Above-100 GHz wave propagation studies in the European project Hexa-X for 6G channel modelling

Abstract We describe capabilities and plans to characterize above 100 GHz radio channel and propagation effects as part of a 6G research project Hexa-X. The starting point is the existing knowledge of radio propagation gathered by prior measurement and theoretical studies. Then we define measurement equipment, planned or performed campaigns, and discuss some challenges related to measurements at upper mm-wave frequencies. For several reasons the channel measurements are more time consuming on higher frequencies and it is not easy to collect enough data for statistical analysis. Hence we briefly introduce a stored channel model that will be developed based on the gathered channel measurement data. This initial channel model can be used as it is for physical layer studies through simulations and also as a basis for future channel models

Towards versatile access networks

Abstract Compared to its previous generations, the 5th generation (5G) cellular network features an additional type of densification, i.e., a large number of active antennas per access point (AP) can be deployed. This technique is known as massive multipleinput multiple-output (mMIMO) [1]. Meanwhile, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) evolution, e.g., in channel state information (CSI) enhancement, and also on the study of a larger number of orthogonal demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports for MU-MIMO, was one of the Release 18 of 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP Rel-18) work item [2]. This release (3GPP Rel-18) package approval, in the fourth quarter of 2021, marked the start of the 5G Advanced evolution in 3GPP [3]. The other items in 3GPP Rel-18 are to study and add functionality in the areas of network energy savings, coverage, mobility support, multicast broadcast services, and positioning [2]