NextGen Cellular Networks: 6G Coming into Focus
The telecommunications industry is working hard to make the transition from 5G to 6G a reality. The General Services Administration reported last year that the target for establishing 6G as the commercial standard is 2030, because it will require research, innovation, and international agreement on new interoperability standards.
Over the course of three sessions, thought leaders in government and industry will discuss the opportunities and technical advancements being explored, including a closer look at two of the most significant projects now underway to prepare for a 6G-enabled world.
Session 1: OCUDU – The Search for Open Source Hardware
OCUDU (Open Centralized Unit/Distributed Unit) is a collaborative initiative and open-source project, hosted by the Linux Foundation , aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of 5G and 6G Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN). It provides a common, carrier-grade, open-source software foundation for the CU and DU layers, which are critical components of radio access networks. The intent of OCUDU is to break vendor lock-in and accelerate the transition from proprietary, hardware-locked RAN systems to software-defined, open ecosystems.
Amanda Toman , Director, Public Wireless Chain Supply Innovation Fund, NTIA
Dr. David Kirkwood , Program Manager, OCUDU, OUSW R&E FutureG
Session 2: Turning Mobile Devices into Radar
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is a 6G technology that enables wireless networks to simultaneously transmit data and detect objects, essentially turning mobile networks into radars. It uses shared radio signals, infrastructure, and hardware to track, locate, and image objects in real-time, improving network efficiency and enabling new, high-precision services. ISAC reduces hardware costs and saves spectrum resources by consolidating functions. It is considered a cornerstone of 6G, enabling faster, more reliable communication.
Scott Robohn, Co-F