Survey on Intelligent IoT Connectivity and Deep Learning Integration for 6G Smart Networks

The sixth-generation (6G) technology promises unprecedented wireless communication with ultra-high data rates, near-zero latency, and massive connectivity, with applications across smart cities, healthcare, transportation, and underwater communication. It embodies the most advanced technologies of terahertz communication, quantum cryptography, AI, and massive MIMO systems. In healthcare, 6G will enable transformative applications such as robotic surgeries and telemedicine, providing advanced medical services to remote and underserved regions. In smart cities, 6G will revolutionize intelligent infrastructure, improve energy management, traffic control, and urban planning, while fostering sustainable and connected urban environments. On the other hand, this technology still has several major drawbacks, including high energy consumption, limited scalability, and data privacy concerns. Some of these conventional approaches include MIMO for spectral efficiency, FL for decentralized data processing, and AI-RA. All these schemes have shown feasibility but suffer from handling real-time and large-scale networks. This survey discusses enabling technologies, trends, and key applications in 6G networks while highlighting significant research gaps. Key findings include highly scalable AI frameworks, energy-efficient terahertz transceivers, and secure decentralized architectures that overcome current limitations. That, however, will require a cooperation of nations toward the establishment of regulatory frameworks and accessible infrastructure for equitability in the deployment of 6G. Innovation with regard to AIdriven network management, privacy-preserving protocols, and sustainable energy solutions has been identified as critical next steps. Addressing these gaps will move 6G to its ultimate goal of intelligent, sustainable, and inclusive connectivity, unfolding new frontiers in both communications and beyond. These works are foreseen to guide future research and industrial efforts toward shaping a connected, intelligent world empowered by the 6G technologies.