# Sixth-Generation (6G) Networks for Improved Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication in Industry 4.0
## 4 Discussion
### Limitations of Current Studies  
The use of 6G networks to improve M2M communication in Industry 4.0 is associated with certain limitations and challenges, which are presented in Table 5.  
It is also necessary to be aware of:  
* Ethical and social implications: Explore the ethical, social, and regulatory implications of 6G deployment, taking into account factors such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, job displacement, and the digital divide, and develop a framework for responsible deployment and governance. * Needs for cross-disciplinary collaboration: Supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration between researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to address multi-faceted challenges, leveraging knowledge from fields such as telecommun \begin{table}
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**Limitation** & **Description** \\ \hline Infrastructure deployment & Deploying 6G infrastructure, including base stations and network equipment, will require significant investment and time. Building the necessary infrastructure to support 6G networks in industrial environments can pose logistical challenges, especially in remote or difficult geographic locations. \\ \hline Systems integration & Many industrial facilities still use legacy equipment and systems that may not be compatible with 6G technology. Updating or upgrading existing infrastructure to support 6G M2M communications may involve additional costs and complexity, requiring careful planning and investment. \\ \hline Standardization & Sixth-generation technology is still in its early stages of development and standards have not yet been fully defined. The process of developing and standardizing 6G technology could take several years, which may lead to delays in widespread adoption and deployment. \\ \hline Interference and signal attenuation & The higher frequency bands used in 6G networks are prone to higher signal attenuation and are more susceptible to interference from environmental factors such as buildings, foliage, and weather conditions. This may impact the reliability and performance of M2M communications, especially in outdoor industrial environments with complex topology. \\ \hline Spectrum availability & Sixth-generation networks are expected to use higher frequency bands, including terahertz (THz) frequencies, to achieve higher data rates and capacity. However, these frequency bands pose challenges in terms of propagation and coverage characteristics, requiring innovative antenna technologies and deployment strategies. Additionally, spectrum allocation and regulatory issues may hinder the availability of appropriate frequencies for 6G deployment. \\ \hline Power consumption & The higher data rates and increased processing requirements of 6G networks may result in higher power consumption compared with previous generations. This may pose a challenge for battery-powered devices and IoT sensors deployed in industrial settings, where energy efficiency is crucial for long-term maintenance-free operation. \\ \hline Security and privacy & Sixth-generation networks may be susceptible to security breaches, hacking and privacy breaches. Providing robust security mechanisms and protocols to protect M2M communications in Industry 4.0 environments will be essential to mitigate these threats and build trust in the reliability and integrity of 6G networks. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
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Table 5: Limitations of 6G in M2M communication [22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33]. tions, computer science, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and science communities. Awareness of the aforementioned limitations, and perhaps the inability to overcome some of them, will not only make us aware of the technologically possible development paths for 6G support for M2M but will also allow us to manage the aforementioned development more effectively and choose more cost-effective development models.