In future 6G networks, where billions of devices will be connected at the same time, managing this interference is extremely important.
In the past, researchers tried several methods to reduce interference. While these methods helped block unwanted signals, they also weakened the main signal that users actually needed. This reduced the overall performance of the network.
To solve this problem, a research team working with the University of Glasgow created a new RIS-based system. The intelligent surface contains many small programmable elements that can be controlled individually. Each element can reflect and redirect wireless signals in different directions depending on network conditions.
The researchers also developed what they call an “EMI-aware framework.” This smart system first detects where the interference is coming from. It then looks for the strongest and clearest path for the wireless signal. Finally, it uses the intelligent surface to redirect the signal away from the interference and toward the receiving device.
This process allows users to receive a stronger and more stable wireless connection without reducing the quality of the original signal.
Another major advantage of this technology is that it can reduce the amount of computing power needed at mobile base stations.
According to Jalil Kazim from the James Watt School of Engineering, older interference reduction methods required base stations to perform complex digital signal processing. This required powerful computers and consumed a large amount of electricity.
With the new RIS system, much of the interference can be handled before the signal even reaches the base station. As a result, the network needs less processing power, which also lowers energy consumption.
Lower energy use is an important benefit because future 6G networks will support billions of connected devices worldwide. Reducing power consumption can make these networks more efficient, environmentally friendly, and less expensive to operate.
The new technology could also improve privacy and cybersecurity.
Electromagnetic interference is not only a performance problem but can also create security risks. If wireless signals spread in every direction, there is a greater chance that unauthorized users could intercept sensitive information.
The intelligent surface helps solve this problem by directing wireless signals only toward trusted users and approved devices. This makes it much harder for unauthorized users to access private data or interfere with communications.
Professor Muhammad Ali Imran, Head of the James Watt School of Engineering and one of the researchers involved in the project, said that security, privacy, and network reliability should be core features of future 6G systems.
He explained that the intelligent surface can send signals only to trusted users while blocking access for unknown or unauthorized devices. This approach could help build safer, smarter, and more reliable communication networks for the future.
Although 6G technology is still under development and is not expected to become commercially available for several years, research like this is helping solve the technical challenges that must be addressed before global deployment.
If successfully implemented, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces could play a key role in making 6G networks faster, more stable, more energy-efficient, and more secure. The technology has the potential to improve everything from smartphones and smart homes to industrial automation, healthcare, transportation, and next-generation Internet of Things applications.
As research continues, innovations like RIS are bringing the world one step closer to a future where 6G delivers ultra-fast, intelligent, and highly secure wireless connectivity for billions of connected devices.
