ETRI Selected as Lead Organization for 6G Core Technology Development Project

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on the 24th that it has been selected as the lead organization for the '6G Core Technology Development Project,' involving 37 joint research institutions including mobile communication service providers, Samsung Electronics, and KAIST.

The 6G research project is divided into five key focus areas and eight strategic tasks, each carried out by different institutions. First, the ultra-performance and ultra-broadband field aims to secure terabyte (Tbps)-level transmission speeds in the terahertz (THz) band, a candidate frequency band for 6G. Researchers plan to develop wireless communication, optical communication, RF components, and safety evaluation technologies using this frequency band, enabling large-capacity data services at faster transmission speeds than before.

The ultra-spatial field is a technology area not present in previous generations, developing '3D spatial communication' technology that integrates and utilizes mobile communication and satellite communication technologies to provide gigabit (Gbps)-level services even in maritime, remote, and disaster situations. The plan is to overcome the limitations of current ground-centered (below 120m altitude) mobile communication technologies and research technologies that enable smooth communication in cars, airplanes, drones, and more.

The ultra-intelligent and ultra-precise transmission field covers 'intelligent wireless access technology' that ensures smooth connections even in highly interfered environments, 'intelligent 6G core network technology' that provides user-specific specialized services, and 'end-to-end high-precision network technology' that reduces data delay differences over long distances.

ETRI plans to develop core 6G technologies and achieve intelligence across all industries through collaboration with joint research institutions, thereby strengthening the nation's competitiveness in mobile communication technology. In 2019, ETRI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for joint 6G research with the University of Oulu in Finland, and last year, it developed key technology areas, core performance indicators, and usage scenarios, publishing the '6G Insight' report. ETRI has also conducted long-term research on the core frequency of 6G implementation, developing related industrial technologies such as broadband detectors and non-destructive measurement equipment.

Bang Seungchan, Director of ETRI's Communications Media Research Laboratory, said, "Being selected as the lead organization for this project has given us significant momentum to secure core source technologies and intellectual property rights (IPR) and to lead international standard technologies. We will do our best to work with domestic researchers to achieve the world's first commercialization of 6G."

Meanwhile, this research project was reflected this year following the Ministry of Science and ICT's announcement in August last year of the 'Future Mobile Communication R&D Promotion Strategy for Leading the 6G Era.' A total of 214.7 billion KRW will be invested over five years.