Link to the White paper here.

RAN Scenario Generators and Their Critical Role for Future-Proofing AI-Native RAN in Advanced 5G and 6G Networks

The role of artificial intelligence within telecommunications is evolving quickly, shifting from speeding discrete automation tasks to intelligent, context-aware decision making in which it becomes a critical element of network operations. This change is particularly visible in the way that AI is being used in new and emerging 5G and 6G deployments, not least when it comes to MU-MIMO. To date networks have deployed AI as an add-on. It is being used to optimize and enhance existing systems and has enabled the dynamic allocation of network slices, the better management of resources, and the improved detection of both potential issues and security threats. However, new 5G and 6G implementations built around “AI-native” architectures and MU-MIMO will shift AI from the periphery to the very heart of the network. This will enable autonomous operation across immensely complex, heterogeneous Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) Networks built on principles such as Open RAN and managed by programmable platforms such as the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC). This shift, however, presents a fundamental challenge: How do you ensure that AI is making the correct decisions for the network, especially when it needs to scale rapidly across heterogeneous, dynamic environments?

Training an AI (and ensuring its long-term viability) requires data. As well as being accurate and reliable, this data must be representative of a real-world, dynamic network rather than an ideal or a snapshot at a particular time. Using this data, the AI applications used to run and maintain the network should then be continuously tested and challenged to prevent drift and to ensure readiness for change and unforeseen scenarios.

In this paper we examine the challenges and trade-offs of real-world data and synthetic data to demonstrate why a hybrid data layer with RAN scenario generator (RSG) testing is the optimal approach for training AI applications for the specific network. We will also identify how this approach can be used to prevent AI drift and how it can prepare for change (including upgrades and attacks). Finally, we will break down how these techniques can be used to improve the network’s energy efficiency, plan for 6G deployment, enhance QoS, and optimize for massive MIMO.

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AI RAN – 5G – 6G

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Intelligent Twin Technology for efficient, reliable, secure 5G and 6G networks

Download the Viavi Network Digital Twin brochure here.

I N T R O D UCT I O N 

In recent years, I’ve been fascinated by the concept of digital twins and how they’re transforming various industries. Digital twins are essentially virtual replicas of physical systems, allowing us to simulate, analyze, and optimize in a virtual environment. This technology is incredibly powerful for iterating in a virtual world and accelerating business outcomes and value in the real world.

At VIAVI, we’ve been pioneering this innovation for use in telecoms networks. Traditionally, we’ve focused on testing and emulation in lab environments using synthetic data and bringing our knowledge of the field into the lab. However, we’re now taking it a step further by taking that knowledge and expertise to incorporate the real data from networks into our digital twin engines.

This real data is essential for building applications and leveraging AI to fill data gaps and drive automation. Our goal is to create realistic scenarios that can be tested and scaled, ensuring the data we use is as accurate as possible.

We’re also working on generating realistic scenarios for various applications, such as energy saving, x/r App validation, risk prediction and Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC). By integrating real data into these simulations, we can test and evaluate factors like scalability and latency. This approach not only enhances the testing process but also provides a framework for validating applications in a community-driven environment.

Moreover, the integration of AI into our digital twin systems allows us to create new, previously unseen scenarios, enhancing the completeness and confidence in deployment. This collaboration between digital twin operators, data providers, and AI technologies is paving the way for innovative solutions and advancements in network testing and application development. The use of digital twins, real data, and AI is revolutionizing how we test and optimize networks, leading to more efficient and reliable and secure business outcomes.

– VIAVI CTO Office

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Viavi is a GSA Member Company.

VIAVI Network Digital Twin

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INTRODUCTION

Millimeter-Wave Frequencies Meet Broadband Data

Keysight has seen dramatic changes in mobile network devices and infrastructure design, development, and deployment in the transition from 4G to 5G. One substantial challenge affecting circuit design is frequencies extending into the 70 GHz millimeter-wave (mmWave) band. High millimeter-wave frequencies and the drive towards miniaturization directly impact the design of the circuits and systems.

These design trends increase the density and complexity of system integration because they include mixed fabrication technologies and phased array antennas in RF modules. Engineers must assemble multitechnology structures and perform the circuit, electromagnetic (EM), and electrothermal analysis across technology boundaries.

Sophisticated digital modulation schemes are enabling millimeterwave broadband data transmission. This process impacts the design of components and systems because it now requires new figures of merit like error vector magnitude (EVM) for RF, microwave, and mmWave applications. Your existing RF and microwave electronic design automation tool may not fulfill these new critical requirements to assemble, simulate, and verify multi-technology RF modules.

Four Secrets to Mastering m-Wave Communications Circuit Design.

© KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES 2025

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5G subscriptions are growing apace, accounting for over one-quarter of total mobile subscriptions at the end of 2024. 5G mid-band population coverage continues to grow, though it varies between global regions, only recently passing 50 percent coverage in Europe. 5G mid-band is ideal for providing both capacity and coverage, and therefore enhancing user experience. Mobile network data traffic continues to grow, but with a declining year-on-year growth rate, resulting in a forecast CAGR of 17 percent through 2030. As 5G evolves, service providers are increasingly exploring innovative use cases and new monetization opportunities by offering differentiated connectivity services.

5G to account for one-third of mobile subscriptions in 2025

During the first quarter of 2025, 145 million 5G subscriptions were added, bringing the total to just above 2.4 billion.

5G subscription uptake continues apace and is expected to reach close to 2.9 billion at the end of 2025, accounting for one-third of all mobile subscriptions at that time. The number of 4G subscriptions continues to decline as subscribers migrate to 5G.

4G declined by 55 million during the first quarter of 2025, bringing the total to just below 4.9 billion. 3G subscriptions declined by 19 million during the quarter, while 2G subscriptions dropped by 30 million. 2G and 3G network sunsetting continues around the world. The phasing out of 3G networks is anticipated to happen more quickly than that of 2G in the coming years, but the timeline for this transition varies based on country and service provider.

At the end of 2024, the number of 5G subscriptions reached 2.3 billion globally, equaling a penetration of around 27 percent. The highest 5G subscriptions penetration was in North America at 71 percent, followed by North East Asia at 52 percent, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at 45 percent and Western Europe at 41 percent. 5G is anticipated to overtake 4G as the dominant mobile access technology by subscription in 2027, nine years after launch.

More than 340 service providers have now launched commercial 5G services, and around 70 have deployed or launched 5G standalone (SA).

Ericsson Mobility Report June 2025

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RedCap – expanding the 5G device ecosystem for consumers and industries.

For more on this topic also check out the Ericsson blog post HERE covering a discussion on standardisation aspects for Rel-17 RedCap and Rel-18 eRedCap.

Since the number of personal smartphone subscriptions is limited by the size of the human population, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is predicted to have a stronger growth than smartphone subscriptions in the coming years. The IoT segment served by cellular networks can be divided into Massive IoT, Broadband IoT, Critical IoT, and Industrial Automation IoT, where Broadband IoT is forecasted to constitute 60 percent of the cellular IoT connections by the end of 2028. Broadband IoT includes both wide- area and local-area use cases that require higher throughput, lower latency, and larger data volumes than what Massive IoT technologies can support. These use cases include, for example, smart wearables and industrial sensors. In the past, Broadband IoT use cases were often served by 4G long-term evolution (LTE) device categories 1 and 4. The device complexity, and hence the device cost, has so far been too high for 5G New Radio (NR) to be suited to Broadband IoT, which motivated the introduction of reduced capability (RedCap) 5G NR devices in 3GPP Release 17.

Figure 1 illustrates different 4G/5G device types. At the low end, there is the NB-IoT device category (Cat-NB1) and the LTE-M device category (Cat-M1), which both support relatively low data rates suitable for Massive IoT use cases. Since 3GPP Release 15, both NB-IoT and LTE-M fulfill the 5G massive machine-type communications (mMTC) requirements and are therefore components of both 4G and 5G. At the high end, both LTE and NR have device types for high peak rates for demanding use cases. In between the low and the high end, LTE offers several device categories (that is, Cat-1/2/3/4), and RedCap provides corresponding NR-based device types for this mid-range segment.

Figure 1

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5G-RedCap – Ericsson Whitepaper

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Synopsis

The advent of 5G marks a significant leap forward in telecommunication capabilities, delivering enhanced throughput, increased capacity, and improved latency. However, the potential of this fifth-generation wireless technology extends far beyond terrestrial confines, expanding into the realm of satellite-based Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). NTN open-up new applications and services by providing robust connectivity in remote and underserved areas and are the key to bridging the digital divide and ensuring comprehensive global connectivity.

With the introduction of 3GPP Rel-17, NTN capabilities have been significantly bolstered, enabling the seamless delivery of Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G New Radio (NR) applications. Discover how NTN are revolutionizing connectivity, empowering communities with tailored solutions serving diverse needs — from agriculture to public safety — and successfully bridging the digital divide worldwide.

This Mavenir white paper highlights the strategic advantages of NTN solutions for CSPs, including cost-efficiency in underserved areas, advancements in 3GPP standards for seamless satellite integration, and Mavenir’s cutting-edge, cloud-native NTN RAN approach.

This white paper explores:

The NTN NR market landscape
The economic drivers and strategic benefits of adopting NTN
NTN Evolution from proprietary standards to 5G New Radio
NTN in the 3GPP roadmap
The building blocks of NTN
Satellite-based NTN architecture
Path to regenerative NTN architecture
Core network considerations for NTN
NTN use cases

Download the full whitepaper here: https://www.mavenir.com/resources/5g-non-terrestrial-networks-get-ready-for-launch/

5G Non-Terrestrial Networks

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An analysis of the spectrum potential for next-generation wireless systems.

Link to the GSA Member white paper: KeySight – Exploring the 6G Spectrum Landscape

In each generation of cellular communications, new spectrum has been key to delivering more services, more capacity, and higher data throughput to end users. 5G benefited from large contiguous bandwidths of millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum, known as frequency range 2 (FR2). And 5G benefited from the reallocation and unlocking of midband spectrum (3.4 to 4.9 GHz) with its more favorable propagation characteristics. The spectrum that will be available for 6G is unclear, but three frequency ranges are under discussion, including the upper midband (sometimes called midband or, unofficially, FR3) from 7 to 24 GHz and sub-terahertz bands from roughly 90 to 300 GHz. The third range involves maximizing spectrum below 7 GHz through refarming, new band allocation, and increased spectral efficiency.

Each of the proposed bands has benefits and drawbacks. The bands below 7 GHz provide the best coverage. But the spectrum in this range is already allocated, and getting access to additional spectrum requires moving incumbents somewhere else or refarming. Research into ways to increase spectral efficiency and make the most of what is available must continue. The bands between 7 and 24 GHz cannot provide the same coverage as those below 7 GHz. Still, this range is under significant research and is a useful and necessary candidate to expand capacity. The millimeter bands between 24 and 90 GHz provide high capacity and low latency for local deployments. 5G introduced these bands, but they remain underused. These bands may not make headlines related to 6G, but they will likely be a part of the final makeup and will help deliver services when very high capacity is necessary in dense urban areas. The sub-terahertz bands could meet extreme capacity needs in hyperlocal deployments. Figure 1 shows the relative bandwidth available in each of these areas. It is becoming clear that 7 to 24 GHz is the most popular target for new spectrum 6G deployments. While still of interest, the sub-terahertz bands are under scrutiny because of the challenges the industry faces with FR2. But they remain an option for the second phase or later rollouts.

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5G is expected to become the dominant mobile access technology by subscription before the end of the forecast period. Although 5G population coverage is growing, 5G mid-band is only deployed in around 25 percent of all sites globally outside of mainland China. The 5G mid-band spectrum provides a sweet spot between both coverage and capacity, while improving user experience, as shown by measurements from a leading service provider. As 5G matures, the focus for many service providers is expected to shift toward developing differentiated connectivity offerings.

Stronger outlook in Sub-Saharan Africa than expected. 5G subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2029 are anticipated to exceed 320 million, accounting for 28 percent of all mobile subscriptions at that time. This has been adjusted upward compared to our previous report, in line with a more positive outlook for the region, supported by spectrum releases in low- and mid-bands and more affordable devices.

At the end of 2023, North America had the highest 5G subscription penetration globally at 59 percent. In North East Asia, penetration reached 41 percent, followed by the GCC countries at 34 percent and Western Europe at 26 percent. 5G subscriptions increased by 160 million during the first quarter of 2024, to total 1.7 billion. Subscriptions for 4G now total 5.2 billion, falling by 26 million during Q1 2024. 4G subscriptions are projected to continue declining to around 3 billion by the end of 2029, as subscribers continue to migrate to 5G. During the first quarter, 3G subscriptions declined by 37 million, while 2G subscriptions dropped by 41 million. 2G and 3G network sunsetting continues around the world. The timeline for this transition varies based on the country and service provider, but the phase-out of 3G networks is anticipated to happen more quickly than for 2G in the coming years. For example, an overwhelming majority of service providers in Europe are currently shutting down 3G networks to refarm spectrum for use with 4G and 5G, while maintaining 2G for legacy IoT services. Around 300 service providers have now launched commercial 5G services, and around 50 have deployed or launched 5G standalone (SA).2

Ericsson Mobility Report June 2024

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InterDigital white paper in Association with ABI Research.

Download from the InterDigital site here.

WHAT IS XR AND IMMERSIVE CONTENT?

Extended Reality (XR) is a broad term encapsulating a spectrum of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) experiences that capture audio, video, haptic, and kinesthetic data into one scene representation to seamlessly blend interactions in the virtual and physical world. Whether it be AR leveraging transparent displays for seamless data visualization, VR entirely replacing physical with virtual, or MR somewhere in between, XR has increasingly seen adoption across markets.

With a novel, yet challenging form factor in Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs), XR can be difficult to implement depending on the use case and target user. Today, however, new efficiencies in encoding techniques, alongside new media types and functionalities that support high-quality and realistic media streaming and interactive services, are converging with enhanced network and device processing capabilities to enable an array of groundbreaking XR-enabled immersive experiences. This enables them to sidestep some of the local hardware challenges. XR-enabling capabilities hold significant potential to transform consumer experiences, services, and entire industry verticals, and standardization is an important step toward success.

This paper outlines the foundational technologies and metrics that define XR experiences, introduces the current standards study items and research resources dedicated to enabling XR, and highlights some of the challenges that will define the next stage of innovation and standardization for XR-enabled immersive experiences.

ABOUT INTERDIGITAL

InterDigital develops mobile and video technologies that are at the core of devices, networks and services worldwide. We solve many of the industry’s most critical and complex technical challenges, inventing solutions for more efficient broadband networks, better video delivery, and richer multimedia experiences years ahead of market deployment. InterDigital has licenses and strategic relationships with many of the world’s leading technology companies. Founded in 1972, InterDigital is listed on NASDAQ. InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital, Inc.

ABOUT ABI RESEARCH

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm delivering actionable research and strategic guidance to technology leaders, innovators, and decision makers around the world. Our research focuses on the transformative technologies that are dramatically reshaping industries, economies, and workforces today.

InterDigital is a GSA Member company.

©2023 ABI Research. Used by permission. ABI Research is an independent producer of market analysis and insight and this ABI Research product is the result of objective research by ABI Research staff at the time of data collection. The opinions of ABI Research or its analysts on any subject are continually revised based on the most current data available. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. ABI Research disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

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Defining the XR Experience: Enabling the Immersivity Ecosystem.

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The Emerging Market Opportunity for Cat-M1 in a 3 MHz Channel for Utility Broadband Networks

As utilities and smart grid vendors continue to address the challenges of grid modernization, 3GPP LTE low power wide-area (LPWA) technologies will play a key role. While NB-IoT and Cat-M1 (also referred to LTE-M or Cat-M) are both viable alternatives for today’s utility networks, Cat-M1 is becoming increasingly important due to the ability to deliver faster data rates (as compared to NB-IoT) as well as the low latency required for smart meters, distributed automation, and other grid modernization applications. Cat-M1 is widely supported in the 5 MHz ecosystem today. Demand for Cat-M1 in-band on a 3 MHz LTE channel is accelerating driven by expanding utility applications. Interviews with Anterix Ecosystem members (including chipset, modem, and device vendors) and a private LTE market-sizing analysis by Harbor Research both identified a strong market opportunity for Cat-M1 in private LTE networks for utilities.

Market Opportunity for Cat-M1 – Anterix & Ericsson paper

Anterix

Anterix is focused on delivering transformative broadband that enables the modernization of critical infrastructure for the energy, transportation, logistics and other sectors of our economy. As the largest of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band (896-901/935-940 MHz) throughout the contiguous United States, plus Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, we are uniquely positioned to enable the private LTE solutions that support secure, resilient, and customer-controlled operations. Anterix enables nextgeneration communications platforms that support grid modernization and cybersecurity strategies. Our 900 MHz spectrum supports secure, reliable, cost effective, and customized LTE solutions.

Ericsson

Ericsson enables communications service providers and enterprises to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans the following business areas: Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Global Communications Platform, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York.

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