5G-ACIA is planning the evolution of 5G towards 6G

5G-ACIA has already set the plans for 5G evolution towards 6G in motion and encourages efforts to advance cellular technology in the future. The alliance is planning to extend their know-how and influence future developments of the 5G technology to the next generations of wireless technologies, including 6G.

5G-ACIA focus on optimizing the potential of 5G in connected industries and automation. In the meanwhile, they also strive to fast-track the advancements of the industrial automation sector in the manufacturing and process industries. A position paper (see link below) highlights their vision and focal points, planned to usher in the gradual shift to 6G technology. With their farsighted approach, 5G-ACIA are continuing their efforts in working with relevant standardization bodies to fortify the long-term success of mobile communications in the industrial domain.

Accelerated automation with 6G 

The position paper also discusses the applicable key aspects that 5G-ACIA proposes to further the development of industrial communication in The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). They emphasize, for instance, applications of the vertical industry and its requirements, including those of the manufacturing and process industries. Their needs analyses also elucidate the required strengthening of non-public networks and associated flexible deployment of operating models.

Given the relatively recent deployment of 5G networks, the conception and implementation of 6G technology remain in the initial stages. The initial planning, resultantly, calls for well-rounded strategy development. The paper, thereby, also lays out the potential challenges that the onset of this future technology could face.

Necessary investments in infrastructure

For a successful deployment and gradual progression into 6G, investments would have to be made in infrastructure and equipment. Diversion from carrying out the requirements mentioned above and investments brought into 5G may result in a slowdown and delay in adopting cellular connectivity in the industry. Therefore, some of those industries, such as manufacturing and process, shall require backwards compatible solutions for adopting technology.

Hence, this position paper draws upon the industrial requirements that need to be supported in the next decade. 5G-ACIA mark the required acceleration in automation and digitalization needed to improve resource efficiency in production, speed up the adoption of green technologies, and boost sustainability.

The 5G-ACIA drive to provide solutions, to ensure, that the requirements of the industrial domain are adequately considered in 5G standardization and regulation. The flexibility of the 5G architecture ensures the effectual acclimatization of new functional requirements, and secondly, their seamless evolution to 5G and beyond. 5G-ACIA plans to further tap into the possibilities offered by mobile networks and are working towards realizing them by the next generation.

Link to whitepaper: Read more about 5G-ACIA’s vision on the evolution of 5G towards 6G