Setting the standards with research and development

Today we are in the ‘golden window’ of the 6G creation cycle. This pivotal moment is a bridge, connecting the advancements of 5G and foundational concept research on next generation networks to the promising future of 6G. Research plays a critical role in this journey. It is the driving force that propels us from theoretical concepts to standardized technologies and innovative products that shape our world. But research will only have the impact in close collaboration with standards organizations, product development teams, customers and the wide ecosystem players.

The journey from 5G to 6G is not just about faster speed and better performance. In 6G we put extra emphasis on value creation. We anticipate that 6G will represent a fusion of digital, physical and human worlds. Beyond the economic and operational advantages, we expect it will also help address critical social challenges facing us today. To achieve this, Nokia Bell Labs works hand in hand with Nokia Standards to ensure that these values are reflected in the products we develop, and the standards set by organizations such as 3GPP.

Nokia has played a crucial role in the evolution of mobile communications from the earliest cellphone prototypes through successive generations to today’s 5G networks. For decades, Nokia Bell Labs has worked in close collaboration with the broader community using a virtuous cycle of collaborative research innovation, customer trials and commercial product development, which continues today. We believe our ability to meet the social goals of 6G is rooted in this process.

Like all previous mobile generations, 6G is very much focused on driving higher levels of performance, uplink and cost efficiency, whether it’s unlocking new spectrum or integrating AI into an increasingly intelligent and programmable network. With 6G, however, there is also a sharper focus on alignment to larger social issues such as sustainability, whether it’s meeting the needs of the digital economy, fostering greater equity, or supporting a low-carbon circular future. We are also designing the most cyber-resilient and secure network to meet society’s need for trustworthiness. The key to meeting all these values lies in the collaborative process between research, standardization and product development.

Integrating AI for a more intelligent network

Much of the emphasis on AI concerns how it can be used by businesses, organizations and consumers to increase efficiency and productivity, enhance decision-making and data analysis, and improve customer experiences, Nokia Bell Labs researchers are also employing it in network design. Nokia Bell Labs researchers have worked closely with their colleagues in Nokia Standards to develop Nokia’s AI-native air interface. In trials with NTT, DOCOMO and SKT, AI has proven useful in optimizing the design of the physical and medium access layers of the network (L1 and L2), and these designs are informing 3GPP standards for 6G.

Nokia has collaborated with Qualcomm on channel optimization between the base station and the device using AI to improve Channel State Feedback (CSF). This collaboration between Nokia Bell Labs researchers, Nokia Standards and Qualcomm uses AI embedded in the base station and on the device to optimize the radio’s beam direction to the device. By training both AI systems on the same channel state data, the radio and the device AI models are better able to manage coverage. This work is shaping Nokia’s contribution to 3GPP on the 6G air interface standard.

Designing for network impact

To improve the impact of 6G, it will be necessary to leverage new spectrum, especially around the 7 GHz range. To validate the feasibility of the upper 6 GHz spectrum for 6G, Nokia and Telia have recently collaborated to test its radio capabilities in both indoor and outdoor environments, leveraging Telia’s existing macro network infrastructure. This work is informing administrations around the globe about the opportunities of this new band for 6G.

Another exciting area for research on more impactful networks are the Integrated Sensing and Communication capabilities of 6G. In essence, networks will develop a "sixth sense," transforming cell towers into radar systems. AI will play a critical part in analyzing the embedded signal information to identify specific physical phenomena. Nokia Bell Labs researchers are working closely with Nokia Standards to drive 6G standards development around channel modeling for sensing.

Securing a trustworthy network

Nokia Bell Labs research and Nokia Standards are also working closely with the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) on issues around post-quantum cryptography (PQC), a critical issue for the trustworthiness and security of 6G. If a cryptographically relevant quantum computer is created, current public key algorithms could be compromised requiring post-quantum algorithms to resist both traditional and quantum attacks. Nokia is leveraging this IETF work to help design PQC standards at 3GPP for 6G.

A more sustainable network

Every aspect of 6G design, implementation and operation will be scrutinized to maximize energy efficiency. For instance, Nokia’s research and standards teams are developing qualitative energy efficiency design goals for 6G around massive MIMO. This work will inform design principles and essential features for 6G air interface and network architecture standards to minimize energy consumption. They are working closely with product group colleagues to minimize the carbon footprint of 6G.

As we move toward 6G and the broader adoption of AI, the impact, intelligence, security, and sustainability of networks are becoming increasingly important. The need for collaboration among research, standardization and commercialization will be critical to realizing our core values. At Nokia, we believe this can be achieved by leveraging our century-old ambition to innovate with real-world impact both in creating global standards, and product differentiation. As a case in point, we are once again co-organizing the annual Brooklyn 6G Summit with our partner New York University. This landmark hybrid event, set for early November, is open to anyone interested in learning more about 6G research and standardization and wants to join our endeavor to architect the most impactful network ever.