Frontier · 5G and 6G radio access networks
IMT-2030 framework
The ITU vision for 6G: usage scenarios, capabilities and timelines that shape the next decade of networks.
We design and support.
Rec. ITU-R M.2160
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Frontier labs/
AI-RAN and 6GSensing and communication on shared compute.
AI-RAN and 6G, inside Frontier labs: IMT-2030 framework, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), AI-native air interface, sub-terahertz links and more. Every item is traced to its specification, from Rec. ITU-R M.2160 to 3GPP TR 22.837 (ISAC feasibility study), and runs on the open Observatory Protocol.
Plan with usArchitectureThe protocol- Technologies
- 7
- At the frontier
- 5
- Protocol functions
- 3 of 12
- Industries served
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01What it is
6G and integrated sensing and communication.
The radio access network from site to spectrum: macro, small cells, DAS and repeaters, massive MIMO, NR bands and TDD synchronisation, NR features such as RedCap, positioning and sidelink, private and shared networks, Wi-Fi coexistence, 6G and ISAC, and the planning and assurance that keep it working. Disaggregated, software-defined and AI-assisted radio access: the O-RAN architecture and its open interfaces, 7.2x fronthaul, RAN intelligent controllers with xApps and rApps, SMO and O-Cloud, accelerated L1, shared GPU infrastructure for RAN and AI, AI/ML in the 3GPP air interface, energy saving, and the test and integration work that makes multi-supplier RAN deployable. Each technology below carries what it is, what we do with it, and the standard it is drawn against.
Frontier · 5G and 6G radio access networks
Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC)
Using the radio network itself to detect and measure objects and environment alongside data service, under privacy rules.
We design and integrate.
3GPP TR 22.837 (ISAC feasibility study) · 3GPP TS 22.137 (ISAC service requirements) · 3GPP TR 23.700-14 (sensing architecture study)
Frontier · 5G and 6G radio access networks
AI-native air interface
Air interface components designed around learned models rather than fixed algorithms.
We design.
Rec. ITU-R M.2160 · 3GPP TR 38.843 (AI/ML for the NR air interface)
Frontier · 5G and 6G radio access networks
Sub-terahertz links
Links above 100 GHz for very high capacity over short distances and fixed backhaul.
We design.
IEEE 802.15.3d (252–325 GHz)
Frontier · AI-RAN and Open RAN
AI/ML for CSI feedback
Learned compression and prediction of channel state information to improve MIMO precoding.
We design.
3GPP TR 38.843 (AI/ML for NR air interface, Rel-18)
AI-RAN and Open RAN
AI/ML beam management
Predicting best beams in space and time to cut measurement overhead, specified from Rel-19.
We design and integrate.
3GPP TR 38.843 · 3GPP Rel-19 AI/ML for NR air interface
AI-RAN and Open RAN
AI/ML positioning
Direct and assisted learned positioning that improves accuracy in non-line-of-sight conditions.
We design and integrate.
3GPP TR 38.843 · 3GPP TS 38.305 (Rel-19)
02Architecture
Where it sits, and what it speaks.
AI-RAN and 6G draws on the spectrum below; the highlighted layers carry this area, and the protocol functions it speaks are marked.
Edge inference, model serving and optimisation
10
Foundation models for Earth observation and geospatial
9
Time-series and sensor AI
8
Multimodal fusion and agentic operations
7
Federated and privacy-preserving learning
7
Physical AI and robotics (within red lines)
7
MLOps
7
Evaluation, model risk and AI governance
10
O-RAN architecture and open interfaces
7
Fronthaul (7.2x split) and transport
8
RAN intelligent controllers, xApps and rApps
8
SMO, O-Cloud and accelerated L1
8
AI-RAN: shared accelerated infrastructure
7
AI/ML in the air interface and network management
8
Energy saving and efficiency
6
Testing, integration and security
8
01Join Identity, attestation quote, signed policy.
02Admit Admitted for a stated scope, nothing wider.
03Describe What, where, how and by whom, with calibration.
04Time One clock across the grid, with its error bound.
05Observe Every value with quality and provenance.
06Qualify Tested against the specification, state on record.
07Federate Signed exchange across grids and trust domains.
08Orchestrate Software and configuration by signed plan.
09Correct A correction marks what depends on it and publishes a new version.
10Exchange Products reach people and applications through versioned interfaces.
11Prove Signed proof receipts that an independent verifier can check.
12Exit and decommission An open exit path, and a record that closes.
03On the grid
Every site joins one observing grid.
The open networks on the grid today, over real relief and the geodesic cells we count them into, filtered to the space domain this area serves. A site built here enrols into the same grid.
The observing grid
- Open space instruments on the observing grid.
04In the field
Where this runs, sector by sector.
Deployment scenarios from the sector research that rely on AI-RAN and 6G.
Defence-adjacent (civil dual-use)Research and development route through the defence science programme
A science-and-technology programme on all-domain situational awareness.Government and public safetyNational GBON surface and upper-air network
WMO-grade stations reporting through WIS 2.0, funded through the systematic-observations financing pathway.Government and public safetyWildfire camera network and fire-weather stations
Camera towers with edge inference and co-located fire-weather stations, utility- or agency-funded.Government and public safetyUrban street-flood sensor network
Open-hardware depth sensors with open data and alerts to emergency management.Government and public safetyAlerting integration with the Common Alerting Protocol and cell broadcast
Software-heavy: sensor triggers feed an alert origination tool; the alert authority keeps every decision.Government and public safetyDeployable communications and sensing for incident command
A cell on wheels with satellite backhaul, mesh telemetry and environment nodes at the incident base.05Open and enterprise
Open by default. Enterprise by contract.
The open counterpart lives on the main site for anyone to read and run. The enterprise service is designed, deployed and operated with you, under contract.
Open, on the main site
- Benchmark methods
- Pilot reports, published either way
Enterprise, on this site
- Research pilots
- Prototype engineering
06The rest of the line
Frontier labs, area by area.
Frontier labsPilots
New technology, a real site, a written plan.Frontier labsBenchmarks
Open data, one method, comparable results.Frontier labsSpace and NTN
Direct-to-device and new payloads, tested.Frontier labsPhysical AI
Drones and robots, inside published red lines.Frontier labsInto the product
From a result to a qualified release.Bring us the site.
Survey, design, deployment and operation for AI-RAN and 6G. The form names who receives your details.
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