Enabling Technologies and Applications of 5G/6G-Powered Intelligent Connectivity

The combination of 5G with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of things (IoT), cloud computing, and blockchain is being referred to as intelligent connectivity. The three main service sets of 5G namely enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultrareliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC) are providing unprecedented possibilities that can be achieved when combined with AI and IoT. Applications such as driverless cars, tactile Internet, smart manufacturing, and augmented reality are currently being driven by intelligent connectivity. Moreover, intelligent connectivity is providing new means to achieve sustainable development and could become a crucial component in meeting several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This chapter presents the main enabling technologies of intelligent connectivity and also gives an overview of the applications and benefits, which countries can obtain through the adoption of intelligent connectivity.