NTT Docomo and NTT will conduct 6G trials with its technology partners such as Fujitsu, NEC, Nokia, etc.
The partners will utilize radio waves in the high frequency range (sub-terahertz waves) of 100 GHz and 300 GHz, which represent promising candidates for use in 6G to realize a high-speed communication technology with radio wave propagation that is not affected by obstacles. The companies further aim to develop a high-frequency wireless device that utilizes a compound semiconductor.
DOCOMO and NTT will conduct trials of distributed MIMO, a wireless communication technology where multiple sub-terahertz wave antennas are dispersed to simultaneously emit radio waves from multiple directions to a receiving terminal.
The aim is to develop technology that is resistant to obstruction and realizes stable high-speed wireless communication over 100 Gbps.
Naoki Tani, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at DOCOMO, comments: “DOCOMO has been collaborating with Fujitsu since 2014 to verify wireless technologies towards the realization of 5G, and has leveraged the obtained know-how to provide 5G commercial services since 2020. We are delighted to collaborate with Fujitsu also towards the realization of the 6G concept.
Fujitsu
Fujitsu aims to develop high-frequency wireless devices utilizing compound semiconductors such as gallium nitride (GaN) and indium phosphorus (InP). Fujitsu will promote the development of technologies for the realization of practical applications for 6G and actively engage in global 6G standardization activities to contribute to solving societal issues through R&D.
NEC
NEC will conduct R&D on device technologies for reducing size and power consumption, as well as high-precision beamforming technologies, transmission methods and propagation models suitable for high-frequency bands. This is in addition to the development of optimization and signal processing technologies utilizing AI. NEC aims to develop and realize these technologies for supporting the start of 6G services by DOCOMO and NTT near 2030.
Nokia
Nokia said the aim is to demonstrate a performance gain with an AI based 6G air interface compared to a conventional air interface, and to show that high-data rate beamformed access can be achieved in a high frequency band at 140 GHz.
The plan is to set up environments for experiments and demonstrations in DOCOMO and NTT premises in Japan and Nokia premises in Stuttgart, Germany, and to begin performing the desired tests and measurements in 2022.
