Objectives of the workshop
Since the early generations, mobile and wireless communications systems have played a crucial role in establishing essential connectivity. They have facilitated easy access to information anytime and anywhere, leading to accelerated knowledge build-up and value-added actions across various sectors of society. The significance of wireless communication infrastructure has been further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it has supported global stability and faster recovery by maintaining a stable technological environment and seamless societal connections despite quarantine regulations.
Recognizing the critical role and importance of mobile and wireless communications, advancements in the telecommunications ecosystem are captured through non-backward compatible features specified in a new generation of mobile and wireless communications systems. Transitioning from one generation to the next requires significant efforts, and the justification for a new generation must consider technical, societal, and economic factors. These factors are interconnected, meaning that advancements in any of these areas can accelerate the overall process. For example, the need to explore new business areas also entails supporting a diverse set of requirements.
In this context, 3GPP standardization has progressed rapidly, and more 5G system enhancements are reaching maturity with the completion of Release 17, while Release 18 is marking the start of 5G-Advanced. Release 19 is underway to provide a guidance on what future the 6G system needs to be capable of, and Release 20 is in preparation. At the same time, the Smart Networks and Services (SNS JU) in Europe, under the Horizon Europe program for Research and Innovation, has started to date more than 60 project in Phases 1 and 2, and more projects are underway. The European SNS JU program is a joint initiative between the private and the public side and focuses on 5G-Advanced and 6G.
To address the architectural evolution towards 6G, the SNS 6G Architecture Working Group (WG) has evolved from the 5G PPP Architecture WG, which has issued several white papers and an open-access book, with the latest one specifically focusing on this workshop’s topics. The workshop aims to discuss novel key architectural innovations required for future 6G mobile telecommunications networks. It also provides a platform for projects working on long-term innovations and formulating research items under the 6G theme to share their visions, requirements, and architectural considerations for future mobile systems.
The thematic topics of the workshop revolve around technology enablers and design recommendations, facilitating the transition from 5G-Advanced towards a fully-fledged 6G architecture. These topics will encompass areas such as network infrastructure, spectrum utilization, connectivity, scalability, sustainability, security, as well as joint/integrated communication and sensing, among others. The workshop will source from the very vibrant SNS JU research community that is already working on the topics, providing reference architectural solutions.
In summary, the rapid progress in mobile telecommunications has demonstrated their crucial role in establishing connectivity and fostering knowledge sharing. The ongoing efforts in 5G standardization, the SNS JU projects (and previously the 5G PPP projects), and the upcoming focus on 5G-Advanced and 6G research indicate the industry’s dedication to advancing mobile telecommunications systems. The workshop aims to explore architectural innovations and provide a collaborative platform to shape the future of mobile telecommunications systems.
