The goal of the “6G-Access, Network of Networks, Automation & Simplification (6G-ANNA)” project is to develop a holistic design for the sixth generation of mobile communications that includes an end-to-end architecture. To this end, the fundamentals of radio access are first investigated, and innovative protocols and signal processing algorithms are designed and implemented. This is followed by the investigation of appropriate network management and orchestration approaches. The goal is to simplify and improve the interaction between humans, technologies, and the environment. One contribution is made by new sensors and algorithms for the recognition of human movements. For example, digital twins of complex machines in manufacturing can be precisely mapped to control them remotely. Another focus is the investigation of 6G as a “network of networks” in which - similar to the Internet - different closed networks are flexibly interconnected. Here, the focus is on security aspects and resilience. Overall, flexibility and reducing energy consumption while maintaining network performance are important goals in all research work - from individual radio access to the integration of multiple networks.

The specific objective of the TU Dortmund University is the enhancement of methods for the determination of system boundaries of novel 6G network concepts. For this purpose, TU Dortmund contributes an existing, technology-independent system for distributed load generation and extends it with regard to the requirements analysis derived in 6G-ANNA and the wireless access technologies identified/developed in 6G-ANNA. As a basis for reproducible test procedures, 6G-specific stress test methods are designed and their application to 6G network systems and services is enabled via a 6G Crossband KPI Monitoring & Control API. As a basis for a multidimensional and cross-system 6G KPI monitoring system, application-specific data traffic profiles as well as system- and environment-specific interference effects will be determined realistically and reproducibly via appropriately defined metrics.

Within the scope of a PoC with focus on "6G Access", the TU Dortmund University in close cooperation with the partners Ericsson, Fraunhofer IPT and RWTH will test the developed distributed system for the evaluation of novel 6G network components and functions in the production environment of the Fraunhofer IPT. The objective is the empirical determination and demonstration of the 6G-specific system, environment and application behavior on the basis of reproducible and demand-oriented 6G test procedures.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research under the funding reference 16KISK101.

Further information:

6G-ANNA (Federal Ministry of Education and Research)