Bio-aware Terahertz Communication for 6G: Exploring Health-conscious Design in Ultra-fast Networks

Authors

  • Riya Kumari
  • Harshada M. Raghuwanshi
  • Prasad Bhosle

Keywords:

6G, Antenna design, Bio-aware networks, human safety, Terahertz communication

Abstract

As Sixth-Generation (6G) wireless networks advance Toward Harnessing Terahertz (THz) frequencies—ranging roughly from 0.1 to 10 THz—to achieve unprecedented data rates, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity, growing attention is being directed toward the potential biological implications of prolonged THz exposure. This study introduces the emerging paradigm of bio-aware terahertz communication, which emphasizes the integration of biological safety and health-conscious design principles into the core of 6G network planning, architecture, and deployment. Drawing from recent biomedical research, the study reviews how THz radiation interacts with human skin, ocular tissues, and even plant systems, highlighting both thermal and non-thermal effects observed at cellular and molecular levels. Building on these insights, the study proposes engineering guidelines for safe antenna design, adaptive beamforming strategies to minimize unnecessary exposure, and spatial deployment models that respect exposure thresholds. Additionally, it discusses experimental and simulation-based frameworks for evaluating and predicting biological impacts under realistic operational conditions. By merging communication system optimization with biomedical safety awareness, the proposed framework aims to establish a balanced ecosystem where technological progress does not compromise human and environmental health. Ultimately, bio-aware THz communication envisions a sustainable 6G future—one that ensures ultra-fast, reliable connectivity while maintaining scientific and ethical responsibility toward biological well-being.

References

M. Inomata et al., “Terahertz propagation characteristics for 6G mobile communication systems,” 2021 15th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP), Dusseldorf, Germany, 2021, pp. 1-5 Available: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9411143

M. Inomata et al., “Sub-terahertz Massive MIMO channel sounder for 6G mobile communication systems,” 2024 18th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP), Glasgow, United Kingdom, 2024, pp. 1-5, Available: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10501562

T. S. Rappaport, “Wireless communications and applications above 100 GHz: Opportunities and challenges for 6G and beyond,” in IEEE Access, vol. 7, pp. 78729–78757, 2019. Available: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8732419

S. A. Alaspure, R. N. Borse, and V. R. Parihar, “Two-way wireless mesh network data sharing between ESP8266 without Internet,” Int. J. Adv. Res. Comput. Commun. Eng. (IJARCCE), vol. 8, no. 8, pp. 23–28, Aug. 2019. Available: https://ijarcce.com/papers/two-way-wireless-mesh-network-data-sharing-between-esp8266-without-internet/

Aalto University, Nokia, AT&T, NTT DOCOMO, BUPT, New York University, CMCC, Qualcomm, Ericsson, Samsung, Huawei, University of Bristol, Intel, University of Southern California, and KT Corporation, “White paper on 5G channel model for bands up to 100 GHz,” in Proc. 3rd Workshop on Mobile Communications in Higher Frequency Bands, GLOBECOM, Washington, DC, USA, 2016. Available: http://www.5gworkshops.com/Presentation%20Slides%20-%20WP%20on%205G%20Channel%20Model%20updated_v1_20151217.pdf

T. S. Rappaport, S. Sun, R. Mayzus, H. Zhao, Y. Azar, K. Wang, G. N. Wong, J. K. Schulz, M. Samimi, and F. Gutierrez, Jr., “Millimeter wave mobile communications for 5G cellular: It will work!,” IEEE Access, vol. 1, pp. 335–349, May 2013. Available: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6515173

A. A. Boulogeorgos, A. Alexiou, T. Merkle, C. Schubert, R. Elschner, A. Katsiotis, P. Stavrianos, D. Kritharidis, P.-K. Chartsias, J. Kokkoniemi, M. Juntti, J. Lehtomaki, A. Teixeira, and F. Rodrigues, “Terahertz technologies to deliver optical network quality of experience in wireless systems beyond 5G,” IEEE Commun. Mag., vol. 56, no. 6, pp. 144–151, Jun. 2018. Available: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8387218

T. Rappaport, Y. Xing, G. R. MacCartney, Jr., A. F. Molisch, E. Mellios, and J. Zhang, “Overview of millimeter wave communications for fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks—with a focus on propagation models,” IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag., vol. 65, no. 12, pp. 6213–6230, Dec. 2017. Available: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7999294

G. R. MacCartney Jr., and T. S. Rappaport, “Millimeter-wave base station diversity for 5G coordinated multipoint (CoMP) applications,” IEEE Trans. Wireless Commun., May 2019. Available: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8705688

U. N. Kandalkar, A. G. Pagrut, A. M. Shukla, G. D. Ramteke, and V. R. Parihar, “Wireless communication technology using Li-Fi,” Int. J. Adv. Res. Comput. Commun. Eng. (IJARCCE), vol. 8, no. 9, pp. 38–41, Sep. 2019. Available: https://ijarcce.com/papers/wireless-communication-technology-using-li-fi/

F. Akyildiz, J. M. Jornet, and C. Han, “Terahertz band: Next frontier for wireless communications,” Phys. Commun., vol. 12, pp. 16–32, Sep. 2014. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phycom.2014.01.006

T. Wu, T. S. Rappaport, and C. M. Collins, “The human body and millimeter-wave wireless communication systems: Interactions and implications,” in Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Commun. (ICC), Jun. 2015, pp. 2423–2429. Available: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7248688

Published

2025-11-10

Issue

Section

Articles