Extremely Large-Scale Dynamic Metasurface Antennas for 6G Near-Field Networks: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract: 6G networks will need to support higher data rates, high-precision localization, and imaging capabilities. Near-field technologies, enabled by extremely large-scale (XL)-arrays, are expected to be essential physical-layer solutions to meet these ambitious requirements. However, implementing XL-array systems using traditional fully-digital or hybrid analog/digital architectures poses significant challenges due to high power consumption and implementation costs. Emerging XL-dynamic metasurface antennas (XL-DMAs) provide a promising alternative, enabling ultra-low power and cost-efficient solutions, making them ideal candidates for 6G near-field networks. In this article, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of XL-DMAs employed in 6G near-field networks. We first outline the fundamental principles of XL-DMAs and present the specifics of the near-field model of XL-DMAs. We then highlight several promising applications that might benefit from XL-DMAs, including near-field communication, localization, and imaging. Finally, we discuss several open problems and potential future directions that should be addressed to fully exploit the capabilities of XL-DMAs in the next 6G near-field networks.