Docomo, Samsung validate user-level AI-RAN technology
This validation represents an important step toward realizing predictive network operations, especially as AI-driven network optimization becomes increasingly prevalent in the 6G network.
Japan’s leading mobile operator NTT Docomo and Samsung Electronics have announced that they have successfully validated AI-based radio access network (AI-RAN) optimization technology at the user level.
In a validation conducted in Japan using simulations based on data collected from Docomo’s commercial network and a local 5G trial field, the companies reduced the frequency of communication-speed degradation from 13.1% to 7.2%—an improvement of 5.9 percentage points—compared with operation without the technology, according to a media release.
Additionally, Docomo and Samsung developed an efficient data collection process to minimize network burden during wireless network optimization. Unlike traditional methods that required bulk collection and processing of wireless environment data, the new procedure selectively gathers only necessary information based on specific user issues, reducing strain on the network while obtaining the critical data needed for AI-driven throughput degradation prediction and network optimization.
Moving forward, Docomo and Samsung will continue to advance this technology and explore future 6G use cases, the media release said.
“This achievement represents a significant step toward realizing more adaptive and user-centric communication experiences in future networks,” said Masafumi Masuda, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the 6G-Tech Department, R&D Innovation Division, NTT Docomo. “Through partnerships with Samsung, Docomo will continue to advance AI-based technologies and explore practical applications to further enhance service quality and deliver new value to our customers.”
“By shifting our research focus from overall cell performance to AI-driven individual user considerations, we have demonstrated the potential for enhanced perceived quality at the user level,” said JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of the Advanced Communications Research Center, Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics. “Through close collaboration with Docomo, we will continue securing core technologies for future communications centered around users.”
