The recent collaboration between Samsung Electronics and KDDI Research marks a significant step forward in the arena of next-generation mobile communication networks. This partnership aims to explore AI-driven solutions to enhance Distributed Multiple Input Multiple Output (D-MIMO) systems—a cutting-edge technology that deploys multiple cells to provide superior performance, specifically in coverage boundary areas. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both organizations target the optimization of network design and operations using AI, thereby aiming to boost transmission speeds and overall network capacity. The initiative signifies the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in the standardization and development of 6G networks, offering considerable advancements over traditional MIMO systems.
Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, CTO of Samsung’s Device eXperience Division, has emphasized the importance of this joint research, stating that merging AI with telecom technologies will spearhead innovation in wireless telecommunications. On the other hand, Hajime Nakamura, President and CEO of KDDI Research, envisions the collaboration as a pivotal pathway towards creating a user-centric network. He believes that this partnership will deliver superior wireless quality and add new value to the era of 6G, meeting the ever-growing demand for faster and more reliable connectivity in increasingly digital ecosystems.
Industry Alliances and Collaborative Efforts
The collaboration between Samsung and KDDI is not an isolated endeavor but part of a larger movement involving multiple industry alliances and collaborative efforts. Industry alliances such as the AI-RAN Alliance and the Next G Alliance play a critical role in Samsung’s research activities by facilitating the integration of AI into communication technologies. These partnerships are essential in pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and promoting standardized practices across the industry. The collaboration was further highlighted during the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit hosted by Samsung in November 2024, aimed at fostering industry-wide cooperation and sharing insights into future wireless technologies.
In alignment with its forward-looking initiatives, Samsung also published a new 6G white paper titled “AI-Native & Sustainable Communication,” building on its initial 2020 publication. This white paper dives deep into the future of mobile communication technologies, highlighting emerging services, key trends, and the potential capabilities of 6G networks. The paper underscores that the transition to 5G-Advanced, an upgraded version of 5G, will significantly enhance current functionalities and incorporate AI, thereby laying a solid foundation for the development of 6G technology. By focusing on AI integration and sustainability, the paper aims to direct the industry’s trajectory towards intelligent, efficient, and eco-friendly communication solutions.
Emerging Services and the Future of 6G
Among the emerging services pivotal to the development of 6G are immersive extended reality (XR), digital twins, massive communication, ubiquitous connectivity, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). XR aims to blend virtual and real environments, offering revolutionary advancements in sectors such as entertainment and healthcare. Imagine a future where surgeons can perform operations guided by augmented reality systems, or audiences can attend virtual concerts that feel incredibly real. Digital twins, another key service, will enable remote monitoring and management by creating virtual representations of physical entities, allowing industries to optimize operations and enhance predictive maintenance.
Massive communication seeks to connect an enormous number of sensors and devices, laying the groundwork for smart cities and factory automation. This connectivity will support a myriad of applications, from intelligent traffic management to automated manufacturing processes, all tightly linked through a seamless network. In terms of ubiquitous connectivity, the goal is to extend network coverage by integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial technologies like satellites. This means that even the most remote areas will have access to high-speed internet, bridging the digital divide and providing opportunities for global inclusivity. FWA aims to deliver broadband services wirelessly, thus eliminating the need for conventional wired infrastructure. This could drastically reduce costs and improve accessibility, particularly in underserved areas.
Pathway to Future Telecommunications
The recent collaboration between Samsung Electronics and KDDI Research is a pivotal step forward in developing next-generation mobile communication networks. This partnership focuses on exploring AI-driven solutions to enhance Distributed Multiple Input Multiple Output (D-MIMO) systems. D-MIMO is an advanced technology that uses multiple cells to deliver exceptional performance, particularly in coverage boundary areas. Both organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at optimizing network design and operations using AI, thus boosting transmission speeds and overall network capacity. This initiative highlights the growing integration of AI in the standardization and development of 6G networks, promising significant improvements over traditional MIMO systems.
Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, CTO of Samsung’s Device eXperience Division, underscores the importance of merging AI with telecom technologies to drive innovation in wireless communication. Hajime Nakamura, President and CEO of KDDI Research, views this collaboration as essential for creating a user-centric network. He believes the partnership will deliver superior wireless quality and new value to the 6G era, addressing the increasing demand for faster and more reliable connectivity in our digital world.