Project | InsightIQ

Seamless integration into future 6th generation (6G) mobile communications systems without compromising service quality is a key aspect of this project. For this purpose, a BITW solution will be implemented between the radio unit (RU) and the distributed unit (DU) in the radio access network (RAN), enabling radio channel analysis outside the communications system. To evaluate the technological approach as quickly as possible and to validate the business model, the current 5th generation of mobile communications (5G) will be used as a reference for the development of the future-proof solution. According to 5G 3GPP Split 7.2x, the connection between the RU and DU is established via the enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI), with low PHY processing in the RU and high PHY in the DU. This interface is expected to also be present in 6G systems. IQ data, which contains important information about the radio channel, is transmitted via this eCPRI interface. A P4 programmable switch extracts this data using data plane programming and forwards it to a high-performance instance outside the communications system without impacting the actual eCPRI transmission. This high-performance instance is equipped with FPGA-based network cards that can accelerate computing tasks in data centers and perform intelligent preprocessing. The extracted data is then structured in real time and made available in a cloud service. This data platform exposes simple characteristics of the radio channel and offers tools for implementing the vision of Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS) using AI. This solution will lay the foundation for 6G by leveraging network operators' existing infrastructure and enabling access to big data and AI.

Partners

Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz GmbH