Preparing for the 6G Era: Introducing the Internet of Edges

The aim of this paper is to introduce a new Internet generation designed for 6G readiness. The 6G architecture is envisioned to rely on trust zones, termed as 'Edges'. Each Edge comprises nodes that incorporate small-scale data centers, enabling a significant portion of 6G queries to be processed locally. This local setup introduces distributed data centers within the Edge nodes that can be as small as embedded into a smartphone and facilitates serverless functions. Edge nodes proliferation offers 6G to create a new kind of infrastructure where nearby edge nodes can be accessed directly, in Device-to-Device (D2D) mode, rather than via the traditional vertical Internet architecture. 6G will therefore be made up of vertical, long-distance communications and short, horizontal distribution channels. The vertical aspect of the network is represented by the telecommunication operator’s infrastructure, which provides secure channels between trust zones. The horizontal network is a new domain addressed by both incumbent players and new entrants called the Internet of Edges [6]. The 'Cloud Continuum' encapsulates both horizontal and vertical networks. 6G like Internet of Edges infrastructure has been developed, tested, and is currently being commercialized by Green Communications.