OPPO Research Institute has released its first 6G white paper – ‘6G AI-Cube Intelligent Networking’ – which proposes a more detailed vision for the design of next-generation communication networks. It has in-depth reports on how artificial intelligence (AI) can empower 6G network architecture.
OPPO has established a pre-research team to conduct preliminary research on 6G service and technology requirements, key technologies, and system features. The smartphone company believes that 6G will reshape the way people interact with AI, as it is utilised to serve the public through a myriad of applications.
In June this year, UAE telecoms provider Etisalat announced plans for 6G – stating that the network is expected to be even faster and support applications such as augmented and virtual reality, as well as AI infrastructure. With technology that could usher in transmission speeds 100 times greater than 5G, along with near-zero latency, and connection densities as high as 10 million devices per square kilometre, the IoT, already a key part of 5G, becomes an important factor in economic growth.
OPPO is among the first brands in the region to lead the 6G journey and vision alongside Etisalat.
“Technological development must be forward-looking. Mobile communication technology evolves in decade-long periods, and standardisation of the next generation of communication technology is expected to begin in 2025, with commercial implementation following in around 2035,” said Henry Tang, OPPO’s Chief Scientist.
“Looking towards 2035, OPPO expects the number of intelligent agents in the world to far exceed the number of humans. Therefore, the next generation of communication technology, 6G, should be able to serve the needs not only of people but of all forms of intelligence and their various interactions. With this end goal in mind, we have carried out the early technical research and system design.”
According to a new industry report by IDTechEx, sixth generation mobile network technology will be a $1 trillion opportunity for telecoms and communications service providers (CSPs). The new report predicts that operators will launch their fledgling 6G networks in 2030, with the technology overlapping with its 5G predecessor for at least seven years, before 6G becomes the dominant network infrastructure of choice by 2037.
The white paper takes an innovative step forward by introducing AI Function Plane as a new dimension in 6G networks, running perpendicular to the traditional CP and UP planes to form an Intelligent Cube (AI-Cube). This unique architecture will enhance the 6G network on two levels: network functionality and high-level networking capability to allow 6G networks to self-optimise, dynamically administrate themselves, and intelligently distribute resources.
6G will fundamentally revolutionise how AI infers, learns, interacts, and is applied, solving many traditional problems faced in AI development, such as data silos and user privacy. To alleviate some of the current limitations of AI algorithms, the white paper proposes dividing AI resources into different domains.
Currently, the limited computing power and storage capacity of smart devices make it difficult for them to employ large, generalised AI algorithms. Meanwhile, the specialised AI capable of running on these devices are unable to meet the large data demands of most users. Under 6G networks, however, the AI domain will be able to take on multiple roles such as that of a traditional base station, database, AI model repository, and application server.
Under the proposed network, 6G devices will be allocated to an AI domain based on the location and requirements of the device. This AI domain will then issue the most suitable AI algorithm and task needed to deliver the desired services, while providing the most optimal communication connection to carry out the relevant tasks. Unlike 4G and 5G networks, the AI used for inferring and decision-making in 6G networks will be organically integrated on both the device and network sides, with the device assuming a more important role.
OPPO has said it will continue to conduct pre-research into 6G technology, which will assist in the formation of the world’s 6G standards in the near future.
