6G Europe network shapes digital transformation
From energy-efficient networks to wireless real-time communication: researchers and universities in Europe are pushing ahead with the development of future communication technologies at full speed. With innovative approaches for time-sensitive networking, Li-Fi and 6G, Fraunhofer IPMS and OTH Regensburg are providing key building blocks for a networked, secure and resource-efficient future - with concrete benefits for industry, mobility and medicine.
The wireless transmission of time-critical data was previously considered a technical hurdle, especially in industrial applications with high safety requirements. The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems has now developed a solution that sets new standards. A modular testbed for time-sensitive networking that combines real-time analysis with energy-efficient operation and enables wireless data transmission via Li-Fi for the first time.
Li-Fi utilises light for data transmission and offers high speed, low latency and high reliability. Ideal conditions for the mobile use of autonomous robots or machines on factory floors. In combination with TSN, this creates an infrastructure that is not only more flexible, but also more robust and cost-efficient. Elaborate cabling becomes superfluous, without compromising on data security.
Energy efficiency as a key factor
Energy consumption was a key development issue. Especially in mobile applications, energy efficiency is crucial for the operating time. With the new testbed, Fraunhofer IPMS is offering a realistic basis for comparing TSN networks and their energy consumption for the first time.
The aim is to extend the operating time of devices through targeted optimisation and at the same time reduce the load on infrastructures. This is supported by TSN standards such as IEEE 802.1AS, which ensure high-precision time synchronisation and redundant data paths – essential for safety-critical scenarios.
Research for 6G
The Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg is also working on the future of digital communication. At the renowned European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) 2025, Professor Dr Susanne Hipp and her team presented their latest research on wave propagation in the 6G frequency range beyond 100 GHz.
Verena Marterer is researching the dielectric properties of textiles for smart sensors in the healthcare sector. Franziska Rasp is working on antenna concepts for vehicle communication, a core element for autonomous driving. Both projects impressively demonstrate how broad and practical the potential applications of future mobile communications technologies will be.
6G as a platform for the digital transformation
The introduction of 6G from 2030 will bring enormous changes. Transmission rates of up to 1,000 gigabits per second, extremely low latency times, massive device density and new services such as immersive environments in the metaverse or remote medical care in real time.
Europe is actively positioning itself. Fraunhofer, Telekom, Vodafone and other players are driving basic research forward. Germany is funding development with over 700 million euros. The first pilot projects are planned from 2028. New devices, chips and frequency technologies will form the technical basis, with AI, cloud-edge computing and sustainability as guiding principles.
Europe is reinventing the digital infrastructure
What was previously considered a dream of the future is becoming reality. Wireless real-time communication, energy-saving networks and ultra-precise high-frequency technology are merging to create a new generation of infrastructure. The impetus from research institutions such as the Fraunhofer IPMS or the OTH Regensburg proves that Europe is ready to take a leading role in the 6G era – sustainable, intelligent and connected.