A Functional Architecture for 6G Special-Purpose Industrial IoT Networks

Future industrial applications will encompass compelling new use cases requiring stringent performance guarantees over multiple key performance indicators, such as reliability, dependability, latency, time synchronization, security, etc. Achieving such stringent and diverse service requirements necessitates the design of a
special-purpose Industrial-Internet-of-Things (IIoT) network
comprising a multitude of specialized functionalities and technological enablers. This article proposes an innovative architecture for such a special-purpose sixth generation (6G) IIoT network incorporating seven functional building blocks categorized into
special-purpose functionalities
and
enabling technologies
. The former consists of
Wireless Environment Control
,
Traffic/Channel Prediction
,
Proactive Resource Management,
and
End-to-End Optimization
functions, whereas the latter includes
Synchronization and Coordination
,
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Algorithms
, and
Auxiliary Functions
. The proposed architecture aims at providing a resource-efficient and holistic solution for the complex and dynamically challenging requirements imposed by future 6G industrial use cases. Selected test scenarios are provided and assessed to illustrate cross-functional collaboration and demonstrate the applicability of the proposed architecture in a wireless IIoT network.