The forthcoming sixth generation (6G) of wireless networks requires fundamental rethinking of network intelligence, driven by the transition toward ubiquitous cognitive networks and the unprecedented complexity beyond 5G. The optimization demands of 6G surpass the capabilities of classical heuristics and conventional Machine Learning (ML), which encounter significant limitations in addressing dimensionality challenges in ultra-massive multiple-input multiple-output/terahertz/reconfigurable intelligent surfaces-assisted systems, stringent sub-millisecond latency requirements, and severe energy bottlenecks at the edge. Motivated by these gaps, this review investigates Quantum Machine Learning (QML) as a transformative solution, merging quantum mechanics with data-driven intelligence. We propose a unified and forward-looking perspective on ML integration for 6G, bridging previously siloed research domains such as cross-layer optimization, semantic- and intent-driven communication, and quantum-inspired acceleration. Furthermore, this work systematically reviews quantum-enhanced optimization methods and analyzes QML’s role as an intelligence anchor, demonstrating its potential to provide context-aware, resilient, and sustainable network control across various layers. Ultimately, the paper outlines pathways for integrating QML to ensure timely, scalable, and secure decision-making in the volatile 6G landscape.
The forthcoming sixth generation (6G) of wireless networks requires fundamental rethinking of network intelligence, driven by the transition toward ubiquitous cognitive networks and the unprecedented complexity beyond 5G. The optimization demands of 6G surpass the capabilities of classical heuristics and conventional Machine Learning (ML), which encounter significant limitations in addressing dimensionality challenges in ultra-massive multiple-input multiple-output/terahertz/reconfigurable intelligent surfaces-assisted systems, stringent sub-millisecond latency requirements, and severe energy bottlenecks at the edge. Motivated by these gaps, this review investigates Quantum Machine Learning (QML) as a transformative solution, merging quantum mechanics with data-driven intelligence. We propose a unified and forward-looking perspective on ML integration for 6G, bridging previously siloed research domains such as cross-layer optimization, semantic- and intent-driven communication, and quantum-inspired acceleration. Furthermore, this work systematically reviews quantum-enhanced optimization methods and analyzes QML’s role as an intelligence anchor, demonstrating its potential to provide context-aware, resilient, and sustainable network control across various layers. Ultimately, the paper outlines pathways for integrating QML to ensure timely, scalable, and secure decision-making in the volatile 6G landscape.
The upcoming fifth generation (5G) of wireless networks is expected to lay a foundation of intelligent networks with the provision of some isolated artificial intelligence (AI) operations. However, fully intelligent network orchestration and management for providing innovative services will only be realized in Beyond 5G (B5G) networks. To this end, we envisage that the sixth generation (6G) of wireless networks will be driven by on-demand self-reconfiguration to ensure a many-fold increase in the network performance and service types. The increasingly stringent performance requirements of emerging networks may finally trigger the deployment of some interesting new technologies, such as large intelligent surfaces, electromagnetic-orbital angular momentum, visible light communications, and cell-free communications, to name a few. Our vision for 6G is a massively connected complex network capable of rapidly responding to the users' service calls through real-time learning of the network state as described by the network edge (e.g., base-station locations and cache contents), air interface (e.g., radio spectrum and propagation channel), and the user-side (e.g., battery-life and locations). The multi-state, multi-dimensional nature of the network state, requiring the real-time knowledge, can be viewed as a quantum uncertainty problem. In this regard, the emerging paradigms of machine learning (ML), quantum computing (QC), and quantum ML (QML) and their synergies with communication networks can be considered as core 6G enablers. Considering these potentials, starting with the 5G target services and enabling technologies, we provide a comprehensive review of the related state of the art in the domains of ML (including deep learning), QC, and QML and identify their potential benefits, issues, and use cases for their applications in the B5G networks. Subsequently, we propose a novel QC-assisted and QML-based framework for 6G communication networks while articulating its challenges and potential enabling technologies at the network infrastructure, network edge, air interface, and user end. Finally, some promising future research directions for the quantum- and QML-assisted B5G networks are identified and discussed.
Immersive and mission-critical data-driven applications, such as virtual or augmented reality, tactile Internet, industrial automation, and autonomous mobility, are creating unprecedented challenges for ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) in the sixth generation (6G) networks. Machine intelligence approaches deep learning, reinforcement learning, and federated learning (FL), to provide new paradigms to ensure 6G URLLC on the stream of big data training. However, classical limitations of machine learning capabilities make it challenging to achieve stringent 6G URLLC requirements. In this article, we investigate the potential of variational quantum computing and quantum machine learning (QML) for 6G URLLC by utilizing the advantage of quantum resources, such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum parallelism. The underlying idea is to integrate quantum machine intelligence with 6G networks to ensure stringent 6G URLLC requirements. As an example, we demonstrate the quantum approximate optimization algorithm for NP-hard URLLC task offloading optimization problems. The variational quantum computation for QML is also adopted in wireless networks to enhance the learning rate of machine intelligence and ensure the learning optimality for mission-critical applications. Considering the security and privacy issues, as well as computational-resource overheads in FL, distributed quantum computation in blind and remote fashions is further investigated for quantum-assisted FL.
Quantum computing is on the cusp of transforming the computational strength of “Intelligent Transportation Systems” (ITSs), but issues such as the scalability of qubits and error correction continue. With wireless networks shifting from 5G to 6G, technologies such as extended mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and the Internet of Things (IoT) will transform global connectivity. Though 5G offers improved speeds, it is prone to threats based on quantum computing, making quantum-safe cryptographic solutions for 6G networks essential. This paper discusses the revolutionary capability of quantum machine learning (QML) to meet the changing needs of future wireless systems. Through the use of quantum algorithms for data processing, QML can improve network performance, real-time decision-making, and increase security with quantum-safe cryptography. This paper sets out the challenges and prospects for the integration of quantum technologies into the design and deployment of secure, efficient, and scalable 6G wireless communication systems.
Future 6G networks are expected to surpass the advances made in 5G, by providing the faster speeds, lower latency and extended coverage needed for emerging transformative applications, while at the same time achieving greater energy and spectral efficiency, as well as enhanced security and reliability. While 6G is currently in its initial phases of development and standardization, it is already foreseen to incorporate not just incremental technical enhacements but also pioneering innovations compared to its forerunner, 5G. Indeed, quantum technologies are expected to play an important role in 6G. This goes beyond mechanisms such as quantum key distribution for secure communications; it includes the integration of quantum computing for advanced data processing within 6G networks. As 6G networks are set to integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning even more intrinsically into their operation, the concept of quantum machine learning (QML) emerges as a promising opportunity to enable swift data processing, network optimization, and increased security and privacy. In this presentation, we will look at the fundamentals of quantum computing and quantum machine learning, explore the possibilities they offer for future 6G networks, and the potential for revolutionary advances they offer, while presenting some the important challenges associated with their integration into 6G networks.
Quantum computing is envisaged as an evolving paradigm for solving computationally complex optimization problems with a large-number factorization and exhaustive search. Recently, there has been a proliferation growth of the size of multi-dimensional datasets, the input-output space dimensionality, and data structures. Hence, the conventional machine learning approaches in data training and processing face a huge limited computing capabilities to support the sixth-generation (6G) networks with highly dynamic applications and services. Under this regard, the fast developing quantum computing with machine learning (QML) for 6G networks is investigated. QML algorithms can significantly enhanced the processing efficiency and exponentially computational speed-up for effective quantum data representation and superposition framework, highly capable of guaranteeing high data storage and secured communications. We present the state-of-the-art in quantum computing and provide comprehensive overviews through machine learning approaches for their applications in the 6G networks. Furthermore, we introduce quantum-inspired machine learning applications for 6G networks, considering their enabling technologies and potential challenges. Finally, some dominating research issues and future research directions for the quantum-inspired machine learning in 6G networks are elaborated.
Secure your expertise in the next frontier of wireless technology with this essential book, which provides a deep dive into the integration of machine learning and quantum computing to build the necessary infrastructure for 6G communication networks. Despite the potential benefits of 6G, the technology to enable its realization is not yet available. As a result, the development of technology to solve these challenges must be met before we can start working towards 6G. The primary applications of machine learning within 6G are to create necessary infrastructure advantages as the technology matures. Additionally, 6G communication networks use quantum computing to detect, mitigate, and prevent security vulnerabilities. By integrating machine learning and quantum computing into 5G and 6G technology, intelligent base stations will be able to make decisions for themselves, and mobile devices will be able to create dynamically adaptable clusters based on learned data. This book highlights the role of real-time network learning and the integration of quantum computing, machine learning, and quantum machine learning to enhance service quality. It provides a deep dive into the interplay of these technologies within 6G networks, starting from 5G fundamentals. The book elaborates on how these advanced technologies will underpin 6G’s architecture to meet comprehensive service demands, including those for smart city applications requiring extensive coverage, ultra-low latency, and reliable connectivity. The book details how the synergy between quantum computing, machine learning, and 6G technologies will transform communications, revolutionize markets, and enable groundbreaking applications globally. Readers will find the volume: Explores real-world scenarios for illustrating the integration of quantum computing and machine learning in 6G;Covers an extensive range of applications to illustrate the full picture of 6G that implements machine learning and quantum computing approaches;Offers expert insights through a comprehensive collection of literature reviews and research articles;Introduces the interdisciplinary innovations and potential of 6G across multiple industries. Audience Scientists, industry professionals, researchers, academicians, instructors, and students working in quantum computing and machine learning, especially in the context of advanced wireless communication technology.