The transition to future 6G expertise ought to be evolutionary and shouldn’t power a whole {hardware} refresh, says NGMN
In sum – what to know:
Evolution, not revolution – NGMN emphasizes that 6G ought to evolve from 5G, with most upgrades occurring by way of software program to keep away from expensive {hardware} overhauls.
Unified international requirements – The alliance requires harmonized 6G requirements that allow modular, interoperable networks whereas addressing societal and environmental objectives.
AI-native, safe networks – Future 6G architectures should prioritize AI-native designs, quantum-safe safety and the power to deploy new options on-demand.
The Subsequent Era Cellular Networks Alliance (NGMN), the worldwide alliance of cellular community operators, has launched a publication that advocates for harmonized international requirements for future 6G networks. Its launch comes because the telecom requirements physique 3GPP prepares to set the scope for Launch 20 of mobile tech, which covers next-generation 6G networks.
The brand new report notes that that 6G requirements ought to construct upon the options and capabilities launched with 5G, and create worth via new providers that are important to help steady innovation, delivering actual advantages to customers and operators whereas addressing evolving societal wants and fostering a sustainable ecosystem. The transition to 6G ought to be evolutionary, and never power a whole {hardware} refresh, it says.
Whereas new radio gear is required for deployment in new frequency bands, 6G deployments in current bands ought to happen via software program upgrades, as potential. The report says 6G ought to exhibit tangible advantages inside a practical techno-economic framework. Additionally, future 6G community structure wants to fulfill MNO standards for modularity, simplicity, openness, interoperability, and trustworthiness, whereas additionally delivering financial and social sustainability.
Laurent Leboucher, chairman of the NGMN Alliance Board, mentioned: “6G ought to be seen as a seamless evolution — totally appropriate with 5G and propelled by steady software program innovation. The business should transfer past synchronized {hardware}/software program ‘G’ cycles and embrace decoupled roadmaps: one for {hardware} infrastructure, guided by value-driven and sustainable investments, and one other — quicker and demand-led — for software-defined enterprise capabilities addressing actual wants from society.”
Anita Döhler, chief govt at NGMN, added: “Together with presenting this consolidated view to 3GPP, this publication serves as a basis for participating with the broader business, driving collaboration, innovation and strategic course within the evolving 6G panorama. A core tenet of our message is that 6G will not be handled as one other generational shift for cellular expertise – it should be evolutionary.”
This publication additional outlines the operator view on community requirement and design issues on the Radio Efficiency Evaluation Framework (RPAF), together with steerage for brand new 6G Radio Entry Know-how (RAT). It additionally emphasizes that any proposed options should be assessed towards an inexpensive baseline to exhibit significant efficiency features.
In February, NGMN launched a brand new framework outlining the guiding ideas for the evolution of cellular networks in direction of 6G and past. Constructing on its 2023 operator place assertion on 6G, the publication highlights the significance of addressing 5G limitations, supporting new necessities and integrating rising expertise developments. The alliance additionally underscores the necessity for a easy, incremental transition, making certain that the standardization course of permits for broad business collaboration.
A key ingredient of NGMN’s framework is autonomous community administration and AI-native design, that are anticipated to drive main architectural modifications. Cellular Community Operators taking part within the research recognized key challenges with present 5G networks, together with community complexity, integration with legacy programs,and power effectivity, points that 6G should resolve.
Among the many 13 ideas outlined by NGMN, the evolving 6G community structure ought to:
– Allow steady innovation by supporting on-demand deployment of recent options.
– Guarantee backward compatibility with current core connectivity providers.
– Improve safety and resilience by incorporating quantum-safe infrastructure.
– Enhance spectrum effectivity and connectivity, past 5G-Superior.
