5G/6G Technology Capabilities Designed for Secure Edge Network: Smart City Use Cases of Turkcell

There is no doubt that 5G and 6G technologies coupled with secure edge network capabilities play crucial roles in the evolution of Industry 4.0 and emerging Industry 5.0. In Industry 4.0, 5G enhances smart manufacturing by enabling ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB). These features support real-time monitoring, automation, edge computing, and data exchange across interconnected devices and systems to improve industrial efficiency and productivity. With Industry 5.0, which focuses on human-machine collaboration, 5G continues to be vital, but the advent of 6G will bring even greater capabilities. 6G is expected to offer a higher level of autonomy and advanced artificial intelligence integration by facilitating seamless interaction between humans, machines as well as intelligent systems via edge networking. This will enable more sophisticated applications, such as advanced robotics, virtual and augmented reality experiences, further connected driving innovations, and also the symbiosis between humans and technology, built on ubiquitous connectivity. From a leading mobile network operator perspective, in this paper, we delve into how 5G technology, empowered with secure edge networks, can transform XR communication, vehicular communication, and also UAV-based aerial communication while enabling safer, more reliable, and more efficient systems in the smart city applications on the road to 6G.