When traveling abroad, you can freely use your smartphone in different countries and regions through connected roaming services.This is because most countries follow the same standards — agreed upon promise — For communication technology. If these communication standards were even slightly different, smartphones would not be as easy and convenient to use in different countries as they are today.
6G, the next generation communications technology, has taken its most important first step. Discussions regarding 6G global standards have been ongoing since early 2021. The draft IMT-2030 (6G) Framework Recommendation, which presents standards for 6G technology, has been developed by the International Telecommunication Union. — Radiocommunications Division (ITU-R)1 This milestone marks the completion of the first steps towards the beginning of a new era of communications.
▲ (From left) HyoungJin Choi and Hyunjoong Lee of Samsung Research participated in the creation of the draft 6G framework recommendation.
In July 2020, Samsung Electronics released a 6G white paper entitled “The Next Hyperconnected Experience for Everyone”, which introduced various aspects related to 6G. — This includes technological and social megatrends, new services, requirements, candidate technologies, and expected timelines for standardization. As a result of this white paper’s global recognition, Samsung researchers are now leading efforts to standardize next-generation communications technologies. Samsung Newsroom spoke with Hyoung Jin Choi of Samsung Research’s Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC) Communication Standards Research Team, who is the chair of ITU-R’s 6G Vision Group, and Hyunjoong Lee of Samsung Research’s ACRC 6G Research Team. Ta. Both men participated in this development. Draft 6G Framework Recommendation.
Draft 6G Framework Recommendation, a blueprint for new communications technology, completed
The draft 6G Framework Recommendation contains important information about the usage scenarios pursued by 6G, as well as features and a roadmap for the international standardization and commercialization of 6G.
As chair of ITU-R’s 6G Vision Group, HyoungJin Choi led the development of the draft 6G Framework Recommendation. He described it as a “blueprint for new communications technology” and emphasized its importance by stating: “Once completed, it will enable detailed standardization activities ranging from defining technical performance requirements to finalizing technical specifications for air interface technologies.” “
Constructing a building requires a variety of decisions, from site development to construction methods. The process of developing new communication technologies is similar. Assuming the commercialization of technology as architecture, a blueprint must be created so that all building procedures follow the same rules and norms. For 6G technology, the blueprint is a framework recommendation. In addition, it is necessary to determine the location and area of \u200b\u200bthe land on which the building will be built. In this example, this will be a frequency band. Therefore, it is essential to define framework recommendations as a blueprint for building next-generation mobile communications.
“From now on, standards development organizations — Including 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) — Choi said, “We plan to develop technology that meets the vision proposed by the 6G framework and submit it to ITU-R as a candidate technology.” “ITU-R will then evaluate them and decide which one will be adopted as his 6G standard. will need to go through a thorough consensus process.”
Expanding the 6G vision even further its limits
The question that remains regarding 6G is: How will this new communications technology be different?
Hyunjoong Lee of Samsung Research ACRC 6G said, “The goal of the 6G era is to provide diverse and expanded services in new fields such as “integrated AI and communication,” “integrated sensing and communication,” and “ubiquitous connectivity.” It will be,” he said. Members of the research team who actively participated in the development of the draft 6G Framework recommendations.
▲ 6G usage scenarios and comprehensive aspects (left) and 6G capabilities (right) as outlined in the draft 6G Framework Recommendation. It proposes expanded usage scenarios and improved technology capabilities compared to 5G.2
“In the 6G era, communication technology is expected to enhance the human experience by seamlessly connecting the physical and digital worlds,” Lee said. It is envisioned that immersive communication technologies such as digital twins, “XR” and “holograms” will be used to provide various services such as education and medical care to underdeveloped regions.
Overcoming differences: Developing a framework for everyone
The role and importance of communication is increasing, making setting standards early on as important as developing the technology itself. The completion of the draft 6G Framework Recommendation is the valuable outcome of his more than two and a half years of countless discussions, compromises and agreements among 193 member states and her more than 900 member companies.
Choi was appointed Chair after several years of building trust within ITU-R and has since played a leading role in setting the overall direction for the development of the Recommendations. Mr. Lee was responsible for introducing and reflecting the technical aspects of the draft 6G Framework Recommendation. Although Mr. Choi and Mr. Lee played different roles in his ITU-R, they worked unitedly to achieve a common goal. Although we faced many challenges along the way, we achieved a successful outcome thanks to dedicated cooperation and great teamwork.
▲ Choi Hyun-jin at the moment when agreement was reached on the draft 6G framework recommendations.
The past two years have not been easy for Choi, who has had to balance the various viewpoints of members as chairman. “It was very difficult to resolve disagreements between members,” he said. Mr. Choi spent half his time worrying that unforeseen problems would continue until the last moment. “Although it was a difficult process, it was very rewarding when we finally reached an agreement among the members as a result of everyone working hard and with the same determination and goals.”
“We still felt anxious on our way to Switzerland, where the final meeting would be held,” Lee said. “Fortunately, the major issues were successfully resolved and I was able to go home with a sense of relief and happiness.”
Making dreams of the 6G era a reality
Samsung Research conducts extensive research to lead 6G innovation. “Recently, we have achieved significant results in 6G technology development research that utilizes AI and sensing technology,” Lee said. “We have conducted research on leveraging AI to make more efficient use of communication resources. This increases the speed of communication experienced by users while significantly reducing the energy required to transmit the same amount of information. , ultimately providing a more sustainable communication experience.” Regarding the “sensing and communication integration” technology, Mr. Lee explained: “We are researching and developing ways to integrate communications technology into everyday use cases such as position tracking and estimating the velocity of objects.”
Mr. Choi and Mr. Lee shared their plans and aspirations for future next-generation communications. Both researchers hope for a future where next-generation communication technologies become established technologies that enrich our lives.
“We will strive to realize rich communication that goes beyond the limits of the past, using all types of connections.” — “Including between people and people, people and machines, and even between machines and machines,” Choi said. “We will do our best to achieve meaningful results in the standardization of spectrum and 6G requirements that can be implemented in the future.”
Commenting on his aspirations for the rest of the 6G journey, Lee said, “I believe that 6G communications technology will bring more impact and relevance to people’s lives by providing more immersive experiences. We will continue to work hard to make this possible.” “My twin daughters were born while we were working on the framework recommendations, and it makes me proud to think that we are creating technology that they will use in the future.”
▲(From left) Choi Hyun-jin and Lee Hyun-joon making the “6G” sign with their hands.
Both Choi and Lee believe that the completion of the 6G Framework Draft Recommendation is a new starting point for 6G technology. The reality of 6G commercialization is growing ever closer as Samsung and Samsung Research experts continue to usher in the next era of communications technology.
1 As the wireless communications division of the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations specialized agency for information and communications technology. — The Wireless Communications Division oversees the standardization of wireless communications technology and spectrum. It sets standards for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) wireless communication technology and provides them to member countries.
2 For more information, see Samsung Research’s “All set for 6G!”
