Berlin 6G Conference 2025
- The Annual Networking Event of the German 6G Program -
Organized by the 6G Platform Germany
01.-03. July 2025
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Tue-AM1 |
Opening Session |
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Tue-AM2 |
EU and Int. Sessions |
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Tue-PM1 |
International Session / Keynotes |
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Tue-PM2 |
BMBF Session |
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Wed-AM1 |
Plenary key note Session |
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Wed-AM2 |
6G4All
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Jap. Dt. Sessions |
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Wed-PM1 |
International Session |
Large Scale Facilities
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Wed-PM2 |
Celtic Session |
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Thu-AM1 |
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Optische Zugangsnetze
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Thu-AM2 |
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Thu-PM1 |
Campus Networks |
PROGRAM
Subject to changes
Dr. Ehsan Tohidi
Digital Twins in 6G: Connecting the Digital and Physical Worlds
The convergence of Digital Twins and 6G is set to redefine how networks, devices, and applications interact in the physical and virtual worlds. Digital Twins are no longer confined to industrial automation; they are becoming integral to next-generation network optimization, autonomous systems, and intelligent decision-making. In 6G, Digital Twins will enable real-time network self-optimization, predictive maintenance, and cross-domain orchestration, making networks more adaptive and efficient. Beyond telecommunications, communicating Digital Twins will support seamless data exchange across industries, from mobility and smart cities to personalized healthcare.
Dr. Ehsan Tohidi
Germanyâs Open RAN Vision
The rapid evolution toward 6G networks demands a shift from traditional, vendor-locked infrastructures to open, modular, and intelligent architectures. O-RAN has emerged as a key enabler of this transition, fostering interoperability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. However, realizing the full potential of O-RAN requires advancements in AI-driven automation, robust standardization, and scalable deployment models. As AI continues to redefine network intelligence, the convergence of AI-RAN and O-RAN is crucial for achieving highly adaptive and self-optimizing 6G networks. Meanwhile, standardization efforts ensure that openness does not come at the cost of efficiency or security. Open Campus Networks serve as vital testbeds, accelerating the real-world adoption of O-RAN solutions. This session brings together experts from academia and industry to explore the evolving O-RAN ecosystem, its challenges, and the roadmap toward a fully interoperable and intelligent 6G network.
Benjamin Nuss
ISAC Demonstrators and Testbeds
Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is one of the key innovations in 5G/6G. ISAC extends cellular communication from localization of connected devices to radar-like sensing of non-connected objects in a large variety of use cases. In recent years, numerous research projects, companies and universities have built proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrators and testbeds that bring the developed ISAC algorithms and concepts from simulations into real life and thus into application. The session will present some of these PoCs and the results achieved with them. This will potentially enable links across the research projects and pave the way for new joint activities. The session will be open to all participants of the 6G event. We will give room for an engaged discussion.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lisa Underberg
6G: The Future of Industrial Radio?
The use of wireless technologies is well established in industrial networks [1]. With 5G, cellular networks were supposed to find their way into industrial networks and complement WLAN and Bluetooth as the leading technologies to date. Despite extensive funding and investment in campus networks to bring 5G into practice, there are currently challenges to increasing the use of cellular networks in industrial networks [2]. Our session is dedicated to shed a light on these questions: Is 6G even needed or are current 5G solutions sufficient? What are the biggest challenges that need to be overcome to establish cellular networks in industrial applications? What can be done in the 6th generation of cellular networks to bring them into use? Which research questions are still open? Which necessary functionalities have not yet been implemented? How can other 6G technologies position themselves in the context of industrial radio? Do cellular networks have a chance as a widespread technology in industrial communication? [1] HMS: Marktanteile industrieller Netzwerke 2024, URL: https://www.hms-networks.com/de/news/news-details/17-06-2024-annual-analysis-reveals-steady-growth-in-industrial-network-market 25.02.2025 [2] ZVEI: 5G fĂŒr die Wirtschaft – Wie kann dieser Technologie zum Durchbruch verholfen werden? URL: https://www.zvei.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Presse_und_Medien/Publikationen/2025/Januar/2025-01-23_5G_Campusnetze/2025-01-23_Stellungnahme_5G-Campusnetze_BMDV.pdf 25.02.2025
Dr. Ramez Askar, Dr. Michael Peter
Sub-THz Semiconductor Technologies, Photonic and Microwave Circuits and Systems
Sub-terahertz (sub-THz) frequency bands are anticipated to augment the 5G spectrums in the context of 6G networks and the future beyond. Accordingly, there is a pressing need for the advancement of semiconductor technologies to achieve the requisite infrastructure and maturity for the integration of mobile devices. Numerous technologies, each with their respective advantages and disadvantages, may be suitable or necessitate further development to attain the level of commercialization maturity required. Heterointegration among various technologies could potentially serve as an effective solution. Furthermore, the sub-THz frequency range represents a convergence point where both electronic and photonic circuits, along with system solutions meet to offer competitive alternatives.
Dr. Ramez Askar, Dr. Michael Peter
Sub-THz Channel Measurements and Modeling for 6G and Beyond
Sub-THz frequency bands are anticipated to augment the 5G spectra in future 6G networks and beyond. Consequently, comprehensive studies are required on the electromagnetic radio wave propagation concerning both the frequency band and various scenarios associated with mobile and wireless network deployment. Channel sounding measurements and modeling serve as essential tools to identify these channels within the sub-THz bands.
Dr. Janis Nötzel (TUM, 6G-life), Dr. Igor BjelakoviÄ (Fraunhofer HHI, 6G-RIC), Dr. Henrike Wissing (Fraunhofer HHI, SQuaD)
Quantum Technologies for 6G and Beyond
The utilisation of quantum technologies is rapidly gaining prominence not only in the fundamental sciences but also in engineering. Quantum computing, Quantum Metrology, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Optical Communication are examples for emerging technologies, while Quantum Cryptography is already starting to be commercial deployed in todayâs communication networks. Quantum technology concepts and demonstrations can however provide benefits for technology domains far from their original scope, given cross-disciplinary interaction. The aim of this session is, therefore, to collect insights into recent developments in different fields of research that are of potential relevance to the design of future 6G communication networks, thereby stimulating cross-disciplinary exchange.
Prof. Gerhard Fettweis; Prof. Giuseppe Caire
Extreme MIMO in 6G âChallenges and Opportunities
Extremely large (XL) MIMO stands as a critical facilitator for next-generation mobile communications networks, offering substantial improvements in spectral and energy efficiency, angular resolution, and spatial degrees of freedom. These advancements, driven by the deployment of extensive antenna arrays and large array apertures, are essential to meet the escalating demands for high-capacity communications and to enable highly directive communication for an ever-expanding frequency range. However, these promising capabilities introduce considerable challenges in system performance analysis and optimization, as the XL-MIMO pushes the electromagnetic (EM) operating region from the far-field to the near-field and gives rise to the spatial wideband effect. The complexity is further exacerbated by additional emerging trends, including cell-free configurations with a large number of distributed antennas and the introduction of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) to the network. In this view, this session seeks to foster collaboration between industrial and academic stakeholders within the 6G research community and provide a platform to share and discuss their views on the potential gains and challenges associated with XL-MIMO.
Norman Franchi, Georg Fischer
On the importance of PA Design for 6G âFrom Massive MIMO to Sustainability and ISAC
The design of power amplifiers (PAs) is more crucial than ever in the 6G era and represents a key challenge in the development of next generation mobile networks. Already in 5G, high-performance MIMO and early massive MIMO-capable radio units (RUs) were developed to enable higher throughput capacities, carrier frequencies, and active beamforming arrays. An analysis of 4G and early 5G network deployments has shown that RUs, particularly power amplifiers, account for the highest energy consumption in mobile networksâestimated to be up to 75% of the total energy usage. As 5G expands and 6G is developed and deployed, a significant increase in deployment density and penetration of mobile networks with (distributed) massive MIMO and, in some cases, ultra-massive MIMO-capable RUs is expected. At the same time, 6G networks are set to incorporate new technology building blocks such as Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) to enable environmental perception through integrated radar functionalities, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), and Micro-Sleep Transmission, all of which will have a significant impact on PA design. Recent semiconductor trends like GaN-on-Si technology pave the way to an attractive cost structure at superior performance and dense integration. This is needed to raise the number of antenna elements with MIMO meeting the aim for large scale massive MIMO, delivering detailed knowledge about channel properties. Germany has outstanding technological expertise in the design of highly efficient and scalable power amplifier architectures and systems together with their predistortion. This session aims to highlight and discuss the significance of PA design in 6G, ongoing research within funded 6G projects, and Germanyâs unique strengths in this field.
Prof. Norman Franchi, Detlef Houdeau, Dr. Stefan Köpsell, Dr. Hekma Chaari
From Research to Reality: Implementing Trustworthiness in 6G Networks
As 6G transitions from the research phase to the implementation phase, Trustworthiness is now more oriented to the practical realization in 6G systems rather that a theoretical exploration. Today, it is important to discuss, define and demonstrate how to explore solutions to embed trustworthiness into 6G networks and conduct-in depth the interplay between technical implementations and user perceptions, ensuring that trustworthiness is not just a feature but a cornerstone of 6G. The session aims to link the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation. Key topics to be discussed include, but are not limited to, the following: Translating research findings into engineering challenges. Integrating trustworthiness metrics into the network design. Overcoming challenges related to security, privacy, and resilience. Ensuring alignment in implementing trustworthy solutions with standards and regulations. This session will allow to attendees gaining insights from experts and explore strategies to turn cutting-edge research into practical solutions for trustworthy 6G networks.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. sc. techn. Renato Negra
ESSENCE-6GM Project âTransceiver Sub-Modules for Flexibly Scalable Sub-THz Multi-Antenna Systems
Background: This session is related to the BMBF funded project ESSENCE-6GM. In a nutshell, ESSENCE-6GM addresses advanced transceiver modules for future scalable and flexible sub-THz (D-band & 220 GHz) multi-antenna systems. In particular, advanced components and building blocks like mixer stages and amplifiers are realized in leading SiGe BiCMOS, AlGaN/GaN-HEMT and InGaAs mHEMT semiconductor technologies. By making use of advanced wideband data converters and antenna on glass technology, as well as of appropriate transceiver architectures and assembly solutions, compact RF transceiver modules for scalable multi-antenna systems will be realized until end of ESSENCE-6GM project. This ESSENCE-6GM related session will give an overview and insight into ESSENCE-6GM project and will highlight some selected topics of the project like simulations on antenna configurations, wideband data converters, device design and realization as well as packaging. Motivation: Future mobile communication will enable entirely new application scenarios in industry, medical technology, and everyday life. This will come with new and higher demands on latency, data rate, spatial resolution, as well as data processing and energy management of communication systems, which cannot be met at present. A promising technological solution is the exploitation of new radio frequencies up to the sub-Terahertz range. This enables extremely high data rate communication and high-resolution sensing systems. To prepare and enable such advanced future systems, it is therefore mandatory to develop appropriate technologies, devices, architectures, assembly concepts, etc. for energy-efficient sub-THz transceivers. These transceivers, providing high signal quality and supporting large signal bandwidths, constitute the basis for advanced multi-antenna systems, supporting flexible beamforming and beam steering.
Florian SĂ€gebrecht
Accelerating 6G: How Startups Drive Disruption, Innovation, and Technological Sovereignty
As we stand on the brink of the 6G era, startups are poised to lead the charge in shaping disruptive technologies that will redefine the future of communication. Their agility, innovation, and ability to rapidly bring new solutions to market make them essential drivers of growth and technological sovereignty in this transformative space. This session is designed to showcase how young, dynamic companies can fast-track the development of groundbreaking 6G technologies, leveraging state support, incubators, and collaboration to push the boundaries of whatâs possible. Weâll explore how startups are uniquely positioned to foster agility in development, create market-ready solutions, and play a central role in the global technological landscape. Join the session to discover how startups are revolutionizing the 6G field and securing a future of technological sovereignty and accelerated innovation.
Dr. André Bergmann
Perspectives on Cybersecurity for 5G/6G Communication Technologies Subtitle: „Security Innovations for Enhancing the Resilience of 5G/6G Infrastructures“
The introduction of 5G and the upcoming development of 6G present great opportunities for digital transformation, but they also impose significant security and resilience challenges for these networks. The funding measure „Cybersecurity and Digital Sovereignty in Communication Technologies 5G/6G“ supports research projects that develop security solutions capable of addressing current threats and anticipating future challenges. Resilience technologies, such as disturbance detection and emergency recovery, are crucial to ensure the long-term security of 5G/6G infrastructures. The panel will explore current and future challenges in 5G/6G communication technologies, with a particular focus on the resilience of networks and the necessary security innovations. Existing solutions, future requirements, and approaches to enhancing security and resilience will be discussed. The target audience for this panel includes professionals from the communication and IT industries, companies involved in 5G/6G technology development, researchers and developers in network security, as well as regulators and policymakers.
Mai Alissa, Stefan Köpsell
Trustworthiness of and by AI/ML for 6G
AI/ML is seen as one key enabler for the upcoming 6G system. It is not only envisioned to utilise AI/ML for general network optimisation, e.g. regarding the RAN. But more general to pave the way towards Intent-based networking. Moreover, AI/ML is foreseen to support cybersecurity by e.g. improved threat detection or automated security control orchestration. In general utilising AI/ML brings great opportunities but also introduces new risks given the current state regarding the trustworthiness of AI/ML algorithms themselves. The panel will highlight the opportunities and challenges related to the usage of AI/ML for 6G systems. We will discuss how a trustworthy integration of AI/ML could be possible, and which next steps are necessary to achieve this. We like to discuss this in an holistic manner covering different means (technical, organisational, regulatory etc.) and perspectives from different stakeholders (industry, academia etc.).
Stefan Köpsell, Norman Franchi
Trustworthiness of Joint Communication & Sensing (JCAS)
According to the visions and requirements for 6G systems as laid out by ITU-R in IMT-2030, Joint communication and Sensing (JCAS) will become a new functionality in 6G. Sensing-as-a-Service will allow for many new use cases. But these use cases will only become reality, if this sensing service will be trustworthy. Trustworthiness covers various aspects including the correctness of the provided sensing results as well as respecting the privacy of involved human beings. At the moment some preliminary work towards JCAS standardisation e.g. by 3GPP and ETSI is happening. Therefore, this session will discuss the necessary steps to implement a truly trustworthy sensing architecture for 6G considering use case as well as regulatory driven requirements and considering technical boundary conditions. The discussion will cover perspectives from different stakeholders to support a multifaced development of JCAS following the trustworthiness-by-design paradigm.
Ralf Irmer, Thomas Neumuth, Christoph Lipps
Connected Health: Communication Technologies for the Medicine of the Future
The integration of cutting-edge communication technologies into the healthcare sector opens up new possibilities for medical care. This session explores the potential and challenges of Connected Health, particularly in the context of 6G and AI-driven applications. The session begins with an overview of the current state of technology and a critical assessment of existing AI applications from a medical perspective. It also examines the viewpoint of medical device manufacturers, focusing on the requirements that modern communication technologies must meet for safe and efficient integration into medical devices. Regulatory frameworks play a crucial role, especially concerning the AI Act and other legal requirements relevant to connected healthcare solutions. This session highlights the regulatory challenges that need to be addressed and discusses how future developments can be shaped. A key part of the discussion revolves around the current state of 6G development and the opportunities it presents for healthcare. Experts will explore how modern network technologies can support medical applications â from real-time communication to the secure transmission of sensitive patient data. The session concludes with insights into the 6G Health research project: What progress has been made, what challenges remain, and which practical applications can already be experienced at the conference? This session offers an interdisciplinary exchange between medicine, technology, and regulation â with the goal of developing future-proof, secure, and high-performance Connected Health solutions.
Dr.-Ing. Elke Roth-Mandutz
6G Standardization: Sustainability and Beyond
3GPP is only at the very beginning of 6G. For the Radio Access Network (RAN), the studies will be defined in in the RAN Plenary in June 2025 – shortly before the start of the Berlin Conference. We intend to present and discuss this current initial direction and topics of 6G in 3GPP. In addition, we focus on a „GREEN“ 6G network. For the RAN, this is primarily about saving energy in the network. Our research has shown that there is great potential for significant energy savings in 6G networks, not only for cost savings for network operators, but also as a contribution to a more sustainable future.Â
Daniel Lindenschmitt
StartUpConnect & Crowd Innovation Workshop
The session is targeted at all those interested in founding a startup and those who have already gained initial experience in this area. Especially people who have already developed ideas can get further ideas of how they can improve their business with a differentiated view in this session. This session is led by the StartUpConnect Incubator s.s.c.KL of the Open6GHub. It is providing startup support from a scientific and technical perspective in an early phase, but also an economic perspective to turn ideas into successful startups The BMBF’s StartUpConnect funding program offers an attractive financing structure for research teams and startups and the incubator offers a powerful startup and innovation ecosystem. The incubator has set itself the task of using the knowledge of many through crowd innovation. The feedback that the researchers receive can minimize the risk of making the wrong business decisions. In addition to this session, the StartUpConnect program will be presented and teams will pitch their ideas targeting everyone in the 6G programme
Norman Franchi, Vahid Jamali, Joachim Sachs (Chairs der WG â6G Resilient-by-Designâ)
Building Resilient Communication Networks: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Critical Infrastructure
The resilience of critical infrastructure has become a major concern in today’s interconnected society. Communication networks play a vital role in this infrastructure, and ensuring resilient communication services is essential for operational reliability, especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks or system component failures. Although the principles of resilience have been extensively studied, further research is required to effectively implement resilience features in practical systems. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of the requirements of resilient communication networks can create new market opportunities and contribute to the ongoing standardisation of 6G. Developing resilient communication networks is a complex, interdisciplinary effort that requires input from different stakeholders, each with different perspectives and needs. To address these challenges, the 6G Platform Germany has established the â6G Resilient-by-Designâ working group to foster collaboration between industry, academia and regulators. This proposed session will provide valuable insights from these diverse fields and promote a collaborative approach to strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure. To this end, invited speakers will share their recent findings from related research projects, present industry perspectives and requirements, and discuss the role of regulatory bodies. Additionally, international partners are invited to contribute to the session, highlighting the global significance of resilient communication networks.
Anke Schmeink, Haris Gacanin
6G-Powered Industrial Internet of Things: Advancing Reliability, Security, and Sustainable Connectivity
As we approach the era of 6G communications, expected around 2030, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) faces unprecedented challenges in supporting next-generation industrial applications. These emerging applications demand exceptional capabilities in reliability, massive connectivity, energy efficiency, and security to enable truly automated and intelligent industrial operations. 6G technology promises to revolutionize IIoT implementations through several groundbreaking capabilities. With expected peak data rates of 1 Tbps, sub-millisecond latency, and connection density supporting up to 10^7 devices per square kilometer, 6G will enable new industrial applications previously deemed impossible. The integration of artificial intelligence, quantum communications, multi-functionality, and terahertz communications will provide robust solutions to current industrial communication challenges. Key technological advances in 6G will address critical IIoT challenges: AI-driven predictive resource allocation and multi-band operation will ensure ultra-reliable communication for critical industrial processes; novel multiple access schemes will support massive device connectivity while maintaining service quality; energy harvesting and intelligent power management will enhance sustainability; and quantum-safe cryptography combined with AI-powered threat detection will provide comprehensive security frameworks. These capabilities will enable transformative industrial applications, including real-time digital twins with predictive maintenance capabilities, fully autonomous robotic manufacturing cells requiring ultra-reliable communications, collaborative industrial augmented reality for remote expertise, and intelligent supply chain management with massive IoT sensor networks. This session brings together experts from academia and industry to explore these crucial aspects of 6G-enabled IIoT, focusing on both theoretical foundations and practical implementations that will shape the future of industrial communications.
Prof. Friedel Gerfers, Prof. Thomas Zwick
6G Transceiver Realisations -From Concept to Implementation
6G transceiver realizations, spanning from concept to implementation, facilitate a significant leap in wireless communication technology, promising ultra-low latency, higher data rates, outstanding energy-efficiency and enhanced connectivity. The presentation begin with theoretical framework that define new frequency bands, such as sub-THz, to achieve unprecedented speeds and reliability. These early-stage designs focus on overcoming propagation challenges, signal interference, and hardware limitations. Advanced semiconductor technologies and metamaterials are explored for antennas and circuit efficiency. The transition from concept to prototype involves designing highly integrated transceiver architectures incorporating multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and beamforming for improved efficiency. Testing and validation in real-world scenarios require sophisticated simulation environments and over-the-air testing setups. The implementation phase demands collaboration between academia and industry, and regulatory bodies to ensure standardization and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Energy efficiency, miniaturization, and cost-effectiveness remain critical challenges as manufacturers strive for commercial viability. Continuous advancements in semiconductor technologies and network architectures will further refine 6G transceiver capabilities, ensuring seamless global connectivity. The journey from concept to implementation is thus a multifaceted endeavor, requiring breakthroughs in multiple disciplines to fulfill the promise of next-generation wireless communication. nectivity.
Dr.-Ing. Mario Pauli, Amina Fellan
Navigating EMF Exposure in 6G Networks
As the world continues to embrace rapid advancements in communication technologies, the deployment of 5G and discussions on 6G future networks promises transformative benefits. However, it also raises important questions about the electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Ensuring a clear understanding of these exposure implications is critical for responsible innovation and public confidence. This session aims to introduce its participants to the considerations for effective evaluation of EMF exposure and provide them with key insights into exposure assessment methodologies and critical aspects for ensuring compliance and safety in an evolving digital landscape.
Frank Fitzek
Collaborative Network Robotics
6G wird als Plattform fĂŒr kollaborative mobile vernetzte Robotik dienen. Es sollen Anwendungsfelder und Technologien besprochen.
Armin Dekorsy, Dirk WĂŒbben
3D Research & Development
Unified 3D-Netzwerk als technologische SouverÀnitÀt
Armin Dekorsy, Dirk WĂŒbben
6G meets IRIS2?
Unified 3D-Netzwerk als technologische SouverÀnitÀt
Michael Meyer
6G RAN technology components
Session for scientific exchange on fundamental technology components of the 6G air interface. Concepts how spectral efficiency and energy efficiency can be further improved compared to previous generations. Among others, the results will be based on the 6GANNA lighthouse project outcome. The proposed topics are: â6G PHY fundamentals & RAN protocols (e.g. Ericsson) âMore massive MIMO & Energy efficiency (e.g. Fraunhofer HHI, to be confirmed) âAI integration in PHY (e.g. R&S, to be confirmed) âProgrammability of the 6G RAN (e.g. Bosch, to be confirmed) âMigration path from 5G and Multi-RAT spectrum sharing (e.g. Nokia, to be confirmed)
Prof. Dr. Norman Franchi, Prof. Dr. Falko Dressler
German Perspective on 6G âUse Cases, Technical Building Blocks and Requirements
Through the collective efforts of contributors from various 6G projects, WG4: Roadmap of the 6G Platform Germany has identified key application scenarios, emerging technologies, and future requirements shaping 6G research, development, and standardization in Germany and Europe. This work culminated in a comprehensive white paper outlining the latest insights on 6G use cases, necessary technology building blocks, and their associated requirements. In this session, we will present our most significant findings and explore potential extensions, improvements, and open questions in designing 6G technology. We also aim to discuss how our findings align with other research and standardization efforts across Europe.
Gerald Kunzmann, Admela Jukan
6G on the Horizon: Converging Towards a Practical 6G System Architecture
As the 3GPP study for 6G Day-1 specifications begins, this session brings together leading experts to explore the convergence of diverse research concepts into a practical and robust system architecture. We will delve into the critical aspects of building a future-proof 6G network, including: Holistic System Architecture: Presentations will cover the overall 6G system architecture, encompassing key technologies like NTN integration, joint communication and sensing, and network slicing. Monetization and Profitability: The session will address the crucial need for a flexible and adaptable architecture that supports a wide range of use cases, enabling telcos to monetize and generate revenue from 6G services. Resilience and Security: We will explore how to deploy a 6G system architecture that enhances network resilience, ensuring robust and secure operation in the face of evolving threats and disruptions. This session provides a valuable platform for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing 6G development, fostering collaboration, and driving the convergence of research towards a practical and profitable 6G ecosystem. Join us to gain insights into the key considerations for building a successful 6G future. The session will be co-chaired by Prof. Admela Jukan from TU Braunschweig.
Haris Gacanin, Thorsten Wild, Takehiro Nakamura, Adrian A. Garcia, Wolfgang Utschick, Andreas MĂŒller
AI for Radio Access Networks
Modern Radio Access Networks (RANs) must support diverse services, massive device connectivity, ultra-low latency, and energy-efficient operations while adapting to dynamic user demands and environmental conditions. Traditional optimization techniques struggle to meet these demands due to the sheer scale and variability of modern networks. AI emerged as a transformative solution, enabling intelligent, adaptive, and data-driven RAN management. AI-driven techniques, such as machine learning and deep reinforcement learning, and recently generative AI, have demonstrated significant potential in optimizing resource allocation, managing interference, and automating network configuration. These approaches may unlock new levels of performance, enabling scalable, flexible, and self-optimizing RANs while challenging constraints on energy efficiency. This session will explore the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in applying AI to RAN. It aims to bring discussion from academics and industry leaders to discuss innovations in AI-based RAN optimization with hybrid edge and on-device intelligence through collaborative learning. Key topics include predictive resource allocation, mobility and energy-efficient RAN design, and deployment challenges in AI-driven RAN solutions. By fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange, this session seeks to accelerate the integration of AI into RAN, paving the way for more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent future mobile networks.
Silvio Mandelli and Oliver Blume: Session will be chaired jointly by the coordinators of KOMSENS-6G and 6G-ICAS4Mobility
ICAS in Cellular Infrastructure and Sidelink
Integrated Communication and Sensing (ICAS) is one of the key innovations in 5G/6G. ICAS extends cellular communication from localization of connected devices to radar-like sensing of non-connected objects. The two industrial projects Komsens-6G and 6G-ICAS4Mobility are addressing ICAS in a complementary work split. Komsens-6G is using Uplink or Downlink channels of cellular radio access network infrastructure, while 6G-ICAS4Mobile focusses on device-side sensing and the sidelink channel, i.e. incorporating additional aspects of user equipments (UEs). This results in different system architectures, sensing performance, and business models. The session will present the main results (e.g. concepts, simulation and measurements) and the lessons-learned in the two projects. It will provide an overview of the PoCs (beyond the demos shown at the joint booth), showcasing what ICAS can deliver in practical scenarios. The session will be open to all participants of the 6G event. We will give room for an engaged discussion.
Bin Han
The 2nd Workshop on Security, Privacy, and Resilience of Next-Generation Mobile Networks
In the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile networks, the importance of fortifying security, ensuring privacy, and enhancing resilience cannot be overstated. As we transition towards more sophisticated network architectures of future B5G/6G systems, the complexity and heterogeneity of these systems introduce unprecedented challenges in wireless cybersecurity. The integration of cloud-native software techniques, reliance on virtualized infrastructure, and the shift towards open-source components magnify the attack surface, making mobile networks increasingly susceptible to sophisticated cyber-attacks. These developments necessitate a paradigm shift in how we approach security in mobile networks. The workshop aims to address these critical issues by fostering discussions on innovative security measures, privacy-preserving technologies, and strategies to bolster network resilience against emerging threats. It is imperative to acknowledge that security is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it requires a balanced consideration of risk, cost, and usability to tailor defenses that protect against both current and future threats while ensuring the network’s mission objectives are met. Furthermore, the advent of technologies like AI and the expansion in the numbers and diversity of end-user devices introduce both opportunities and vulnerabilities. AI, while a powerful tool for network optimization and automation, also presents a novel attack vector that can be exploited by adversaries. The workshop seeks to illuminate these issues, promoting a holistic understanding of the security landscape in mobile networks. It aims to gather experts from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to collaboratively explore the residual risks inherited from current ICT infrastructures and the increased risks posed by the advent of B5G/6G networks. Discussions will not only cover the technical aspects of securing advanced networks but also delve into the economic and operational challenges of implementing high-security standards. By examining real-world breaches and theoretical attack scenarios, participants will gain insights into the evolving cyber-attack ecosystem and the continuous arms race between the network and its adversaries. This workshop is a clarion call to the community to prioritize security, privacy, and resilience in the design and operation of mobile networks, ensuring they remain trustworthy backbones of our digital society. This workshop was first organized in 2024 at the IEEE CNS 2024 in Taipei.
Aydin Sezgin, Robert Schober, Ehsan Tohidi
Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces
Building upon the great success of the two sessions we organized in 2024, the session aims to offer the audience a comprehensive overview of the potential advantages associated with reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) in the context of 6G technology. Key topics to be explored during the session include an in-depth examination of the operational principles underlying the expanding array of RIS variations, their respective models, and their integration and interaction with radio access concepts. Additionally, the session will delve into critical considerations such as efficient channel estimation, resilience, and physical layer security. Particular emphasis will be placed on exploring the applications of RIS within the framework of next-generation wireless networks, including but not limited to massive MIMO, cell-free operation, and Cloud-RAN. The objective is to shed light on the manifold ways RIS can significantly impact and enhance the functionality of these evolving communication paradigms. Furthermore, the session is designed to address the requisite mathematical tools essential for studying RIS applications. This encompasses a broad spectrum of techniques, ranging from information and communication theoretic modeling and analysis to convex, global, and machine-learning-based optimization methods. By delving into these mathematical foundations, the session aims to provide a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings that govern the efficacy of RIS in diverse communication scenarios. In addition to theoretical discussions, the session will feature in part vides of practical demonstrations showcasing proof-of-concept RIS experiments across various use cases. These demonstrations serve as tangible examples, offering insights into the real-world applicability and potential of RIS technology. Through this dual approach of theoretical exploration and practical demonstrations, the session seeks to provide a holistic and enriching learning experience for participants keen on understanding the transformative role of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces in the realm of 6G.
Carolin Fischer
Wissenschaftskommunikation
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Eduard Jorswieck, Falko Dressler
Resilient Networks
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Eduard Jorswieck, Stephan ten Brink, Aydin Sezgin
AI-assisted Communications
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George Yammine
6G Transfer & Innovation
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Andreas Stöhr, Ingmar Kallfass
mmW/THz 6G
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Andreas Bathelt
Zeitsynchronisation
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Federico Clazzer
Wireless Access Protocols for 6G TN/NTN
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Andrea Munari, Zoran Utkovski
Semantic/Goal-Oriented Communications in 6G
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Gianluigi Liva
Energy-efficient Coding for 6G
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Wolfgang Heinrich, Stephan Wunderer
6G and Sustainability
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André Drummond, Zoran Utkovski
Higher-layer aspects of 6G technology
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Colja Schubert, Johannes Karl Fischer
Optical Access and Transport for 6G
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Johannes Dommel
Sensing Technologies for Health in 6G Networks
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