Samsung and Verizon complete key 6G network technology trial

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Technology companies Samsung and Verizon are reported to have completed a trial of key technology for the commercialisation of sixth-generation (6G) networks.

The trial, named Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), is based on artificial intelligence (AI) and was carried out at an international football fan event in Texas, United States, as reported by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday. According to a statement published on Samsung’s official website, the testing enables sensing-based intelligence to monitor a virtual network in real time.

“The successful ISAC trial underscores how Verizon’s early decision to adopt software-based, AI-powered vRAN has laid a solid foundation, positioning the company at the forefront of the journey to 6G,” said Ji Yun-seol, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Strategy for Samsung’s Network Business.

Among the benefits demonstrated, event visitors could receive information about less crowded facilities and catering services. With this information, they would not need to queue for long periods during an event to take a break and could enjoy the main programme for longer.

From the event organiser’s perspective, the technology can display crowd distribution and facility usage. This capability allows organisers to deploy resources quickly and optimise operations.

For security organisations and governments, the technology enables the detection of emerging risks such as excessive crowding. This early detection capability allows intervention to manage crowd control and prevent other public safety incidents.

The results of the trial are said to mark the industry’s first practical implementation of a key 6G technology. The 6G trial also demonstrated how telecommunications operators can leverage software-based network architecture to create infrastructure that actively senses, understands, and responds to its surroundings.

During the ISAC trial, Samsung integrated its commercial AI-based virtual radio access network (vRAN) and virtual core network (vCore) technology with the ISAC application. This allowed the ISAC trial to utilise connectivity from the 5G network without requiring additional equipment.

The trial took place after Samsung announced its participation in the Verizon 6G Innovation Forum, led by Verizon alongside Meta, Ericsson, Nokia, and Qualcomm.