6G Wireless Network Configuration: A Review

Wireless communication is one of the fastest evolving fields of communication engineering and has made interaction within and between nations a reality, with Nigeria not left out of the loop. The rapid evolution of wireless communication from 1G to 5G has revolutionized global connectivity, yet rising demands for data speed, ultra-low latency, and ubiquitous connectivity have revealed the limitations of existing systems. This paper gives a comprehensive review of 6G wireless communication from more than 35 works, predominantly from recent journals and conferences. The study explores the architecture, enabling technologies, application domains, and expected impact of 6G networks. Core enabling elements such as terahertz communication, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), and cell-free massive MIMO are discussed in detail. The paper also highlights the transformative potential of 6G in sectors including healthcare, education, transportation, agriculture, and smart cities. Despite its promise, 6G faces critical challenges related to infrastructure development, spectrum management, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks. The review ended with a future direction to serve as a guide for future researchers that focuses on under-tapped aspects of 6G wireless technology: generative AI and Machine Learning Integration in 6G.