Paving the way for 6G – a collaborative vision

Representing a huge leap in cellular technologies, 6G is expected to launch commercially in the early 2030s. Despite initial conversations around the research and development (R&D) of 6G, the industry still has a long road ahead. The relevant industry associations and regulatory bodies need to iron out everything from candidate technologies, industry standardisation and spectrum allocation, to infrastructure development, device ecosystems and regulatory frameworks. 

Discussing the status of 6G development is Danny Tseng, Director of Technical Marketing at Qualcomm Technologies. He confirms, “As of now, 6G technology is still in the early stages of research and development, with expectations of it becoming the wireless innovation platform for the next decade and beyond (i.e., 2030’s). The industry is largely aligned on its vision, and timeline, and it is focusing on defining what 6G will entail, exploring potential technologies, and setting the groundwork for future standards.”

Bejoy Pankajakshan, EVP, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at Mavenir, explains, “The development of 6G mobile networks is expected to harmonise with existing 5G technologies and services, filling coverage gaps while expanding to previously underserved regions.” He says, “Industry and academic collaborations are underway to define 6G, with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP driving standardisation under the IMT-2030 framework.”

Industry collaboration and standardisation

The successful commercialisation of 6G will hinge on a unified industry vision becoming a reality. Achieving this requires robust collaboration and standardisation to ensure interoperability, efficiency, and global adoption.

Pankajakshan emphasises, “A proactive transition plan from 5G to 6G is vital for seamless integration of future technologies. Early adoption of Open RAN in 5G networks will facilitate a seamless migration to 6G”. He highlights, “Furthermore, investing in advanced technologies and security will enhance the resilience and intelligence of current 5G networks, establishing a critical foundation for 6G deployment.”

Similarly, Tseng adds, “To drive an industry consensus on 6G, a multifaceted approach involving global standardisation, collaborative research, and public-private partnerships is essential. Organisations like the 3GPP are spearheading standardisation, while industry leaders collaborate on innovative research. Cross-industry alliances and supportive regulatory frameworks will address broader sectoral impacts and policy needs.”

Industry collaboration and standardisation will be essential for a successful transition to 6G. By building upon the foundations of 5G and fostering a unified approach, stakeholders can pave the way for a future-proof and globally accessible 6G network.

Embracing software-defined networking

As the industry takes strides towards the development of 6G, opting for a software-defined networking approach will likely need to be a key consideration.

Tseng explains, “The importance of a software-defined networking (SDN) approach in developing 6G lies in its ability to enhance network flexibility, efficiency, and scalability. SDN allows for centralised management and dynamic resource allocation, enabling real-time adjustments in traffic and services based on user demands. This adaptability is vital for implementing network slicing, which supports diverse application requirements on the same infrastructure, and for integrating AI for network optimisation. He adds, “Overall, SDN is fundamental to achieving the adaptive, intelligent, and scalable network capabilities envisioned for 6G.”

Meanwhile, Pankajakshan emphasises the importance of supporting diverse services. "6G networks will require flexibility and programmability," and maintains that “Software-Defined Networking (SDN) will provide the programmable tools necessary to launch, assure quality of experience, and scale services efficiently."

He elaborates on the topic, reasoning that SDN “allows network administrators to dynamically configure, manage and optimise their network with software rather than relying on static hardware configurations. This flexibility will greatly help operators support diverse 6G services in different regions or at different times of the day.”

He elaborates on the topic, reasoning that “SDN's software-based approach allows dynamic network configuration, enabling operators to adapt to diverse 6G services, regional variations, and time-dependent demands.”

Integrating satellite networks into 6G

Experts believe that satellite networks (NTNs) will be able to significantly enhance 6G's global coverage, particularly in remote areas, and ensure the availability of critical services.

Pankajakshan underscores the vital role of integrating Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) with terrestrial networks in 6G development. This integration will “foster seamless connectivity, boost network resilience, and enable innovative hybrid network structures.” He notes that NTNs will “extend 6G services to remote and underserved areas, ensuring global coverage and universal access.”

Tseng elaborates, “Satellites ensure connectivity across vast and challenging terrains, helping bridge the digital divide and boosting network capacity by managing traffic loads during peak times. In emergencies, they maintain communication when ground networks fail. This integration not only improves global connectivity and network resilience but also enables new services in critical sectors like agriculture and disaster management, significantly advancing wireless technology capabilities.”

6G has the potential to redefine the way we communicate, work, and interact with the world. Its transformative capabilities promise to bring us into a new era of connectivity, unlocking fresh possibilities for economic growth, social development, and technological advancement. However, realising this potential hinges on a well-executed, collaborative, standardised, and forward-thinking approach to development and commercialisation.

Qualcomm and Mavenir will both be exhibiting at Network X 2024, where discussions around the development of 6G and integration of NTNs will be covered in detail. Network X 2024 will be held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles on the 8 - 10 October. For more information, please visit here.

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