Energy Self-Sustainability in Full-Spectrum 6G

Abstract: Full-spectrum ranging from sub 6 GHz to THz and visible light will be exploited in 6G in order to reach unprecedented key-performance-indicators (KPIs). However, extraordinary amount of energy will be consumed by network infrastructure, while functions of massively deployed Internet of Everything (IoE) devices are limited by embedded batteries. Therefore, energy self-sustainable 6G is proposed in this article. First of all, it may achieve network-wide energy efficiency by exploiting cell-free and airborne access networks as well as by implementing intelligent holographic environments. Secondly, by exploiting radio-frequency/visible light signals for providing on-demand wireless power transfer (WPT) and for enabling passive backscatter communication, ``zero-energy'' devices may become a reality. Furthermore, IoE devices actively adapt their transceivers for better performance to a dynamic environment. This article aims to provide a first glance at primary designing principles of energy self-sustainable 6G.