Role of Open Source in 6G

 

ITU has already started the work on “IMT 2030 Framework” which will become 6G. ITU developed a report on “Future Technology Trends” i.e. M.2516 and also new recommendation for 6G i.e. M.2160. This marks the achievement of the initial phase and sets the basis for the development of 6G. The next phase (2024-2027) will be the definition of relevant requirements and evaluation criteria for potential radio interface technologies for 6G

6G is expected to support enriched and potential immersive experience, enhanced ubiquitous coverage and enable new forms of collaboration. Furthermore, 6G is envisaged to support expanded and new usage scenarios compared to those of 6G and at the same time providing enhanced and new capabilities.
6G vision from ITU and its usage and capabilities are well documented and important enhancements are listed below

• Integrated Sensing and Communication
• AI and Communication
• Ubiquitous Connectivity
• Immersive Communication
• Massive Communication
• Hyper Reliable and Low-Latency Communication

 

In summary, capabilities of 5G enhanced further and new capabilities will be added in 6G. This will provide great opportunities to researchers to contribute as 2024 to 2027 will be the phase when definition of relevant requirements and evaluation criteria for potential technology will be done for 6G.

Usually, telecom research is costly affair as infrastructure and software development requires huge investment. But with the help of open-source software already available for 5G and easily available radios like USRP and 7.2x, 6G research area is now open for the researchers in every technical institute at very low cost.

For 6G research, multiple forums were already established in many countries. In India, Bharat 6G Alliance is established to promote the ecosystem for research, design, prototyping, development, proof of concept testing, IPR creation, field testing, security, certification and manufacturing of telecom products, end-to-end Solutions, Use-cases, Pilots etc. This helps in addressing India specific use cases for contribution to 6G and other future technology-related global standards.

Open source can help academic institutions, domestic industries, research and development entities, test labs, Government entities, telecommunication service providers, technology and innovation start-ups etc. to work on 6G research areas and contribute to patents, research papers and live demonstration. Overall, this will help in creating synergies for a balanced growth of the technology and innovations ecosystem in India for the benefit of the common people.

Thus, open source can democratize the research even to every academic institution and startups without huge investment in basic infrastructure.

Below are some potential candidates for 6G and more research can define the future path. List is not exhaustive but just some examples only.

• 1. AI/ML to solve hard to model wireless problems.

 

• 2. AI/ML at every stack layer of 6G

 

• 3. AI driven Network Management

 

• 4. AI/ML driven RAN algorithms

 

• 5. Fault management using AI/ML

 

• 6. Multi-Rat spectrum sharing and heterogenous network

 

• 7. Joint communication and sensing

 

• 8. Enhanced Security

 

• 9. Data Path Optimizations

 

• 10. Enhanced Indoor & Outdoor Positioning

 

• 11. New Air Interface technology and enhancements

 

• 12. Device to Device Communication enhancements

 

• 13. Enhance Energy Efficiency & Low Power Consumption

 

• 14. Real-Time Services & Communications

 

15. Digital Twins

Some benefits of open source.

• 1. Availability of Source Code which can be modified. This is not possible with commercial grade solutions

 

• 2. Multiple options to choose as multiple Radios/RAN/Core options are available

 

• 3. Community help will be available for technical challenges

 

• 4. Encourage Innovation

 

• 5. Code enhancements and new features from community will be available

 

• 6. Code can be adapted to cater different use cases

 

7. Identification and Fixing security vulnerability is easy

About TechPhosis
TechPhosis is a leading communications solution provider with a team of industry experts specializing in 4G, 5G, and 6G technical solutions. TechPhosis is democratizing the 5G/6G research by helping academia and industry with its low cost and easy to deploy research labs. TechPhosis helps in reducing the learning curve to better use the 5G/6G technologies. TechPhosis now offers a wide range of options for research labs. Please contact for more details info@techphosis.com