Samsung’s Vision for 6G and the Rise of Native AI in Wireless Systems

At 6G Global 2024, Juho Lee, Fellow at Samsung Electronics, outlined Samsung’s vision for the next generation of wireless communications. His keynote, “6G: Future Wireless for the AI Era,” explored how the industry’s direction is evolving from pure connectivity improvements towards intelligence-driven innovation.

Each mobile generation has historically pushed the boundaries of data rate, capacity, and coverage. 5G marked a huge step forward, yet user perceptions vary. While some regions value its speed and reliability, others see little difference from 4G in daily use. As the industry prepares for 6G, there is recognition that faster speeds alone are not enough. The future network must merge performance with adaptability, intelligence, and sustainability.

A key technological trend shaping this vision is the growing role of software and virtualisation. Unlike today’s hardware-centric networks, future systems will rely heavily on cloud-based software implementations. This transformation will make networks more flexible, scalable, and easier to upgrade. Within this shift, AI will become a native and essential component, embedded at every layer of communication systems.

Samsung sees the combination of enhanced mobile broadband and AI innovation as central to 6G’s purpose. The goal is not just higher capacity but also smarter, more energy-efficient, and context-aware communication. AI will be used to improve network operation, optimise resources, and create new user experiences. This aligns with a broader vision where devices such as AI-powered glasses and mixed-reality systems help connect the physical and digital worlds seamlessly.

Universal and resilient connectivity remains a cornerstone of 6G. Whether it’s through satellite links, non-terrestrial networks, or fixed wireless access, the aim is to ensure consistent service everywhere. Equally critical are coverage, security, and sustainability. With data traffic continuing to rise, energy efficiency has become a defining concern. Techniques such as dynamic on–off operation of network layers and AI-driven energy management are being explored to minimise power consumption without compromising performance.

On the spectrum front, Samsung identifies several promising frequency ranges, including upper mid-band frequencies between 7 and 15 GHz. These bands offer potential for large contiguous bandwidths, supporting wider channels, up to 400 MHz per operator, and thus higher throughput. To maintain good coverage at these frequencies, innovations like distributed MIMO and advanced beamforming are under development. Waveform design, coding schemes, and modulation techniques are also being re-evaluated to balance performance with lower device power use.

AI will play a crucial role in every part of the system. From radio units to core network controllers, AI models are being trained to enhance performance, improve prediction accuracy, and reduce energy waste. Samsung’s research shows promising results in areas such as digital predistortion, channel estimation, coding, and signal prediction. For instance, AI-based estimation and error detection techniques can improve link reliability, while AI-driven traffic prediction helps networks maintain user experience even under fluctuating conditions.

Beyond physical layer optimisation, AI can also contribute to system-level intelligence. By learning user mobility patterns and radio conditions, networks can anticipate potential failures and adjust proactively. Similarly, AI can support parameter optimisation, beam alignment, and cell shutdown scheduling, all contributing to more efficient and autonomous network operation.

As 6G moves closer to standardisation, timelines are becoming clearer. While 3GPP discussions are ongoing, Samsung anticipates that core 6G specifications should be available by around 2029, paving the way for early deployments soon after.

6G is shaping up to be more than a faster or denser network. It represents a new phase of mobile evolution where intelligence and connectivity merge. By embedding AI natively, 6G aims to deliver not only unprecedented performance but also a sustainable, adaptive, and truly global communication fabric for the AI era.

The full presentation from Juho Lee can be watched below:

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