Samsung and SK Telecom Team Up to Develop AI-RAN Solutions for 6G

Samsung is working on 6G research with industry partners, universities, and global groups. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SK Telecom, Korea’s leading wireless carrier. They will focus on developing AI-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technologies for smarter future networks.

Samsung and SK Telecom partner to test key 6G technologies

The two companies will work together to develop and test key 6G technologies. These include AI-based channel estimation, distributed MIMO transmission, AI-RAN-based schedulers, and core network architectures. Samsung Research will lead technology development, while SK Telecom will provide data and test infrastructure using its nationwide network operations.

AI-based channel estimation helps improve wireless communication. It can predict and correct signal transmission in real time. Since signals can get weak by obstacles such as buildings or walls, AI will play a key role in adjusting the signals instantly.

Speaking of distributed MIMO technology, it lets multiple base stations or antennas work together to send and receive data. This makes connections faster and more reliable across both urban and rural areas. Likewise, AI-RAN schedulers and AI-based core networks make sure the network uses its resources efficiently.

Meanwhile, both companies are also collaborating as members of the AI-RAN Alliance, a global group focused on AI-driven networks. They proposed a new AI-based channel estimation technology, which has been officially approved as a work item. Recently, they shared their research results at the alliance’s all-member meeting.

“Through field-focused collaboration with SKT, we will be able to verify the effectiveness of AI-based wireless technologies in real-world settings and secure key AI-RAN technologies at an early stage,” said JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics. “We hope that continued collaboration between our companies will help pave the way for the rollout of 6G.”