6G    

 

 

 

6G Timeline

Currently (as of Feb 08, 2024) there is not specific time line defined by 3GPP yet, but at least we start seeing some meaningful proposals from various sources. I am trying to consolidate possible timelines proposed by various sources in this note

 

 

Source : Digital Industry Governance and 5G

 

Source : SP-231091 : 3GPP TSG#101 Bengaluru, India, Sept 11 15, 2023

Source : SP-231044 : 3GPP TSG#101 Bengaluru, India, Sept 11 15, 2023

High Lights

These are highlights from the proposal documents for the time line.

  • SP-231091 : 3GPP TSG#101 Bengaluru, India, Sept 11 15, 2023
    • 6 usage scenarios defined
      • 3 evolutionary from IMT 2020 (5G)
        • eMBB --> Immersive Communication
        • mMTC --> Massive Communication
        • uRLLC --> HRLLC
      • 3 new ones
        • Artificial Intelligence + Communication
        • Sensing + Communication
        • Ubiquitous Connectivity
    • Spectrum & Regional groups
      • IMT 2030 & 6G feature prominently in discussions around future spectrum for IMT systems
        • Various spectrum ranges being considered from low band to very high band to everything in between
        • Ongoing discussions about spectrum needs linked to specific use cases
        • System design of technical, operational characteristics as well as sharing compatibility are highly dependent on the frequency ranges.
      • Regional groups have been active in pretty much every geography exploring concepts towards a new generation of cellular systems
        • Different regions are finalizing their positions on specific new IMT spectrum bands to be supported at the upcoming WRC 23
        • WRC 23 (Nov/Dec 2023) will establish agenda item for new IMT bands to be studied towards WRC 27

 

  • SP-231044 : 3GPP TSG#101 Bengaluru, India, Sept 11 15, 2023
    • Two 3GPP releases to be planned forinitial 6G development (as in 5G times)
    • Stage1 aim to start (mid) 2024 with studies on potential UC & requirements for 6G
    • Stage2 6G studies to be planned starting mid 2025 (delayed compared to other Rel-20 SIDs)
    • Plan for a TSG SA & RAN 6G workshop for mid 2025
    • 6Gnormative Work Items aspartofRel-21 (First 6G Release)
    • Both, Rel-20 and Rel-21 shall be extended to last 24 months
    • allowing comprehensive, unrushed UC & requirements as well as technical solutions analysis in Rel-20
    • one single set of normative specifications in Rel-21 (no phasing or drops this time, unlike in 5G!)
    • This approach
      • allows to take outcome of various regional research activities into account for 6G development
      • meets the ITU defined timelines by feeding into their process [see LS in SP-230790]
      • ensures a timely, comprehensive, single global 6G standard for commercial deployments in 2030+

 

  • 6G Talk - Building future-ready Radio Network with Ari Kynslahti (Nokia)
    • The frequency allocation for 6G by ITU-T
      • World Radio Conference in Dubai will start the work on 6G frequencies
        • Two meetings in 2021 and 2027 to carve out new frequencies
        • Sweet spot between 6 and 20 GHz, especially 6-8.5 and 10-13 GHz
        • Sub-terahertz band from 90 to 240 GHz for indoor and short range
    • The architecture of 6G network
      • Only one option, not seven like in 5G
      • Upgrade the 5G standalone core with 6G extensions
      • Use Multi-RAT spectrum sharing (MRSS) between 5G and 6G
      • Respect the macro site grid and build from the current site grid
    • The spectral efficiency of 6G radio
      • Target 20 times better than 5G
      • Increase the carrier bandwidth from 100 MHz to 400 MHz
      • Improve the uplink with more antenna elements and TRXs
      • Use AI-based air interface to enhance the receiver algorithms

Reference

  • SP-231044 : 3GPP TSG#101 Bengaluru, India, Sept 11 15, 2023

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