INVITED SPEAKER SEMINAR - Beyond the Horizon: Terahertz Communications Inclusion in 6G Networks

Date: Friday, June 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. 

Location: EV 3.309

Abstract

Wireless backhaul/fronthaul links are proposed as an alternative for massive deployment of small cells because they are more flexible, easy to deploy, and cost effective as compared to the traditional optical fiber links. High frequency millimetre wave (mmWave) and terahertz (THz) links meet the capacity requirements of next generation communication networks. However, mmWave/THz links suffer from susceptibility to weather conditions and require a line-of-sight (LoS) connection, which is the main hurdle in urban regions. The networked flying platforms (NFPs) provide a possibility of wireless LoS fronthaul link and thus, enable the implementation of mmWave/THz in commercial systems at a fast pace, and is expected to boom in the next years. In this talk we will start with a literature review on the chronological order for mmWave/THz communications, Intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), UAVs and multihop technology with the objective to introduce the different technologies that will merge to solve the challenges faced by Terahertz communications. Along the whole talk, we will highlight the different technologies that enable the tackled scenario, together with the comparison to the different proposals from the literature/industry to deal with such scenario. Different standardization efforts for Terahertz communications will be presented.

Biography

Dr. Nizar Zorba (Senior Member, IEEE) received the B.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from JUST University, Jordan, in 2002, and the Ph.D. degree in signal processing for communications from UPC Barcelona, Spain, in 2007. He is currently a Professor with the Electrical Engineering Department, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar. He has authored six international patents, two books, contributed to seven book chapters, and co-authored over 180 papers in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. He is associate EiC of the IEEE Communications Magazine, an Area Editor of the IEEE Communications Letters and an Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking. He is also an IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer 2024-2025. Dr. Zorba is a Former Chair of the IEEE Communication Society Technical Committee on Communications Systems Integration and Modelling.