Dual-Function Strategies for Heterogeneous 6G Internet-of-Things Systems

A key objective of the emerging 6G IoT network is to seek more resource efficiency via deep integration of different communication technologies. On the other hand, future wireless IoT networks must be able to perform an increasing amount of different noncommunication functionalities. One promising approach in the toolbox of deep integration is therefore to develop strategies where the potential synergies between communication and noncommunication functionalities are addressed. In this chapter, we represent several interesting dual-function strategies, including communication–sensing, communication–power transfer, and communication–computing operations. It is illustrated how the dual-function strategies can be deployed with heterogeneous nonterrestrial IoT networks. Some important principles are reviewed, and ongoing research directions toward a more versatile multipurpose 6G IoT system framework are presented.