The evolution of wireless communication, which led to the introduction of cellular networks, has enabled the highly interconnected world we experience today. This research paper discusses the developmental course from the first generation (1G), which introduced analogue voice communication to the higher generations of networks, which brought digital signals into play. Multiple access technologies and significant emerging technologies of cellular networks from 1G to 5G are discussed. A comparative analysis among different generations of networks is presented, and a vision of the forthcoming sixth generation is presented. The role of the present widely used fifth-generation (5G) in defence, healthcare and education is discussed along with other applications. The challenges and future directions of the sixth generation (6G) Wireless Communication Network (WCN), which aims for ultra-low latency and extremely high energy efficiency using the specifications of artificial intelligence are discussed.