Standardisation, in the context of telecommunication networks and services, is a crucial tool to ensure future 6G systems as it enables an effective transfer of research results to the European and global markets. For Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) projects, like 6G-NTN, standardisation activities are ways to increase the impact outside the consortium, particularly toward the industry and society as a whole, by facilitating project results’ exploitation and providing for their dissemination.
This is why 6G-NTN project coordinator, Alessandro Vanelli Coralli, Professor of Telecommunications at the University of Bologna, and 6G-NTN partner, Mohamed El Jaafari, 5G radio standardisation specialist at Thales Alenia Space, presented the 6G-NTN plan for standardisation at the ETSI Research Conference in Sophia Antipolis (France) from 6th to 8th February 2023.
In the conference panel dedicated to the Stream B of 6G SNS projects, 6G-NTN presented its roadmap to integrate the project’s innovations into standards and maximise its impact. Even if the project has just started, the 6G-NTN partners have already outlined a standardisation strategy that will involve stakeholders such as ETSI, 3GPP and ITU-R Working Part 4B to exploit the project’s results and realise the full integration of Non-Terrestrial Network component into the 6G system.
The conference, which gathered the European community of researchers and innovators in the 5G / 6G field as well as European representatives from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), also provided the ideal platform for exchanging insights with the standards community and bringing contributions to move next-generation standardisation forward.
WHAT ARE STANDARDS?
Standards are agreed on definitions or specifications of units, methods, tests products, processes, or services. They provide a basis for mutual understanding not only for organisations but also for individuals. Some might not realise but standards are everywhere. Their goal is to make life easier, safer, and healthier for both consumers and businesses. They are useful for optimising performance, ensuring the health and safety of consumers and workers, protecting the environment, and enabling businesses to comply with relevant laws and regulations.
ABOUT 6G SMART NETWORKS AND SERVICES
The European Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) is a Public-Private Partnership that aims to facilitate and develop industrial leadership in Europe in 5G and 6G networks and services. The SNS JU funds projects that shape a solid research and innovation (R&I) roadmap and deployment agenda by engaging a critical mass of European stakeholders and facilitating international cooperation on various 6G initiatives. More here.