​​Aims and Scope

The rapid evolution of sixth-generation (6G) networks is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of wireless communication and sensing, driven by the paradigm shift from far-field (FF) to near-field (NF) electromagnetic propagation. Enabled by extremely large-scale MIMO (XL-MIMO), terahertz (THz) communications, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), NF systems leverage spherical wavefronts to achieve unprecedented precision in beam focusing, spatial resolution, and resource efficiency. This transition not only addresses the escalating demands of emerging applications—such as holographic communications, immersive extended reality (XR), and the Metaverse—but also introduces transformative opportunities for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), ultra-reliable networks, and centi-meter-level localization.

This special issue aims to consolidate cutting-edge research and foster interdisciplinary dialogue on the theoretical, algorithmic, and practical advancements in NF-based technologies. By bridging the gap between foundational electromagnetic principles and next-generation wireless system design, the issue will highlight innovations that address critical challenges in 6G and beyond, including channel modelling, beamforming complexity, hardware scalability, and energy efficiency. Contributions should advance the understanding of NF-specific phenomena, such as distance-dependent beam characteristics, spatial near-field focusing, and hybrid FF/NF coexistence, while offering scalable solutions for real-world deployment.

List of Potential Topics

The scope of this issue spans the full spectrum of NF-enabled communication and sensing, with emphasis on the following themes:

• Theoretical Foundations: Novel channel models, wave propagation analyses, and performance bounds for NF systems, including hybrid FF/NF scenarios and multi-user interference mitigation.
• Algorithmic Innovations: Low-complexity beamforming/beam-focusing designs, AI-driven optimization for dynamic NF environments, and non-coherent communication strategies.
• Hardware and System Integration: Energy-efficient antenna architectures for XL-MIMO arrays, RIS-augmented NF networks, and THz/mmWave frontend designs tailored for spherical wave operation.
• Sensing-Communication Synergy: Joint sensing-communication frameworks, ultra-precise localization, and environmental mapping using NF-specific signal properties.
• Security and Sustainability: Privacy-preserving protocols for NF-enabled networks, green resource allocation, and lifecycle analysis of NF hardware deployments.
• Experimental Validation: Prototyping, testbeds, and field trials demonstrating NF advantages in real-world scenarios, including industrial IoT, UAV networks, and space-air-ground integrated systems.

Important Dates

• Expected first submission: October 31, 2025
• First review round completed: December 31, 2026
• Revised manuscripts due: January 31, 2026
• Completion of the review and revision process (final notification): March 31, 2026

Editorial Team

Leading Guest Editor:

Dr. Cunhua Pan
Professor
School of Information Science and Engineering,
Southeast University,
Nanjing, China
Email: cpan@seu.edu.cn

Co-Guest Editors:

Dr. Jiayi Zhang
Professor
School of Electronic and Information Engineering,
Beijing Jiaotong University,
Beijing, China
Email: jiayizhang@bjtu.edu.cn

Dr. Changsheng You
Assistant professor
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering,
Southern University of Science and Technology,
Shenzhen, China
E-mail: youcs@sustech.edu.cn

Dr. Yajun Zhao
Chief Engineer
Wireless and Computing Product R&D Institute,
ZTE Corporation,
Beijing, China
Email: zhao.yajun1@zte.com.cn