Industrial Viewpoints on RAN Technologies for 6G

2025-08-11

AI Summary

As 6G standardization approaches (targeting commercial deployment by 2030), critical Radio Access Network (RAN) technology pathways remain undefined. Method: This paper adopts an industry-deployment perspective to systematically assess five core RAN directions—enhanced MIMO, AI-native physical layer design, novel waveforms and channel coding, high-order signal constellation optimization, and non-terrestrial network (NTN) integration—emphasizing technical feasibility and practical deployability over purely theoretical projections. Contribution/Results: It proposes a forward-looking yet implementation-aware 6G RAN technology evolution framework grounded in real-world industrial constraints. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic, industry-informed assessment of the 6G RAN technology landscape, offering actionable insights for standards development, R&D prioritization, and academia-industry collaboration.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Routing
• Application Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart Cities
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Neural Spike Coding

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Energy management for devices in mobile Web and WoT environments
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and multi-modal RAG
• Graph Algorithms and Modeling for the Web: Graph neural networks and deep learning approaches for Web-related graphs

Abstract

6G standardization is to start imminently, with commercial deployments expected before 2030. Its technical components and performance requirements are the focus of this article. Our emphasis is on the 6G radio access, especially MIMO, AI, waveforms, coding, signal constellations and integration with non-terrestrial networks. Whilst standardization has not yet formally started, the scope of the 6G study items has been defined. Our predictions in this paper are speculative as there are no results of the study yet, but our views are guided by implementation and deployment aspects. We expect that the views here will guide researchers and industry practitioners.

Problem

• Focus on 6G radio access technologies like MIMO and AI
• Explore integration with non-terrestrial networks for 6G
• Guide researchers on 6G standardization and deployment

Innovation

• MIMO and AI for 6G radio access
• Waveforms and coding enhancements
• Integration with non-terrestrial networks