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RAN1 / Meeting 124 / FS_6G_Radio

FS_6G_Radio

FS_6G_Radio · 98 contributions

Sub-topics

23 agenda items · grouped by 3GPP agenda numbering
10.1 Evaluation assumptions for 6GR air interface 3 contributions

This sub-topic addresses remaining evaluation assumptions for the 6G radio air interface study. Companies discuss UE antenna modelling configurations including element counts and radiation pattern modelling for both handheld and FWA devices, extensions to the FTP-3 traffic model for mixed packet sizes and bidirectional traffic including TCP ACK handling, AI/ML traffic model characteristics, and link budget evaluation methodology for terrestrial and NTN deployments.

Company positions
  • Huawei — Proposes specific UE antenna modelling with configurations ranging from 1T1R up to 8T16R (with 16R restricted to FWA only) across carrier frequencies from 700MHz to 15GHz, requiring that antenna element locations for transmission be a subset of reception locations. Requires FTP-3 extension to use Alt2 with X=2 mixed packet sizes per UE and independent Poisson arrival rates, rejecting Alt1 due to unbalanced traffic load severely impacting UPT performance. Questions the necessity of bidirectional traffic modelling with TCP ACK impact, citing that 5G evaluations used UDP without transport layer impact and that TCP modelling assumptions themselves strongly affect simulation results. Opposes developing new IoT traffic models and instead requires reuse of the IMT-2020 mMTC traffic model from TR 37.910. For AI/ML traffic, presents categorized characteristics including two-level packet importance dependency, packet delay budget of 10-15ms for real-time services, and packet success rate definitions considering packet dependency.
  • Nokia — Proposes a simplified extended FTP-3 traffic model limited to two file sizes (X=2, Y=X=2) with arrival rates linked by a parameter K (λ₁=K·λ₂) targeting specific RB utilization load levels, and explicitly opposes embedding L1/L2 processing latencies, HARQ processing, or TTI size assumptions within the traffic model definition. Requires at least one closed-loop bi-directional traffic model using TCP CUBIC with explicit UL TCP-ACK transmission simulated over the RAN plus a fixed 5 ms one-way CN delay. For UE antenna modelling, proposes specific candidate antenna location baselines—locations (4, 8) for 1T2R Configuration 1 and locations (1, 3, 5, 7) for 4-element Configuration 2—and requires the new Rel-19 directive antenna model (Alt 2) as default for handheld UE SLSs while clarifying that Alt 1 legacy modelling implies isotropic radiation patterns. Presents a detailed CPE/FWA framework including multiple antenna radiation patterns (isotropic, directional with specific HPBW/gain values, omnidirectional), support for CPE power classes at 35 dBm with peak EIRP ≤43 dBm, and prequalification techniques for FWA deployments. Questions the consistency of BS Tx power Option 2 values across bands and demands either removal of BW-scaling-only options or designation of Option 1 as default.
  • OPPO — Proposes updating the 7GHz outdoor gNB antenna configuration to fix inconsistent element spacing (0.8λ vs 0.5λ methodology) and impractical aperture sizes exceeding 1.5m near-field limits. Supports UE antenna configurations up to 4T8R as typical common assumptions across 6G features, opposing 8- or 16-element configurations as universal baseline for handheld devices. Requires using Candidate 1 (MPL) link budget template from TR 38.830 for coverage evaluation, arguing it provides more realistic deployment modeling than the simplified TR 38.913 template, and demands clarification of O2I penetration margin calculation for 7GHz. For FTP-3 traffic model extension, requires single packet size per UE with at most X=3 packet size categories mapped to field-measured data rate ranges, and requires different scaling factors for packet size versus inter-arrival time to reflect throughput contributions. Proposes studying a general AI/ML traffic framework with modular features (PDB, jitter, packet importance) that different AI services can selectively adopt, while aligning timeline with RAN2/SA2/SA4 progress rather than rushing to define specific models. For NTN, offers two link budget options (MCL offset from TN or CNIR metric from TR38.821) and proposes reusing TN UE antenna models for L/S-band native NTN support.
Open issues
  • Whether bidirectional traffic modelling with TCP ACK impact over the RAN is necessary or whether UDP-based evaluation without transport layer effects is sufficient
  • UE antenna configuration baseline for handheld devices: whether configurations up to 4T8R are typical or whether higher-order configurations (8- or 16-element) should be adopted as universal baseline
  • FTP-3 extension structure: whether mixed packet sizes per UE with independent arrival rates (Alt2) or single packet size per UE with per-cell categories is preferred, and whether scaling factors should differ between packet size and inter-arrival time
  • Whether new IoT traffic models should be developed or whether the IMT-2020 mMTC traffic model from TR 37.910 should be reused
  • Whether BS Tx power Option 2 values are consistent across bands or require removal/revision in favor of Option 1 as default
  • Link budget methodology selection between Candidate 1 (MPL from TR 38.830) and the simplified TR 38.913 template, including O2I penetration margin calculation at 7GHz
10.2.1 Waveform 3 contributions

This sub-topic addresses waveform and modulation enhancements for 6G NR. Huawei proposes several new schemes including I/Q-offset DFT-s-OFDM and Pruning QAM for lower PAPR, while Nokia and OPPO both argue for reusing 5G NR CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM as the baseline with targeted enhancements. A key debate centers on DL DFT-s-OFDM, with Huawei supporting its study for BS LP-mode signals while Nokia and OPPO present technical cases against it for downlink due to limited gain, scheduling restrictions, and complexity concerns.

Company positions
  • Huawei — Proposes I/Q-offset DFT-s-OFDM as a generalization of prior low PAPR proposals (including Pi/2 BPSK Truncation and O-QAM modulated DFT-s-OFDM) and supports it as a lower PAPR waveform candidate for RAN4 evaluation, requesting RAN1 begin discussion on spec impacts including candidate spectrum adjustment ratios, TB size calculation, and multi-user overlap. Proposes Pruning QAM as a new modulation candidate providing lower PAPR under DFT-s-OFDM and better sensing performance under CP-OFDM for ISAC studies. Proposes supporting at least 2-layer UL DFT-s-OFDM and 2-layer UL CP-OFDM in 6GR, requiring further study on the maximum number of layers within the 6GR MIMO agenda. Proposes studying DL DFT-s-OFDM for additional synchronization signal and DL-WUS transmission in BS LP-mode, citing a network gain of around 3 dB compared to CP-OFDM and defining net gain as the performance evaluation criterion.
  • Nokia — Proposes CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM as defined in 5G NR as the supported baseline communication waveforms for 6G downlink and uplink respectively, with CP-OFDM for all layers and DFT-s-OFDM restricted to single-layer UL. Presents a technical case against DL DFT-s-OFDM, arguing its PAPR advantage is neutralized by transparent PAPR reduction techniques already in deployed base stations, while introducing significant limitations including contiguous frequency allocation requirements, reduced SU/MU-MIMO precoding flexibility, and multi-RAT/MRSS incompatibility in FR1. Opposes studying Zak-OTFS, presenting simulation evidence that CP-OFDM outperforms it with realistic channel estimation and asserting its claimed benefits apply only to atypical propagation conditions. For UL coverage enhancement, supports FDSS and FDSS-SE with transparent filtering, proposes PC2 high power class as baseline, and requires DWS via DCI from the first 6G release.
  • OPPO — Proposes a modular 6GR air interface design with a Mandatory baseline functionality set serving as common basis across device types from 6G IoT to eMBB, and requires waveform enhancement studies to focus primarily on 6G TN communication requirements, striving to reuse TN waveforms for NTN and Sensing with NTN-specific and Sensing-specific enhancements allowed only when substantial performance gain is justified and prohibited for use in TN communication. Presents a technical case against DFT-s-OFDM as an additional DL waveform for TN communication, citing only up to 1.5dB coverage gain insufficient to justify multiuser scheduling restrictions limited to TDM-only multiplexing and increased UE complexity from an additional IDFT module. Opposes using DCI-based explicit indication for dynamic UL waveform switching, proposing instead implicit mechanisms triggered by transmission rank, resource allocation, or frequency band to avoid unnecessary overhead. Prioritizes implementation-based UL low-PAPR schemes without specification impacts over those requiring standardization efforts, and evaluates 2-layer DFT-s-OFDM for UL as suffering 1-6dB SINR loss at 10% BLER with different MCS levels despite 1.6dB PAPR reduction.
Open issues
  • Whether DL DFT-s-OFDM should be studied for 6G downlink communication, with disagreement on whether coverage gains (claimed as ~3dB net gain by Huawei, limited to 1.5dB by OPPO) justify scheduling restrictions and UE complexity increases
  • Whether explicit DCI-based indication or implicit mechanisms should be used for dynamic UL waveform switching
  • Whether 2-layer UL DFT-s-OFDM should be supported given conflicting evaluations on PAPR reduction versus SINR loss tradeoffs
  • Whether Zak-OTFS should be studied as a waveform candidate given disagreement on its performance with realistic channel estimation and applicability of its claimed benefits
10.3.1 Channel coding 4 contributions

Contributions on 6G channel coding focus on LDPC extensions for higher data rates and Polar code enhancements for control channels beyond 5G NR limits. Huawei provides detailed proposals for a single-edge QC-LDPC extension with enhanced BG3, opposes increased lifting size in favor of multi-block-parallel decoding, and requires NR-compatible polar codes for ultra-small UCI payloads. Nokia proposes defining the NR/beyond-NR boundary using Rel-15 max TBS per carrier and requires preserving 5G dual-diagonal structure, while OPPO proposes larger lifting sizes and new protographs for LDPC, and Spreadtrum prioritizes backward-compatible modifications with minimal hardware impact.

Company positions
  • Huawei — Proposes a 6G LDPC extension design based on single-edge quasi-cyclic (QC) structure with enhanced BG3 using Kb=44 information columns, hybrid row-splitting-and-extension for rate-adaptive density optimization, and no puncturing in the information column to enable faster convergence within 3-5 iterations. Opposes increasing lifting size beyond Z=384, instead promoting multi-block-parallel decoding which they present as achieving 20% higher area efficiency than single-block-parallel decoding with doubled lifting size, and proposes a detailed area efficiency evaluation methodology using throughput/area calculations. Requires that 6G DCI size will be moderate (up to 200 bits) with scalable DCRC interleaver generation based on a provable theorem for arbitrary Kmax. Supports NR-compatible polar codes for 3-11 bit UCI payloads to replace RM codes, claiming >1dB gain with DMRS-less non-coherent detection and elimination of RM decoding hardware, while opposing multi-edge BGs as incompatible with 5G-LDPC decoders and rejecting non-systematic outer coding (PAC) for polar codes due to prohibitive memory and online Gaussian elimination complexity.
  • Nokia — Proposes defining the boundary between NR-range and beyond-NR-range data rates using the maximum TBS supported in 5G NR Rel-15 per carrier. Requires any new LDPC base graph for beyond-NR-range to preserve the QC-LDPC dual-diagonal structure and sub-matrix construction from 5G, citing encoding efficiency advantages from avoiding matrix B inversion. Presents technical evidence that reusing BG1 with an optimized puncturing pattern (puncturing columns 0 and 26 instead of the first two systematic columns) yields 0.2–0.44 dB gain at low maximum iterations (e.g., 5 iterations) and reduces average normalized decoding iterations. Questions the necessity of UCI payloads beyond NR range for polar codes and proposes that any extension should design segment counts based on code rate and information length, with SCL decoding at list size 8 or 16 as the baseline receiver. Requires that block codes for small block lengths (≤11 bits) remain identical to 5G, arguing minimal gain exists even under ML decoding.
  • OPPO — Proposes increasing LDPC lifting size up to 2*Z for BG1 or 4*Z for BG2 as a simple method to double data channel throughput while maintaining or improving decoding performance over 5G. Presents technical case for a new LDPC protograph achieving about 0.2 dB gain over 5G BG1 at 5 iterations with better performance-complexity tradeoff for high code rates. Proposes studying solutions to increase Polar code DCI payload size beyond the 5G limit of 140+24 bits, specifically by re-defining the interleaver table to cover all bits (Scheme 1) or by only applying legacy interleaving over the last 140+24 bits (Scheme 2). Argues the upper-bound restriction of 140 information bits already became a potential bottleneck in Rel-17 DSS and Rel-18 multi-carrier enhancement.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes that LDPC extension for 6G should maintain high consistency with existing NR LDPC, with only minor software or hardware modifications, and argues implementation-based solutions should receive priority consideration if they can meet data rate requirements. Specifically proposes prioritizing reduction of the maximum number of iterations without significantly affecting performance for data channel coding. For control channel coding, proposes directly reusing NR Polar code design for control information within NR range, and if DCI payload size must exceed the 164-bit limit, proposes removing the D-CRC interleaver and reusing the existing 1024 sequence for UCI to extend the DCI payload upper bound.
Open issues
  • How to define the boundary between NR-range and beyond-NR-range data rates (e.g., Rel-15 max TBS vs other criteria)
  • Whether to increase lifting size beyond Z=384 or adopt multi-block-parallel decoding for throughput scaling
  • Whether to design a new LDPC base graph/protograph or reuse existing BGs with optimized puncturing for beyond-NR-range operation
  • How to extend Polar code DCI payload beyond the 140/164-bit limit (interleaver redefinition vs interleaver removal vs scalable interleaver generation)
  • Whether UCI payloads beyond NR range are necessary and if so how to design segment counts for extended polar codes
10.3.2 Modulation, Joint channel coding and modulation 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses modulation and joint channel coding and modulation schemes for 6G, focusing on higher-order QAM (1024QAM, 4096QAM), geometric shaping (GS), probabilistic shaping (PS) with techniques like CCDM and ESS, and MCS table optimization. Companies are debating the feasibility and performance of these techniques under realistic SINR distributions, EVM requirements, implementation complexity, and fading channel conditions, with most contributions presenting technical cases against higher-order modulation beyond 1024QAM and against arithmetic-coding-based probabilistic shaping.

Company positions
  • Huawei — Requires strict evaluation rules demanding full complexity, storage, and latency reporting before any performance claims are considered for 6G modulation candidates. Presents a detailed technical case against arithmetic-coding-based probabilistic shaping (CCDM, ESS, MPDM), arguing these schemes require aligned quantization bit widths between transmitter and receiver—a restriction unprecedented in 3GPP specifications—and exhibit prohibitive serial processing throughput bottlenecks (~100x LDPC encoding delay) and storage overhead (e.g., 24.3M LUT for ESS). Promotes ECC-DM based on polar codes as the preferred DM scheme, citing reuse of existing SCL decoder hardware, minimal standardization requirements, and vendor implementation flexibility. Argues 2D-NUC is ruled out by prohibitive demodulation complexity (14.4x LDPC decoding for 1024QAM), while enhanced AMC with channel-dependent MCS parameter selection can provide up to 1.5dB gain over pure constellation shaping in fading channels. Requires RAN4 inputs on phase noise, EVM requirements, MPR/A-MPR under realistic PA models before shaping gains can be finalized.
  • Nokia — Proposes adopting 5G NR uniform QAM schemes as baseline 6G modulation and adding uniform 1024QAM in UL. Opposes uniform 4096QAM in DL due to R-ML MIMO detection complexity and EVM requirements. For geometric constellation shaping, requires down-selection from higher-order uniform QAM with sign symmetry, quantization with limited bits per I/Q, and minimization of shape variants per order. Deprioritizes AI two-sided model approaches while allowing AI receiver evaluation. Presents a technical case against probabilistic constellation shaping, arguing AWGN gains do not carry over to fading channels and highlighting impacts on HARQ retransmissions, PAPR, and MIMO detector complexity. Proposes studying MCS tables that allow multiple modulation-order/code-rate pairs per spectral efficiency point.
  • OPPO — Proposes limiting the 6GR modulation scheme to up to 1024QAM for DL and 256QAM for UL, presenting technical arguments against 4096QAM based on its −38 dB EVM requirement and marginal applicability shown by system-level SINR CDFs where only the top 1% of UEs exceed 29 dB SINR in UMa at 7 GHz. Supports geometrical shaping (GS) including both 1D-NUC and 2D-NUC with specified and downloadable constellations, emphasizing 2D-NUC achieves 0.6 dB and 0.4 dB gain over uniform QAM in AWGN and Rayleigh channels respectively, while 1D-NUC requires similar demapping complexity to uniform QAM. Presents a comprehensive technical case against probabilistic shaping (PS), detailing performance loss of CCDM-based PS (0.7 dB in Rayleigh fading, 2.4 dB with 100 REs, 3.1 dB with 50 REs), 4.82x–9.51x additional complexity from DM, ~1 dB PAPR increase with DFT-s-OFDM, and significant Tx/Rx chain impacts including code rate constraints and RV redesign. Proposes studying AI/ML-based demodulation for different constellations and cross-layer modulation jointly with MIMO precoding for geometric shaping.
  • Spreadtrum — Opposes the adoption of Probabilistic Shaping (PS) for 6G, arguing that its serial and block-based Distribution Matcher/De-matcher (DM/DDM) processing fundamentally conflicts with the TS 38.214 PDSCH processing time (N1) constraint, leading to prohibitive chip area and buffer costs. Presents a technical case against supporting joint channel coding and modulation in 6G Release, though does not preclude discussing its use case in 6G AI contexts. Questions the statistical significance of DL 4096QAM and UL 1024QAM, citing system-level simulations showing that less than 3% of sub-7GHz UMa UEs and only 10-23% of mmWave UEs achieve the required SIR/SINR thresholds. Requires that any evaluation of shaping gains be based on a 'Net Gain' methodology that subtracts PAPR-induced PA backoff penalties and non-ideal implementation losses from theoretical AWGN gains.
Open issues
  • Whether a 'Net Gain' evaluation methodology accounting for PAPR-induced PA backoff, non-ideal implementation losses, and realistic PA models should be mandated before shaping gains are considered for 6G specification
  • What SINR/SIR thresholds and UE percentage coverage criteria (e.g., top 1%, 3%, 10-23%) should gate the adoption of higher-order modulations (DL 4096QAM, UL 1024QAM) across sub-7GHz and mmWave deployment scenarios
  • How to resolve the conflict between serial block-based DM/DDM processing in probabilistic shaping and the TS 38.214 PDSCH processing time (N1) constraint
  • Whether geometric shaping constellations should be specified as downloadable, standardized per-order variants with sign symmetry and limited I/Q quantization bits, or defined through other means
  • Whether MCS tables should support multiple modulation-order/code-rate pairs per spectral efficiency point to optimize for channel-dependent conditions
10.4 Energy efficiency 4 contributions

This sub-topic focuses on defining power consumption models and evaluation assumptions for both network (BS) and device (UE) energy efficiency in 6G. Companies are discussing BS power model categories and transition times, UE power state definitions and scaling rules, bandwidth adaptation parameters, and metrics for network energy saving evaluation. Key debate areas include whether to adopt a new 'Category 2-plus' BS model with faster transitions, how to structure UE micro-sleep and bandwidth scaling, and which UE power states apply to different device types.

Company positions
  • Huawei — Proposes a Cat. 2-plus BS power consumption model for 6G that optimizes transition times from existing 5G Cat. 2 (e.g., light sleep to ~100 ms). Introduces a Low Power (LP) mode for BS where only a fraction alpha (0.25 or 0.5) of total TRxU chips remain active to transmit additional synchronization signals (SS) and monitor UL-WUS, while the remaining fraction enters deeper sleep states with scaled static power consumption. For network energy saving metrics, requires evaluating FTP-3 traffic against a QoS satisfaction rate defined as the percentage of UEs satisfying Packet Delay Budget (PDB). For UE energy saving, proposes specific relative power unit values for EE processing across different RX numbers and bandwidths, and updates the DL bandwidth adaptation scaling model with distinct formulas for PDCCH-only and PDCCH+PDSCH channels, including MaxBW-dependent parameters for different adaptation delays.
  • Nokia — Proposes adopting the 5G BS power consumption model (TR38.864 Category 2) as the 6G baseline while defining a new 'Category 2-plus' category with 10-20% relative power improvements across sleep and active states, plus faster transition times (light sleep 640ms→100ms, deep sleep 10s→5s) with common deep sleep normalization to enable meaningful 5G/6G comparison. Proposes reusing the 5G scaling framework where only active-state dynamic power scales while static power remains fixed at P3 or 1.5*P3. For UE power saving, proposes supporting two adaptation delay values with T in {≥1ms, ≤5ms} and omitting adaptation interruption in TDD, and presents scaling factors for PDCCH+PDSCH, PDCCH-only, and micro-sleep slots across bandwidth utilization ratios from 5% to 400%. Requires CFO inaccuracy of ~1ppm for WUS reception assuming SSS availability, arguing that 5ppm would impair coherent combining, and restricts WUS RX chains to 1 during ultra-deep/deep sleep states. For idle-mode WUS design, argues the number of monitoring occasions (MOs) must be optimized as a function of subgroups to mitigate false wake-up probability.
  • OPPO — Proposes a specific BS baseline assumption with 20ms periodicity for SSB and RO, requiring companies to report SIB1 periodicity and processing values. Proposes a scaling method for the SCMC BS power model by scaling Pdyn,jointe from 100MHz to 200MHz system bandwidth. Proposes a BS LP EE mode scaling rule where static part TXRU can be transferred to Light sleep or Deep sleep states with corresponding transition times and scaled energy values. Questions the applicability of 5G field data to predict 6G service characteristics and proposes further study on whether legacy load levels can be reused. For UE power modeling, introduces a new power state between Deep-sleep and Ultra Deep-sleep with specific power value (0.1), transition energy (10000), and transition time (100ms/150ms), and proposes linear bandwidth scaling below 100MHz with a higher linear ratio above 100MHz.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes to reduce 6G UE power model complexity by removing bandwidth configurations (5%, 400MHz) from the UE power model and eliminating the maximum schedulable PDSCH throughput ratio parameter from PDCCH-only state, arguing that 400MHz support is undetermined and potentially requires CA, making it unnecessary for evaluation. Opposes introducing a baseband-only PDSCH processing state and related scaling rule, arguing bandwidth adaptation rules already reflect PDSCH processing relaxation. For micro-sleep, proposes a simple two-point scaling rule reusing the legacy 45 power units for 100MHz and defining a single X power unit for 200MHz, explicitly rejecting a more complex scaling approach. Requires that ultra deep sleep state be confined exclusively to IoT devices, not applicable to eMBB devices.
Open issues
  • Whether to adopt Category 2-plus as a new BS power model category with specific transition time targets (100ms light sleep, 5s deep sleep) versus other modeling approaches.
  • Applicability of ultra deep sleep state to eMBB devices versus restricting it to IoT-only devices.
  • Whether to include 400MHz bandwidth and 5% bandwidth utilization configurations in UE power modeling.
  • Whether to introduce a new UE power state between Deep-sleep and Ultra Deep-sleep with specific power and transition parameters.
  • Whether 5G field data and legacy load levels can be reused to predict 6G service characteristics for energy efficiency evaluation.
10.5.0 General aspects and frameworks 5 contributions

Companies address 6G RAN1 physical layer frameworks across multiple design areas: duplex types and SBFD feasibility, maximum bandwidth options and UE RF chain architectures for 400MHz, spectrum aggregation mechanisms (intra-cell CA vs virtual cell vs SCMC), coverage evaluation methodology and metrics, SCS selection for ~7GHz and ~15GHz bands, initial access energy efficiency, and modular/scalable air interface design principles. The discussion reveals fundamental disagreements on whether SBFD should apply at the UE side, whether 400MHz UE support requires single or dual RF chains, and whether spectrum aggregation should follow a carrier aggregation framework, a virtual/single-cell mechanism, or a new SCMC approach.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes agreeing to Opt1 for SSB design with bandwidth larger than 3MHz and selecting a single maximum bandwidth option to limit device types and maximize economies of scale. Proposes redefining the serving cell concept to support multiple carriers with intra-cell CA using one PCC for control/RRC and one or more SCCs for data exchange, forming a 2-level CA framework (intra-cell and inter-cell CA). For 400MHz support, proposes 2x 200MHz RF chains with 2x 8k FFT and considers 1x 400MHz RF chain options. Argues coverage range in meters is the most direct metric rather than a single MCL/MIL/MPL value. Proposes studying SCS options for around 15GHz and supporting TDD, FDD, SBFD, and HD-FDD duplex modes from day one, while further investigating SBFD/SSFD impact on frame structure. For initial access energy efficiency, proposes transmitting MIB/SIB1 with larger periodicities than synchronization signals or on-demand, supporting on-demand SSB/SIB1, and time-adaptive/flexible scalable PRACH from Day 1.
  • Huawei — Demands 6G coverage evaluation use specific 2.5/3.3 GHz 5G references versus 7.125/8.4 GHz 6G with Candidate 1 link budget template and MPL metric, identifying gaps of 10.6 dB (PUSCH), 7.6 dB (PDSCH), 13.6 dB (common DL), and 16.6 dB (common UL). Proposes a new 'virtual cell' spectrum aggregation mechanism with strict synchronization requirements, single SSB/DCI/HARQ/RRM, and common handover, limited to cases where aggregated PRBs don't exceed single-carrier maximum and frequency span stays within a sub-range. Requires supporting simplified dynamic TDD only in scenarios where adjacent channel CLI can be avoided (macro without adjacent operator, or micro cell deployments), mandates BS semi-static SBFD with subband adaptation, and demands N_TA-offset alignment between NR and 6GR. Argues against IoT bandwidth below 20 MHz, claiming only ~10% additional complexity reduction from 20 MHz to 5 MHz while requiring 8-10x more repetitions for coverage, and proposes mandating 120 kHz SCS for FR2-1 sync signals.
  • Nokia — Proposes ruling out 60 kHz SCS from the Around 15 GHz scenario and postponing final SCS selection between 30 kHz and 120 kHz until end of 2026. Requires supporting only normal CP length for TN communication, and for NTN only normal CP in DL with any UL pre-compensation solutions maintaining alignment with NCP symbol structure. For 400MHz UE support with 30 kHz SCS, requires a single RF chain per antenna port with unified processing framework, proposing consideration of asymmetric CBW (200MHz UL / 400MHz DL). Proposes studying three frame structure configuration options (symbol-based, layer-based, 2D resource) and requires removing UE-specific TDD configuration while supporting flexible symbols as a resource type. Requires semi-static TDD as the primary duplexing scheme, proposes deprioritizing dynamic SBFD, UE SBFD, and gNB FD, and supports dynamic TDD based on predefined TDD patterns rather than NR's symbol-level SFI. For spectrum aggregation, proposes building 6G CA upon a single unified framework with decoupled serving cell scheduling and proposes studying semi-static UL TX switching patterns instead of NR's dynamic triggering approach.
  • OPPO — Proposes a modular 6GR air interface structured around a lean Mandatory baseline functionality set templated from lowest-tier 6G IoT, asserting that eMBB devices in low-data-rate mode are naturally IoT devices. Requires intra-device-type scalability via device-type-specific mandatory/optional functionality sets and inter-device-type scalability via the baseline set. Presents technical case against UE-side SBFD due to 46dB antenna+RF isolation and 114dB total isolation requirements, limiting UE Tx power to below -5~-1dBm and coverage under 30m; proposes studying dynamic SBFD with unified design for dynamic TDD. Argues SCMC framework requires lower complexity than CA framework across multiple dimensions (cell reselection, per-cell HARQ entity, BWP concept, PDCCH design). Proposes extending FR1 to 8.4GHz with a separate mid-high band and 200MHz maximum UE channel bandwidth while studying NW-side 400MHz via 2-carrier combination. For sensing, requires reusing communication frame/slot structure without impacting symbol boundaries and proposes single/double-symbol methods for equivalent longer CP.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes studying SBFD symbol as a new native symbol type in 6GR frame structure while opposing gNB dynamic SBFD, UE SBFD, and gNB full duplex in Release day1. Requires separate discussion of NW-side and UE-side maximum CBW, and separate DL versus UL max CBW at UE side, supporting only Option 2 (dual 200MHz RF + single 400MHz BB) or Option 3 (dual 200MHz RF + dual 200MHz BB) for UE to achieve 400MHz around 7GHz. Proposes studying Single Cell Multi-Carrier (SCMC) mechanism for non-contiguous intra-band carriers and DL/UL decoupling, while identifying NTN techniques applicable to TN in day1. Adopts 20MHz as the smallest maximum supported UE bandwidth for low-tier devices, closing high-level scalable design discussions, and requires bottleneck channel identification across all RRC states to avoid piecemeal coverage enhancements.
Open issues
  • Whether UE-side SBFD is technically feasible given isolation requirements (OPPO presents 114dB total isolation limiting coverage under 30m; others propose studying SBFD symbol as native type or support BS semi-static SBFD only)
  • Whether 400MHz UE support requires single RF chain per antenna port (Nokia) or dual RF chains (Futurewei, Spreadtrum Options 2/3), and whether asymmetric CBW (200MHz UL/400MHz DL) is acceptable
  • Whether spectrum aggregation follows a 2-level CA framework with intra-cell CA (Futurewei), a virtual cell mechanism with single control plane (Huawei), an SCMC approach with lower complexity than CA (OPPO, Spreadtrum), or a unified CA framework with decoupled serving cell scheduling (Nokia)
  • Whether the smallest maximum supported UE bandwidth for low-tier IoT should be 20MHz (Huawei, Spreadtrum) or templated from lowest-tier 6G IoT as part of a mandatory baseline (OPPO)
  • SCS selection for around 15GHz scenario between 30 kHz and 120 kHz (Nokia proposes postponing until end of 2026; Huawei mandates 120 kHz for FR2-1 sync signals; 60 kHz ruled out by Nokia)
  • Coverage evaluation methodology: single MCL/MIL/MPL value (Huawei Candidate-1 with MPL) versus coverage range in meters as most direct metric (Futurewei)
  • Whether dynamic TDD should be supported based on predefined TDD patterns (Nokia), only in specific scenarios avoiding adjacent channel CLI (Huawei), or with unified design for dynamic SBFD (OPPO)
10.5.1.1 Synchronization acquisition and beam measurement 5 contributions

This sub-topic addresses the design of 6G synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) blocks, associated system information delivery, paging, and beam measurement procedures. Companies are debating tradeoffs between energy efficiency and latency for SSB periodicity, sequence design for primary and secondary synchronization signals, mechanisms for on-demand system information, and the application of AI/ML for beam prediction in initial access.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes extending 5G NR network energy saving techniques for 6G by removing backward compatibility constraints. Requires replacing frequent SSB/SIB1 transmissions with infrequent periodic transmissions up to 160ms for any SSB type (CD-SSB and NCD-SSB). Proposes a light Sync Signal structure with sequence-based design for indicating UL WUS configuration, beam/Sync Signal index, and LSBs of SFN, arguing this enables on-demand request of MIB/SIB1 in standalone cells and allows the BS to use a low-power transmitter. For paging, proposes clustering/grouping of legacy Paging Frames in time domain via frequency domain multiplexing to align cell DTX/DRX with UE DRX. Requires adoption from day one of duty-cycled operations and DL WUS of OFDM-based sequence with at least Rel-17 PEI functionality replacement, citing that DL WUS coverage comparable to a 6GR control channel is achievable when using the standard 6GR UE Noise Figure rather than relying on OOK waveform limitations.
  • Huawei — Proposes studying a new SSB pattern with increased frequency-domain and time-domain resources, designed assuming 5MHz with 15kHz SCS, to improve single-shot detection performance over NR. Proposes studying an extended always-on signal periodicity of 160ms combined with clustered transmission to achieve NES gains of 23% and 17% for CAT1 and CAT2+ BSs respectively, while acknowledging this creates uneven synchronization and measurement opportunity distribution requiring mitigation via additional synchronization signals (AD-SS) in LP mode and sparse sync raster design. Proposes studying configurable SIB1 PDCCH/PDSCH bandwidth larger than 48RBs, multi-slot SIB1 PDSCH with DMRS bundling, cross-beam combination for SIB1 PDCCH/PDSCH, and orthogonal DMRS design for multi-cell interference suppression. Supports on-demand SIB1 via UL-WUS in standalone deployment and proposes studying simplified sequence-based paging with large pool size to replace subgroup-based paging, reducing false wake-up and latency. Proposes studying a unified beam reporting and CSI acquisition framework harmonizing MIMO and mobility configurations, and studying AI/ML-based temporal beam prediction for initial access.
  • Nokia — Proposes studying ZC sequence-based designs for PSS to exploit robustness against frequency offset, contrasting with NR's m-sequence approach and noting ZC sequences require fewer frequency hypotheses for reliable correlation peak strength. Proposes studying a single PSS sequence to reduce initial cell selection complexity by a factor equal to the number of frequency hypotheses and synchronization raster points. For SSS, proposes Gold sequences as baseline, while noting these sequences lose their autocorrelation/cross-correlation properties under frequency offset, requiring the UE to have sufficient synchronization for IDLE mode measurements. Proposes studying on-demand SIB1 delivery in both stand-alone and non-stand-alone scenarios, extending beyond Rel-19's multi-cell limitation. For FR2-1, requires 240kHz SCS SS/PBCH support to halve the time-domain footprint and increase cell spectral efficiency, with numerical analysis showing 2-12% DL resource gain depending on channel bandwidth and FDM assumptions. Proposes studying AI/ML in initial access by fully reusing Rel-19 AIML beam management models for spatial-domain and temporal-domain DL Tx beam prediction.
  • OPPO — Proposes that 6GR SSB design use binary m-sequence/Gold sequence with length 127, matching NR, and requires orthogonal sequences if RAN4 does not separate sync raster points in MRSS spectrum. Proposes a more compact PBCH payload (≤56 bits with CRC) and evaluates PBCH bandwidth ranges of [12-15] RBs and [16-20] RBs, showing number of RBs dominates performance. Argues that extending default SS periodicity beyond 20ms proportionally increases UE search latency and power consumption, requiring mitigation via sparser sync raster or two-step cell search with high-priority sync raster points. Supports SSB period adaptation up to 160ms for non-standalone cells, cell-triggered on-demand SS rather than SSB, and UE-triggered OD-SSB with a Discovery Signal for measurement and synchronization. Proposes studying OD-SIB1 independent of Cell-A by compressing configuration into PBCH, and evaluates UE-triggered cell wake-up achieving 47-53% NES gain for BS Cat.1 and 30-35% for Cat.2 in low load.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes that NR initial access procedures serve as the baseline for 6GR design with specific evolutionary enhancements. Argues that reducing 6GR sync signal bandwidth by a small margin does not significantly reduce sync raster entries but seriously degrades SSB receiving performance, and presents evaluation results showing only 6% additional NES gain when extending SSB periodicity from 40ms to 80ms under zero load. Requires same SCS between 6GR PSS/SSS and other channels/signals (except PRACH) for a given band across all frequency ranges, opposing different SCS for SSB versus other channels in FR2-1. Proposes studying beam prediction for initial access (Sub-use case D) leveraging AI/ML experience from NR BM-Case 1 for both SSB spatial prediction (Set B subset of Set A) and beam refinement prediction (Set B different from Set A). Supports introducing cell DTX/DRX operation in idle state and on-demand sync signals for both single-cell and multi-cell deployments, with NR SSB-less solutions as starting points for sync signal-less operation.
Open issues
  • Optimal sequence design for PSS: ZC sequences (Nokia) versus binary m-sequences/Gold sequences matching NR (OPPO, Spreadtrum baseline), with tradeoffs in frequency offset robustness versus compatibility.
  • Extent of SSB periodicity extension and its impact on UE latency/power consumption: 160ms proposals (FUTUREWEI, Huawei, OPPO for non-standalone) versus evidence of diminishing NES returns beyond 40-80ms (Spreadtrum) and latency concerns requiring mitigation via sparse sync raster or two-step cell search (OPPO).
  • Mechanism for on-demand system information: UE-triggered OD-SSB with Discovery Signal (OPPO), on-demand SIB1 via UL-WUS (FUTUREWEI, Huawei, Nokia extending beyond Rel-19), and sync signal-less operation with NR SSB-less starting points (Spreadtrum).
  • SCS alignment for SSB versus other channels in FR2-1: requirement for same SCS across channels (Spreadtrum) versus requiring 240kHz SCS SS/PBCH support (Nokia).
10.5.1.2 PRACH and RACH procedure 4 contributions

Companies are discussing fundamental redesigns of the 6G PRACH and RACH procedure beyond 5G NR limitations, focusing on preamble sequence capacity, new scalable preamble formats for TN/NTN including upper mid-band (7-24 GHz), and RACH procedure enhancements such as early MIMO operation and SBFD integration. Key debates include whether to reuse Zadoff-Chu sequences or design new sequences to break the 64-preamble capacity limit, how to handle large Doppler shifts especially at 7 GHz, and how to improve MSG3 reliability as a bottleneck channel.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes designing inherently scalable and flexible 6G PRACH formats for both TN and NTN scenarios, arguing NR PRACH formats are customized for specific TN deployments and cannot be reused for NTN without GNSS without introducing non-scalable new formats. For expanding PRACH preamble sets beyond 64, proposes either extending Zadoff-Chu sequences or designing a new sequence, arguing simple expansion increases false detection and inter-cell interference by reducing root sequence reuse pattern size. Proposes studying solutions to increase MSG3 transmission reliability for upper mid-band (7-24 GHz) to address coverage gaps caused by higher path loss while reusing existing 5G mid-band site grids.
  • Huawei — Proposes studying fundamentally new preamble sequences to break the Zadoff-Chu capacity limit of 64 preambles, presenting a mathematical case against Zadoff-Chu sequences for combined large cell and high-speed scenarios at 7 GHz where the product of maximum round-trip time and frequency offset exceeds 1/2 making detection impossible. Requires introducing early MIMO operation during initial access to acquire CSI and apply precoded transmission, specifically identifying Msg3 as the bottleneck channel, and supports I/Q-offset DFT-s-OFDM SE factor 1/2 (pi/2 BPSK) for Msg3 claiming up to 2.8 dB MPR gain over QPSK. Proposes UE-dedicated PRACH preambles for contention-free fast transition from sub-state to connected mode and for association with grant-free data transmission, requiring a significantly larger preamble sequence pool. Proposes studying SBFD PRACH, clustering of RACH occasions with common signals for 23%/17% NES gain, and flexible spectrum utilization with anchor/non-anchor CCs for initial access.
  • Nokia — Proposes Zadoff-Chu sequences for 6G PRACH preamble due to CAZAC property and frequency offset robustness, and refrains from sequences lacking good cross-correlation under timing errors. Proposes 4-step RACH as the sole baseline procedure, with Msg3-based identification as baseline and Msg1-based identification restricted to limited use cases. Requires short PRACH formats based on 30 kHz SCS (baseline from NR) and long PRACH formats based on 5 kHz SCS for the 7 GHz frequency range. Proposes supporting PRACH and PUxCH overlapping to enhance RACH capacity through increased time-domain allocations. Proposes studying AI/ML-based Spatial-Domain Beam Prediction (BM-Case1) for coverage extension and PRACH attempt reduction, and Temporal-Domain Beam Prediction (BM-Case2) for improving Msg2/3/4 transmission/reception in 4-step RACH.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes a unified and integrated PRACH/RACH framework from 6G Day-1 to avoid fragmentation observed in NR Releases 16-20, requiring natively supporting random access in SBFD symbols rather than maintaining separate SBFD and non-SBFD procedures. Specifically opposes the separate RO-to-SSB mapping configurations and independent power control parameters currently used for SBFD RO in NR. Proposes studying a joint coverage configuration and joint coverage request from UE spanning all related channels during random access, replacing NR's per-channel independent RSRP threshold configuration. Supports reusing NR ZC sequences, NR short and long preamble formats, and NR SSB-RO association patterns as baselines, while proposing further study on RO-SSB mapping rules for PRACH repetition and SBFD/non-SBFD joint mapping. Proposes removing the NR dependency where MSG3 and MSG4 HARQ-ACK PUCCH scheduling in SBFD symbols is conditional on MSG1 transmission via SBFD, advocating full independent scheduling.
Open issues
  • Whether to reuse Zadoff-Chu sequences or design fundamentally new preamble sequences to expand capacity beyond 64 preambles, given the mathematical limitation that the product of maximum RTT and frequency offset exceeding 1/2 makes ZC detection impossible at 7 GHz
  • Whether to establish 4-step RACH as the sole baseline procedure or support other RACH procedure types as baseline
  • How to design scalable PRACH formats that work for both TN and NTN scenarios including handling time-varying RTT and large Doppler shifts without GNSS
  • Whether SBFD PRACH should be natively integrated into a unified framework with joint RO-SSB mapping or maintained as separate configurations as in NR
  • Whether to introduce early MIMO operation during initial access for Msg3 transmission and what waveform/modulation (e.g., pi/2 BPSK DFT-s-OFDM) to use for Msg3 reliability enhancement
10.5.1.3 Bandwidth operation 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses 6GR bandwidth operation, with companies proposing frameworks to improve upon 5G NR BWP limitations. Discussions center on supporting fragmented spectrum via multi-carrier cells and multiple active BWPs, simplifying BWP configuration and switching robustness, relaxing UL/DL alignment constraints, and decoupling initial BWP bandwidth from CORESET0. Key debates include HARQ handling for simultaneous active BWPs, DCI-based vs timer-based switching mechanisms, and the feasibility of center frequency misalignment for different link directions.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes a 6GR framework where a single cell maps to multiple component carriers to handle fragmented irregular spectrum, preserving the 5G NR BWP definition as a contiguous spectrum part within a carrier. Requires UE operation with more than one active BWP simultaneously in a multi-carrier cell, introducing intra-cell CA with one Primary BWP (PBWP) for control, RS, and RRC connectivity and one or more Secondary BWPs (SBWPs) for data exchange. Requires the PBWP to remain active during SBWP activation/deactivation to minimize disruptions and transition latency. Proposes studying two HARQ solutions for multiple active BWPs: single TB transmission over multiple active BWPs with one HARQ process per TB, versus one TB transmission per active BWP with one HARQ process per BWP. Proposes improving BWP DCI-based switching reliability via two-stage DCI or MAC CE, and proposes studying BWP association with QoS for improved performance.
  • Huawei — Proposes supporting BWP operation in 6GR for UEs with different bandwidth capabilities, reduced UE energy consumption, and flexible spectrum usage. Proposes studying a single initial DL BWP containing SSB/SIB confined within the UE minimum bandwidth capability and a single initial UL BWP with relaxed center frequency alignment restrictions to avoid PUSCH fragmentation, along with flexible DL/UL pairing mechanisms and efficient initial access for fragment spectrum using anchor/non-anchor CC concepts from NB-IoT. Identifies lessons from NR BWP including complex parameter configuration, long switching delays due to full RF/BB parameter reloading, and DCI miss detection causing BS-UE active BWP misalignment. Proposes studying simplified BWP operation with reduced BWP-specific RRC parameters, faster switching via BWP groups, and robust switching mechanisms. Proposes studying DCI-based BWP switching with modular operation for static power reduction, where BWP switching delay may include time to power on/off separate hardware modules, and joint NW/UE energy saving through integrating energy-saving techniques and ES-friendly configurations into specific BWPs.
  • Nokia — Proposes a lean 6GR BWP configuration framework that reduces the number of BWP types and eliminates redundant functionality options, making as many parameters cell-specific rather than BWP-specific. Requires removing the existing 5G TDD coupling between DL and UL BWPs, enabling independent center frequencies and independent switching per link direction. Opposes timer-based BW adaptation and proposes a proactive DCI-based scheme using UL grant as trigger, where PUSCH acts as implicit ACK to confirm receipt of BW switch commands before the actual switch occurs. Proposes decoupling initial BWP bandwidth from CORESET0 bandwidth to enable wider broadcast PDSCH transmissions for network energy saving. Proposes studying carrier configuration simplification by replacing pointA and SCS-specific offset with a single absolute frequency parameter for the start of the network carrier, assuming single SCS per band.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes directly adopting the NR mechanism for determining CORESET-0 information via MIB for 6GR initial access. Proposes studying discontinuous frequency resources for initial DL/UL BWP to address the limitation that NR's continuous frequency requirement for BWP/CC restricts effective utilization of operators' discrete spectrum resources. Proposes studying the feasibility of center frequency misalignment for DL/UL initial BWP, arguing that NR TDD's alignment requirement may limit 6GR application scenarios, particularly considering SCMC sub-band differences. Proposes that the NR concept of downlink/uplink initial BWP serves as a starting point for 6GR, with additional FFS items on dedicated initial BWP for LPWA and multiple initial BWPs for SCMC.
Open issues
  • Whether to support single TB transmission over multiple active BWPs with one HARQ process per TB versus one TB per active BWP with one HARQ process per BWP
  • Feasibility and mechanisms for center frequency misalignment between DL and UL BWPs in TDD
  • Whether to adopt timer-based BWP switching or rely solely on DCI-based / implicit ACK mechanisms for switching robustness
  • How to handle initial access on fragmented/discontinuous spectrum, including whether to adopt anchor/non-anchor CC concepts and dedicated initial BWPs for LPWA and SCMC
10.5.2.1 Downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink control channels 3 contributions

This sub-topic addresses the downlink transmission scheme design for 6G Radio (6GR) downlink control channels (PDCCH). Companies broadly agree on retaining the 5G NR PDCCH physical structure as a baseline, including concepts like CORESET, CCE/REG frameworks, blind decoding, and DMRS-based transmission. Key technical discussions focus on enhancements beyond this baseline, including CORESET time duration extension, PDCCH monitoring adaptation and simplification, MU-MIMO for PDCCH capacity, DMRS design for interference mitigation, and two-stage DCI frameworks to reduce UE complexity and power consumption.

Company positions
  • Huawei — Proposes retaining the NR CORESET concept and basic one-port DMRS-based transmission schemes as the 6GR baseline while studying specific enhancements. Proposes decoupling the maximum PDCCH bandwidth from PDSCH bandwidth to reduce UE power consumption, and studying appropriate CORESET time duration variations for TDD slots with asymmetric DL/UL grant loads. Proposes studying PDCCH MU-MIMO to increase capacity, and requires study of PDCCH DMRS inter-cell/inter-UE interference mitigation mechanisms, citing cross-correlation problems with short sequence lengths under NR pseudo-random sequence initialization. Proposes a two-stage DCI framework where the 1st-stage DCI has a fixed compact format scheduling the 2nd-stage DCI, which carries DL/UL scheduling information without requiring blind detection effort.
  • Nokia — Proposes retaining the baseline 5G NR PDCCH structure—including CORESET, CCE, REG, blind decoding, search spaces, aggregation levels, and QPSK modulation with transparent DM-RS-based precoding—for 6GR, arguing this flexibility is sufficient for 6G services and essential for smooth Multi‑Radio Spectrum Sharing (MRSS) operation. Proposes studying extensions such as non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping for CORESET0 above 5MHz and DM-RS design changes to maximize coexistence between CORESET#0 and dedicated CORESETs. Proposes increasing the maximum number of configured search spaces and allowing separation of paired DCI formats for PDSCH/PUSCH scheduling across different search spaces to reduce monitoring burden. Proposes that 6G Day-1 mandatory UE capabilities include flexible CORESET placement within a slot and support for more than one CORESET, while also proposing simplifications to the PDCCH monitoring capabilities framework by reviewing the need for limits on the maximum number of DCI sizes and CCEs. For power saving, proposes baselining C-DRX and prioritizing SSSG switching over PDCCH skipping due to its wider adaptation variety.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes inheriting NR PDCCH physical structure (CCE/REG/REG bundle framework, ALs 1/2/4/8/16, time-first REG mapping, hash-based search space) as baseline for 6GR. Prefers one port precoder-cycling between REG bundles for transmit diversity over SFBC, arguing comparable performance with simpler implementation. Proposes studying longer CORESET duration (4/6/12 symbols) to address capacity in hotspot areas and coverage for narrow-bandwidth UEs. Requires a unified framework for sub-slot/slot/slot group-level PDCCH monitoring to replace three separate monitoring capability types from NR, reducing UE and gNB implementation complexity. Proposes studying a harmonized PDCCH monitoring adaptation mechanism, criticizing NR's overlapping functionalities (PDCCH skipping, SSSG switching, DCI format 2_6, PEI, LP-WUS) and suggesting alternatives like two-stage DCI or dynamic candidate indication by LP-WUS.
Open issues
  • Whether to extend CORESET time duration beyond 3 symbols and what specific values (e.g., 4, 6, 12) are appropriate for different scenarios.
  • How to design a unified PDCCH monitoring framework and whether existing NR monitoring capability types should be merged into a single framework.
  • Whether to adopt a two-stage DCI framework to reduce blind decoding complexity and power consumption, and what specific mechanisms (e.g., fixed compact 1st-stage DCI, LP-WUS based candidate indication) should be studied.
  • How to address PDCCH DMRS interference issues for MU-MIMO operation, particularly the cross-correlation problems arising from short DMRS sequence lengths.
10.5.2.2 Downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink shared channels 4 contributions

Companies present detailed technical proposals for 6G downlink shared channel transmission schemes, with all contributors using 5G NR MIMO/DMRS/CSI frameworks as a baseline starting point. Core themes include DMRS overhead reduction through AI/ML-based channel estimation (with debate between prioritizing sparse orthogonal DMRS versus superimposed pilots), multi-TRP simplification, codeword-to-layer mapping refinements, and expansion of MIMO layer counts. Futurewei additionally proposes UE-assisted DMRS density reporting and frequency-selective precoding, while OPPO introduces AI/ML-based cross-layer modulation and precoding.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes adopting the existing 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as a 6G baseline while requiring AI/ML integration from day-1 of the MIMO framework design. Proposes a UE-assisted DMRS pattern selection scheme where UEs report minimum DMRS density requirements (D_F, D_T, D_J) rather than preferred patterns, claiming over 70% reporting overhead reduction compared to direct pattern reporting. Proposes studying per-subcarrier matched-filter frequency-selective precoding that simultaneously achieves finest precoding granularity and single wideband channel estimation, addressing what they identify as a fundamental limitation of 5G NR subband precoding. Proposes cooperative MIMO schemes leveraging TDD reciprocity with DL interference probing via SRS, presenting capacity gains of 64.8% in Dense Urban and 26.9% in Urban Macro scenarios with 45Mbps XR traffic. Emphasizes hybrid antenna architectures for UMB with large antenna element counts (2048) and moderate TXRU numbers, distinguishing them from fully-digital architectures based on subarray size and dynamic analog beamforming adjustability.
  • Huawei — Proposes that 6G DL transmission adopt a DMRS-based transparent scheme as baseline, supporting high-order SU-MIMO up to 16 layers and MU-MIMO up to ~100 layers to meet 3x average spectral efficiency targets. Requires single-sided (UE-sided) AI/ML receiver models as the starting point for DMRS overhead reduction, prioritizing sparse orthogonal DMRS (sub-use case A) over superimposition (SIP) or DMRS-free schemes due to scheduling restrictions, UE complexity, latency, and generalization concerns with the latter. Proposes utilizing long-term channel information as assistance information for both non-AI and AI/ML DMRS channel estimation, showing up to 111% SE gain over NR ideal Wiener filtering with sparse DMRS. Proposes studying DMRS expansion to 96 orthogonal ports using frequency-/code-domain multiplexing with NR DMRS Type 2 as a design starting point, while requiring scalable DMRS port design and unified AI/non-AI DMRS patterns to guarantee flexible MU-MIMO coexistence. For multi-TRP, proposes incorporating CJT as the primary scheme from the initial release with coordination sets up to 9 TRPs. Proposes finer CW-to-layer mapping granularity for inter-layer SINR imbalance, showing 24% average spectral efficiency gain.
  • OPPO — Requires NR PDSCH transmission mode (UE-transparent precoding, jointly precoded DMRS, SU-MIMO up to 8 layers, MU-MIMO) as baseline for 6G and proposes studying transmit diversity schemes (precoder cycling with partial CSI, cyclic delay diversity, SFBC) targeting high-mobility scenarios like high-speed trains. For multi-TRP, argues for simplification by prioritizing ideal-backhaul CJT, SFN-like, and DPS schemes while deprioritizing non-ideal backhaul cases, and proposes studying L1-based flexible switching with low latency and signaling overhead. Questions the value of two codewords for ranks 2-4, presenting simulation results showing only up to 2.17% UPT gain, and proposes re-studying mapping rules particularly for lower layer counts in multi-TRP contexts. Proposes AI/ML-based cross-layer modulation and precoding using a Transformer-based autoencoder architecture that jointly optimizes CSI feedback and precoding matrix construction across a unified high-dimensional signal space, demonstrating BLER gains of 1.4-8.0 dB depending on CSI feedback type and payload size. For DMRS, proposes a single DMRS type (Type 2), a nested port structure supporting at least 24 orthogonal ports, FDM-based extension patterns (FDM-1) for additional ports, simplified port indication via start index and count, and a unified pattern enabling configurable frequency density reduction. Proposes studying superimposed pilots (SIP) with AI/ML receivers.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes unified 6G downlink transmission schemes to minimize UE and NW implementation complexity, explicitly opposing multiple schemes for the same scenario and scheme enhancements yielding less than 10% performance gain. Retains NR baselines for maximum layers (8), maximum codewords (2), DMRS port count, and PN sequence for CP-OFDM, while requiring a single DMRS type for both DL and UL. For AI/ML-based DMRS overhead reduction, presents simulation results showing AI-based channel estimation achieving similar BLER with reduced DMRS overhead (2-symbol DMRS matching 3-symbol non-AI performance in time domain, 1/3 RE reduction in frequency domain) and proposes prioritizing sparse orthogonal DMRS (sub-case A) over superimposed pilots (SIP), which they consider insufficiently evaluated for multi-user interference and standardization impact. For NR-6G multi-RAT spectrum sharing, proposes semi-static FDM/TDM and rate matching mechanisms while opposing SDM between NR and 6G due to negative performance impacts.
Open issues
  • Whether to prioritize sparse orthogonal DMRS (sub-use case A) or also study superimposed pilots (SIP) and DMRS-free schemes for AI/ML-based DMRS overhead reduction, given disagreements on SIP's multi-user interference handling, standardization impact, and generalization capability
  • What maximum SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO layer counts to target (NR baseline 8 layers vs. Huawei proposal of 16 SU layers and ~100 MU layers)
  • Whether to support a single DMRS type or multiple types, and what port extension mechanisms (FDM-based, code-domain, frequency-domain) to adopt beyond the NR Type 2 baseline
  • Whether two codewords provide sufficient gain for ranks 2-4 to justify their complexity, particularly in multi-TRP contexts
  • What multi-TRP schemes to prioritize and whether to deprioritize non-ideal backhaul cases from the initial release
10.5.2.3 Uplink transmission scheme(s) for uplink channels 5 contributions

This sub-topic addresses physical layer design for 6G uplink channels, focusing on PUSCH transmission schemes (including MIMO codebooks, multi-layer transmission, and precoding), DMRS design (types, port expansion, resource overhead reduction via sparse patterns or AI/ML-based superimposed pilots), and PUCCH simplification. Companies present positions on adopting 5G NR as a baseline while introducing targeted enhancements for larger antenna arrays, higher-order MU-MIMO, and AI/ML integration, with diverging views on DMRS type unification, PUCCH format reduction, and the priority of superimposed pilot versus sparse DMRS for overhead reduction.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as a 6G baseline without fundamental paradigm shifts, while studying targeted enhancements for upper midband (UMB) support including larger Tx/Rx antenna elements with hybrid architectures. For UL transmissions, proposes studying fine-granularity frequency-selective precoding via per-subcarrier matched-filter that simultaneously achieves finest precoding granularity and wideband channel estimation, presenting a technical case that 5G NR schemes cannot improve both at the same time. Requires studying AI/ML as an integral part of the MIMO framework from day-1, identifying specific use cases to facilitate AI/ML-ready framework design evaluation including AI/ML-based DMRS optimization. Proposes extending the unified TCI framework to support UL signals (SRS) as QCL source RS for DL TCI states, and consolidating UL power control and timing advance mechanisms through flexible component associations via only the unified TCI framework. Proposes studying UL carrier switching that maintains transmission continuity by moving all transmissions to the switching-to carrier and eliminating switching-back operations.
  • Huawei — Proposes studying enhanced UL codebook designs that address performance losses from irregular UE antenna array layouts, presenting SLS results showing up to 50.3% CA and 51.1% CE spectral efficiency loss for 8Tx/4Tx NR DFT codebooks versus ideal SVD precoding, and proposes high-precision UL coherent codebooks achieving 0.3–1.5 dB gains over NR R15 codebooks. Requires support for high-order MU-MIMO up to ~100 layers at 8T512R for around 7GHz deployments, achieving ~3.5x cell-average SE gains over 5G NR 4T64R, and proposes studying multi-layer DFT-s-OFDM MIMO transmission with codebook and DMRS design to be addressed in both waveform and MIMO agendas. Proposes scalable low-overhead DMRS port numbers up to 96 with unified design for UL/DL CP-OFDM, favoring sparse orthogonal DMRS for AI/ML-based overhead reduction across both capacity and coverage scenarios, while limiting SIP and DMRS-free solutions to coverage-enhancement scenarios only, and provides link-level evaluations showing 0.3–1.9 dB SNR gains with AI/ML CE/Rx receivers. Argues against moving UCI to L2 signaling, presenting a technical case that L1 UCI provides superior efficiency (avoiding 10–20x overhead increase), lower latency (avoiding retransmission delays), better coding performance with RM/Polar codes versus LDPC, and higher reliability with 1% BLER target.
  • Nokia — Proposes simplifying 6GR UCI arbitration by limiting CSI reporting to PUSCH only and adopting slot-level one-shot multiplexing/prioritization to eliminate iterative symbol-level procedures of NR. Argues NR's five PUCCH formats are excessive and proposes a limited set of scalable PUCCH formats with high similarity to PUSCH design for larger UCI sizes. For PUSCH, identifies MIMO layer imbalance as a significant performance degradation factor and proposes studying multi-codeword operation and MCS table optimizations to decouple modulation order from code rate, along with new codeword-to-layer mapping to mitigate imbalance. Requires a single unified DMRS type with a scalable comb-type pattern supporting up to 48 orthogonal antenna ports, using Rel-18 e-type 1 as baseline, and proposes native multi-slot PUSCH resource allocations exceeding 14 symbols rather than NR's slot-bounded framework. For AI/ML receivers, presents simulation evidence of throughput gains with sparse DMRS and proposes studying three categories of sparse DMRS patterns (time-domain, frequency-domain, and combined) within the unified 6G DMRS framework while emphasizing realistic aligned evaluation assumptions for both AI and legacy receivers.
  • OPPO — Requires codebook-based UL transmission as the 6G day 1 baseline and proposes studying non-codebook-based feasibility only after evaluating hardware cost and complexity for antenna calibration. Proposes UE-assisted coherent state reporting and multiple RAN4 coherency capability levels, arguing that practical UEs lose lab-verified coherency due to implementation-dependent events such as PA non-linearity, temperature extremes, and antenna blocking. Proposes a unified/fixed uplink codebook framework for 1,2,3,4,[8] ports with at least fully-coherent and non-coherent codebooks, while further studying downloadable or mixed codebooks for different UE antenna models. Requires frequency-selective precoding to be limited to configuration with more than 4 ports using CP-OFDM, citing no gain for 2/4-port or large subband sizes, and proposes TPMI overhead reduction via less frequent TPMI update based on observed slower PMI variation relative to CQI. Proposes 6G support only a single DMRS type (Type 2-like) with extension in frequency domain for more than 24 orthogonal ports, and introduces study of both low-density DMRS (PRB-level and slot-level) and AI/ML-based SuperImposed Pilot (SIP) schemes that completely eliminate DMRS time-frequency overhead by superimposing pilots and data on the same REs.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes using NR closed-loop transmission (codebook-based and non-codebook-based) as the baseline for 6G PUSCH, but requires limiting 8-port transmission to FFS status for CPE/FWA only due to lack of commercial 8-port devices despite NR spec support. Proposes studying a simplified unified uplink codebook with antenna port group configuration to cover full-coherent/partial-coherent/non-coherent types, full power mode transmission, and asymmetric UL panels simultaneously. Requires defining a single DMRS type for both DL and UL to avoid implementation complexity from multi-type support, and supports DMRS overhead reduction sub-case A (sparse orthogonal DMRS in frequency and/or time domain) as a 6GR Day 1 AI/ML use case backed by simulation results showing AI channel estimation with 2-symbol DMRS achieving similar BLER to non-AI with 3-symbol DMRS. Opposes prioritizing superimposed pilot (SIP) as a use case pending further multi-user interference evaluation and standardization impact analysis. For PUCCH, proposes radical simplification from five NR formats to two formats (≤2 bits and >2 bits), eliminating sub-slot based PUCCH, two PUCCH configurations, semi-persistent PUCCH, and PUCCH SCell, while retaining PUCCH group concept and supporting proactive conflict avoidance for PUCCH resource determination.
Open issues
  • Whether to adopt a single unified DMRS type (Nokia prefers Rel-18 e-type 1 baseline; OPPO prefers Type 2-like; Spreadtrum requires single type for DL/UL; Huawei proposes scalable design up to 96 ports) or whether multiple DMRS types are needed for different scenarios
  • Whether superimposed pilot (SIP) schemes should be prioritized as a DMRS overhead reduction technique alongside sparse DMRS (OPPO proposes studying both SIP and low-density DMRS; Huawei limits SIP to coverage-enhancement only; Spreadtrum opposes prioritizing SIP pending further evaluation; Nokia focuses on sparse DMRS patterns without addressing SIP)
  • What level of PUCCH simplification is appropriate: radical reduction to two formats (Spreadtrum) versus a limited set of scalable formats with high PUSCH similarity (Nokia), with other companies not addressing PUCCH format reduction
  • Whether 8-port UL transmission should be supported for all UEs or limited to CPE/FWA only (Spreadtrum requires FFS for CPE/FWA; OPPO includes [8] ports in codebook framework; other companies assume larger port counts without restriction)
  • Whether frequency-selective precoding should be applied broadly or restricted to configurations with more than 4 ports using CP-OFDM (OPPO's restriction versus Futurewei's per-subcarrier matched-filter precoding proposal)
10.5.2.4 Beam management for downlink and uplink 6 contributions

This sub-topic addresses the 6G beam management framework design, with companies debating whether to evolve 5G NR's unified TCI framework or pursue more fundamental restructuring. Key technical themes include reducing beam sweeping overhead through dedicated measurement RS, AI/ML-based beam prediction (spatial, temporal, inter-cell, and cross-frequency), unified frameworks for UE-initiated reporting across beam failure recovery and mobility, and handling of multi-TRP/D-MIMO scenarios. Companies also discuss mixed antenna architectures for fast beam acquisition, enhanced beam reporting with UE-computed combination coefficients, and replacing the term 'beam' with RS-based procedural descriptions.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as the starting point for 6G, arguing no fundamental paradigm shift is needed while supporting substantial evolution for upper midband around 7 GHz and 15 GHz. Presents a mixed antenna architecture combining low-resolution 1-bit all-digital receiver arrays for one-shot beam acquisition with analog/hybrid arrays for data transmission, supported by feasibility results showing near-ideal beamforming gain. Requires QCL/TCI enhancements to enable UL signals (SRS) as QCL source RS for DL TCI states, extending the Rel-17/18 unified TCI framework. Proposes AI/ML as an integral part of the 6G MIMO framework from day-1, identifying cross-frequency beam prediction (FR1-to-FR2) as a candidate use case requiring study of data collection configuration, inference-related resource configuration, and LCM operations including fallback and model switching.
  • Huawei — Argues that the 5G beam management framework suffers from redundancy due to separately introduced features across releases and proposes a simplified, unified 6G BM framework that merges MIMO and mobility beam reporting into a single CSI framework, eliminating the separate LTM-CSI-ReportConfig. Proposes studying long-term channel information-based beam management to reduce reliance on exhaustive beam sweeping for both initial access and connected mode, enabling faster beam/link recovery without blind search. Requires studying enhanced IMR configuration that decouples CMR-IMR association and explicit interference beam reporting to enable beam-based scheduling. Proposes studying enhanced beam reporting with UE-reported beam combination coefficients (similar to Type II PMI) for dynamic beam generation to address mismatch between pre-defined DFT beams and UE channel paths. Proposes studying two one-sided AI/ML models with enhanced beam report contents including confidence/reward/score fields, with continuous online finetuning via near-real time LCM mechanisms.
  • Kyocera Corporation — Proposes reusing the Rel-18/19 inter-cell AI/ML beam management framework for Distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) scenarios with multi-TRP transmission, using 5G NR 2-TRP operation as a baseline reference and studying m-TRP operation with more than 2 TRPs while documenting throughput gains versus complexity. Proposes studying spatial domain beam prediction to reduce the number of searches and processing time across multiple TRP beam candidates, specifically reusing the Set A / Set B mechanism from Rel-18/19 for efficient TRP selection based on UE measurement reports. Proposes extending temporal-domain beam prediction to D-MIMO to improve beam tracking and enable seamless TRP switching for mobile UEs. Proposes studying beam management for multiple TRP deployments considering multiple UEs connecting to multiple TRPs simultaneously, and specifically studying efficiency improvements for CSI-RS reporting in D-MIMO, noting that current L1-RSRP reporting limits of N = 6 or 8 may provide insufficient prediction accuracy for joint transmission scheduling.
  • Nokia — Proposes that NR Release-17 unified TCI framework principles serve as the 6G baseline while studying enhancements to address identified limitations including the limited number of indicated TCI states, reliance on periodic TRS as QCL source RS, and lack of TCI-state specific physical-layer parameter configuration. Proposes a unified design for UE-initiated L1 measurement reporting framework across beam management and beam-based cell switch procedures, citing fragmentation between RAN1-led UEIBR (UCI-based) and RAN2-led LTM event-triggered reporting (MAC CE-based) as a key lesson from 5G NR. Argues that the term 'beam' is non-descriptive and potentially misleading for specifications and should be replaced with procedures reflecting the involved reference signals. Proposes studying CBRA-based BFR with MAC CE signaling as the baseline while also studying streamlined CFRA-based BFR and UL beam failure recovery within a unified TCI state framework. Presents simulation results for inter-cell beam prediction showing Top-1 beam ID accuracy exceeding 90% and Top-2 approaching 99%, and proposes studying cross-frequency beam prediction using one-sided AI/ML models for collocated deployments predicting beams across different component carriers within the same frequency range.
  • OPPO — Proposes replacing NR's general CSI-RS/SRS reuse with dedicated DL and UL beam measurement RS that natively support frequency-domain and time-domain beam sweeping within a single resource. Requires separating beam indication from QCL indication (DL) and power control parameters (UL), arguing that lumping them in one TCI state causes configuration inefficiency and unnecessary signaling overhead. Proposes eliminating default beam operation entirely in 6G, with explicit beam indication required and leaving unspecified cases to UE implementation. Proposes studying L1-signaling (DCI) based beam activation and switching for both DL and UL, arguing it offers lower overhead, lower latency, and avoids inter-layer collaboration complexity compared to MAC CE. Proposes a unified UE-initiated beam management framework that integrates beam failure recovery and event-triggered reporting using a common set of candidate beam measurements and a single PUCCH-based uplink transmission mechanism. For mobility, proposes L1 beam switching to trigger multi-TRP transmission scheme switching and cell switching within a 'cell-free' zone, associating beam states directly with TRP/cell configuration.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes hybrid beamforming as the fundamental beamforming architecture for 6G ultra large antenna arrays, supporting digital, analog, and hybrid architectures. Proposes studying a unified CSI framework that integrates beam management across network-controlled and UE-initiated cases, single TRP and multi-TRP, and intra-cell and inter-cell scenarios, including LTM. Requires studying beam measurement schemes with low latency and overhead, and considers designing a unified event-triggered reporting procedure covering BFR, UE-initiated beam management, and event-triggered TRP/cell switching. Supports carrying forward NR BM-Case1 (spatial domain DL Tx beam prediction) and BM-Case2 (temporal DL Tx beam prediction) into 6G, and extending AI/ML beam prediction to inter-cell/multi-TRP and cross-frequency scenarios in 6G Day1. Considers NR's unified TCI framework as the baseline for 6G TCI framework and proposes studying collaborative beam measurement and reporting based on UE aggregation to reduce overall overhead and power consumption.
Open issues
  • Whether to use dedicated beam measurement RS (OPPO) versus evolved CSI-RS/SRS within the NR framework (FUTUREWEI, Nokia, Spreadtrum) for 6G beam management
  • Whether to separate beam indication from QCL and power control parameters (OPPO) or retain/extend the unified TCI framework (FUTUREWEI, Nokia, Spreadtrum)
  • Whether to eliminate default beam operation in 6G (OPPO) versus retaining fallback mechanisms within the TCI framework
  • Whether L1-signaling (DCI) based beam activation/switching (OPPO) or MAC CE based approaches (Nokia for BFR) should be the baseline for beam indication
  • Whether beam reporting limits (current L1-RSRP N=6 or 8) need to be extended for D-MIMO joint transmission scheduling with multiple TRPs and UEs (Kyocera)
  • Whether the Set A / Set B mechanism from Rel-18/19 is sufficient for m-TRP D-MIMO scenarios (Kyocera) versus requiring new framework designs
  • Whether AI/ML beam management models should be one-sided (Nokia, Huawei) or two-sided between network and UE
10.5.3.1 Aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition 6 contributions

This sub-topic addresses enhancements to downlink-based CSI acquisition for the 6G Radio study, with contributions focusing on CSI-RS design evolution (port counts up to 256, sparse/adapted patterns, new densities), unified codebook structures, AI/ML-based CSI compression (JSCC/JSCM) and prediction, and CSI reporting framework simplifications. Companies debate whether to evolve the 5G NR CSI framework or introduce fundamental shifts such as exploiting long-term channel statistics for sparse CSI-RS design, while the treatment of two-sided AI/ML models and the maximum supported CSI-RS port count remain points of divergence.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as the baseline for 6G without fundamental paradigm shifts, focusing evolutionary enhancements on upper midband (UMB) support. Proposes studying hybrid antenna architectures for UMB base stations with large antenna element counts (e.g., >512 elements, specifically 2048-element combinations with 32-256 TXRUs at 7/15 GHz) and presents technical case for simultaneous multi-beam codebooks enabling fast full CSI acquisition in N/K_s orthogonal beams per OFDM symbol. For CSI-RS overhead reduction, proposes structured port-to-RE mapping exploiting beam-domain channel sparsity and a joint channel estimation algorithm based on IDFT, contrasting with AI/ML-based approaches requiring both UE-sided and NW-sided model evaluation. Proposes CSI framework simplification through streamlined CSI-ReportConfig/CSI-ResourceConfig settings and requires proper conventional non-AI/ML baselines be identified for all AI/ML evaluations. Proposes adopting 5G NR two-sided AI/ML CSI compression and further studying JSCC and downloadable codebook approaches while deferring joint source-channel-modulation coding due to higher ecosystem impact.
  • Huawei — Proposes a fundamental shift from the 5G NR instantaneous snapshot-based CSI acquisition to a 6GR framework that separates and exploits long-term channel information (PAS, PDP) as prior knowledge. Presents technical case for using long-term channel information to enable sparse CSI-RS designs (e.g., 1RE/16RB/1port density) while maintaining or improving channel estimation accuracy, claiming up to 78% SGCS improvement and 120% MU-MIMO SE gain over legacy methods. Requires studying a unified codebook structure based on a generic W = W1 * W * Wf architecture that supports both non-precoded and precoded CSI-RS across single/multi-TRP scenarios, and proposes explicit CSI feedback as a primary mechanism to reduce UE complexity by shifting SVD computation to the base station. Proposes studying cell-specific precoded CSI-RS where each port is transmitted by all TXRUs with a cell-specific beamforming vector to improve per-port SINR and enable flexible resource sharing among UEs with different measurement capabilities. For AI/ML, prioritizes studying frequency/spatial domain CSI prediction with sparse CSI-RS (sub-case A) and strongly proposes incorporating long-term channel information as an AI/ML input to resolve 'one input to multiple outputs' ambiguity, claiming this can reduce model size by 75% and training data by 55%. Argues that two-sided AI/ML models for CSI compression should be discussed with lower priority in 6GR due to inter-vendor collaboration risk.
  • InterDigital — Proposes expanding the maximum number of CSI-RS antenna ports to 256 for 6GR to improve spectral efficiency, reliability, and coverage. Proposes studying CSI-RS pattern adaptation based on channel sparsity order in delay/frequency and/or spatial domain as an alternative to simple CSI-RS density reduction, which they argue is inefficient for overhead reduction. Requires a single unified DL codebook that is scalable and forward-compatible, supporting both low-resolution (Type-I) and high-resolution (Type-II) CSI across sTRP, mTRP, multi-panel, and high Doppler scenarios. Supports studying UE-initiated CSI reporting with UE determination of reporting quantities, decoupled triggering from timing, and a flexible CPU framework where processing units scale with the CSI processing window. Opposes consideration of AI/ML-based JSCC/JSCM (sub-cases A and B) with two-sided models in Rel-20 due to significant inter-vendor training complexity involving UL propagation channel and equalization blocks, and proposes waiting for Rel-20 5GA SRS fusion work to conclude before pursuing sub-case D studies.
  • Nokia — Proposes establishing 5G Rel-20 CSI-RS design up to 128 APs as the baseline for 6GR CSI acquisition and strives for reusing existing 5G CSI-RS design principles for new 6GR antenna array configurations, including studying new frequency domain densities of 1/16 and 1/32. Presents technical case for a unified codebook design that delivers accurate PMI representation across the full range of feedback overhead for both SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO operations, while studying codebook adaptation aspects for different sub-array patterns. Questions the necessity of periodic CSI reporting given semi-persistent reporting flexibility, proposes studying the feasibility of PUSCH-only CSI reporting to simplify UCI handling, and advocates for studying UE-initiated/event-based CSI reporting as a new type. In the AI/ML domain, observes that JSCC/JSCM primarily improves low-SNR performance by mitigating the cliff effect and that one-sided JSCM performs close to two-sided, while proposing to study generalization, scalability, and fine-tuning for CSI prediction under Rel-18-defined cases.
  • OPPO — Proposes using the NR CSI framework as a starting point for 6G, requiring simplification of CSI-ReportConfig and CPU/timeline calculations to avoid over-design. Proposes supporting up to 256 CSI-RS ports, asserting that 512 ports provide no additional performance gain, and recommends large CSI-RS periodicity (e.g., 20ms) for realistic evaluation. For codebook design, proposes a unified fixed codebook baseline with low-resolution (Type I scheme A as starting point) and high-resolution (eType II with layer-common or layer-specific SD basis) types, while also studying downloadable codebooks as a complement. Presents technical evaluations showing JSCC and JSCM with two-side models alleviate cliff effects in CSI feedback, and proposes studying fusion of downlink CSI feedback with SRS measurements for TDD systems.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes a unified CSI acquisition framework design that associates a CSI report configuration with a channel measurement configuration and/or an interference measurement configuration, supporting multiple scenarios including early CSI for candidate cells. Proposes studying both NW-controlled and UE-initiated CSI reporting, and considers PUSCH-only based CSI reporting for all time domain behaviors in 6GR. For CSI-RS design, supports up to 128 ports per single CSI-RS resource and proposes PN sequence with UE-specific seed with component RE pattern aggregation. On AI/ML, presents technical case showing JSCC/JSCM performance gains over SSCC especially at low SNR but proposes postponing two-side model work until NR standardization completes. Prioritizes low overhead CSI-RS for 6GR Day 1 AI use case, presenting evaluation results showing less than 5% SGCS loss with 87% frequency domain and 75% spatial domain RS overhead reduction, while noting spatial domain generalization across deployment scenarios needs further study due to approximately 28% SGCS loss.
Open issues
  • Maximum CSI-RS antenna port count: whether to support up to 128 ports (Nokia, Spreadtrum) or up to 256 ports (InterDigital, OPPO), with OPPO asserting 512 ports provide no additional gain.
  • Two-sided vs. one-sided AI/ML models for CSI compression (JSCC/JSCM): whether to pursue two-sided models in Rel-20 (OPPO supports; InterDigital opposes due to inter-vendor training complexity; Spreadtrum proposes postponing until NR standardization completes; Huawei argues lower priority due to collaboration risk; Nokia observes one-sided performs close to two-sided).
  • Framework evolution approach: whether to adopt the 5G NR CSI framework as baseline with evolutionary enhancements (FUTUREWEI, Nokia, OPPO, Spreadtrum) or introduce a fundamental shift exploiting long-term channel statistics as prior knowledge with sparse CSI-RS and explicit feedback (Huawei).
  • CSI-RS overhead reduction method: structured port-to-RE mapping with IDFT-based joint channel estimation (FUTUREWEI) vs. sparse CSI-RS designs leveraging long-term PAS/PDP (Huawei) vs. CSI-RS pattern adaptation based on channel sparsity order in delay/frequency/spatial domain (InterDigital).
  • CSI reporting mechanisms: whether to support UE-initiated CSI reporting (InterDigital, Nokia, Spreadtrum support studying), PUSCH-only CSI reporting (Nokia, Spreadtrum propose), and whether periodic CSI reporting remains necessary (Nokia questions).
10.5.3.2 Aspects of uplink-based CSI acquisition 6 contributions

This sub-topic addresses uplink-based CSI acquisition for 6G, focusing on SRS framework evolution to support higher antenna counts, hybrid architectures, and AI/ML integration. Companies discuss retaining the 5G NR SRS framework as a baseline while proposing enhancements for sparse SRS design, long-term channel information leveraging, UE antenna coherency modeling, codebook adaptation for diverse form factors, and unified RS designs spanning communication, positioning, and sensing. Key debates include whether to prune post-Rel-15 SRS features, how many antenna ports to support for Day-1 study, and the role of specification-transparent versus standardized AI/ML approaches.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes that the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework serves as the starting point for 6G with enhancements across five distinct areas. For upper midband (UMB) hybrid antenna architectures, proposes studying specific antenna combinations (2048 elements with 256 TXRUs at 7 GHz; 2048 elements with 32 or 128 TXRUs at 15 GHz) and enhanced SRS repetition schemes for fast full CSI acquisition. Proposes a general carrier switching framework that reduces or eliminates switching-back by moving all transmissions to the switching-to carrier, potentially combined with DL carrier switching. For cooperative MIMO, proposes studying DL interference probing based on SRS enhancements, presenting simulation results showing capacity gains of 64.8% in dense urban and 26.9% in urban macro scenarios for 45Mbps XR traffic. Urges RAN1 to discuss high-level MIMO framework principles enabling AI/ML-based functionality from day-1 and to identify AI/ML use cases to facilitate assessment. Proposes QCL/TCI enhancements to enable UL signals such as SRS as QCL source RS for DL TCI states.
  • Huawei — Proposes studying sparse SRS design using larger transmission comb values (e.g., Comb-8) and larger partial frequency factors to improve SNR and reduce channel aging. Proposes studying long-term channel information leveraging to assist CSI acquisition under sparse SRS patterns, reporting 24% to 52% spectral efficiency gain. For AI/ML, prioritizes sub-use case A (low overhead SRS with AI/ML) and requires a unified SRS pattern/sequence design enabling FDM/CDM coexistence between AI/ML and non-AI/ML SRS patterns. Proposes studying DMRS measurement assistance for AI/ML-based NW-side channel estimation to alleviate channel aging. Specifies evaluation methodologies including SGCS, NMSE, BLER, and spectral efficiency KPIs, FLOPs/MACs for complexity, and requires generalization testing across deployment scenarios, antenna configurations, and Doppler conditions.
  • InterDigital — Proposes retaining all NR SRS usages ('codebook', 'nonCodebook', 'antennaSwitching', 'beamManagement') and all time-domain behaviors ('aperiodic', 'semi-persistent', 'periodic') as baseline for 6GR. Proposes supporting at least 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 SRS ports and studying increases beyond 8 TX ports for higher-capability UEs such as FWA and multi-panel devices. Proposes a low-overhead adaptable UL codebook design that adapts to UE deployment environments, diverse form factors, and dynamic port obstruction from user handling, contrasting with NR's fixed equal-spaced precoder codebooks. Proposes studying SRS-based DL CSI acquisition that considers UE antenna coherency capabilities across different TX chains, citing throughput degradation from amplitude/phase imbalances. Proposes studying UE-initiated aperiodic SRS triggering mechanisms informed by UE-side channel measurements, power control, BSR, and CLI. Proposes studying multi-port SRS for CLI and self-interference estimation to support advanced duplex operations including SBFD.
  • Nokia — Proposes reusing the existing 5G NR UL SRS design framework, basic resource definition, and Zadoff-Chu sequences as the baseline for 6G, with SRS support up to 8 antenna ports for UEs. For Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) devices, proposes studying support for more than 8 SRS antenna ports and new antenna-switching configurations. Presents system-level simulation results indicating legacy 5G codebooks deliver no notable performance improvement for fully coherent transmissions with the new Rel-19 directional UE antenna model, proposing studies for new codebook designs tailored to handheld devices and potential relaxation of power control to enable non-uniform transmit power allocation across UE antenna ports. Argues that open-loop transmission schemes should remain specification-transparent and proposes studying the use of DMRS or other PUSCH-associated reference signals for UL CSI acquisition to reduce SRS overhead.
  • OPPO — Proposes basing the 6G SRS framework primarily on NR Rel-15, asserting that many features introduced after Rel-15 are not valuable for 6GR and should be pruned. Proposes a unified SRS configuration eliminating the distinction between codebook-based and non-codebook-based UL CSI acquisition, using a single SRS resource set with TPMI indication applied to both schemes. Opposes using MAC CE to update RRC-configured SRS parameters such as spatial relation or pathloss reference, citing marginal latency gains and unnecessary inter-group complexity between RAN1 and RAN2. Presents technical case that 3Tx fully-coherent codebook provides significant precoding gain over non-coherent codebook, and proposes studying downloadable or mixed codebooks as candidate solutions for diverse UE antenna locations. Argues frequency selective precoding cannot bring gain for 2/4 ports transmission or large subband size, limiting its applicability to larger than 4 ports with CP-OFDM only.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes limiting 6GR Day1 SRS study to {1,2,3,4} antenna ports, noting 8-port devices lack commercial deployment despite NR support. Recommends reusing Zadoff-Chu sequences as the SRS baseline and studying cross-slot SRS features beyond 14 symbols for both CSI acquisition and velocity estimation in sensing. For AI-based SRS, asserts that antenna switching enhancement should remain NW implementation without spec impact (Observation-2), while prioritizing frequency hopping overhead reduction with Sub-case A where the NW-side model predicts full-bandwidth channel information from sparse SRS transmissions. Prefers a unified uplink RS design aggregating communication, positioning, and sensing functions, and proposes studying simplified single-step offset indication for aperiodic SRS timing determination.
Open issues
  • Whether to prune post-Rel-15 SRS features or retain the full NR SRS framework as baseline for 6G
  • Whether to standardize AI/ML-based antenna switching and channel estimation or keep them as NW implementation without spec impact
  • What number of SRS antenna ports to support for Day-1 study (e.g., limit to {1,2,3,4} versus support up to 8 with extensions beyond 8 for FWA)
  • How to design UL codebooks for new UE antenna models including directional patterns, diverse form factors, and dynamic port obstruction
  • Whether to unify codebook-based and non-codebook-based UL CSI acquisition into a single SRS configuration
  • Applicability and gain of frequency selective precoding for different port counts and waveform types
10.5.3.3 Other aspects 6 contributions

Discussions under 'Other aspects' focus on the design of reference signals (TRS, PTRS, DMRS), CSI acquisition frameworks, and AI/ML integration for 6G Radio. Companies debate whether to baseline on evolved 5G NR designs or introduce new paradigms, addressing overhead reduction, aperiodic vs. periodic RS, channel characteristic alignment, and evaluation methodology for AI/ML-based enhancements.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as a complete baseline for 6G without fundamental paradigm shifts. Proposes studying multi-port TRS as a QCL source where a UE applies a signaled or estimated precoding vector to received multi-port TRS to form an effective single-port TRS that matches the precoding of target DMRS/CSI-RS, reducing channel estimation degradation from precoding mismatch. Proposes supporting early/on-demand tracking acquisition via aperiodic TRS (and optionally aperiodic SSB) as a mandatory feature for fast SCell/SCC activation and an optional feature for early CSI acquisition before CONNECTED. Proposes integrating AI/ML into the MIMO framework from day-1 of 6G with discussion of high-level principles and identification of a few use cases. Additionally proposes studying UMB support including advanced Tx/Rx technologies, overhead reduction for CSI-RS/DMRS, and hybrid antenna architecture, and studying fast beam acquisition via augmented antenna architecture for one-shot beam acquisition.
  • Huawei — Proposes studying long-term channel information to enable sparse SRS design, using deterministic assisted information extracted from environment-dependent deterministic channel information or historical channel samples to reconstruct dense CSI from sparse SRS measurements. Proposes combining instantaneous SRS with long-term channel information for multi-TRP coordination, leveraging the signal space obtained by CSI-RS to filter noise and interference for remote coordinating TRPs. Requires studying 6GR TRS using NR TRS as a starting point while minimizing overhead. Proposes studying 6GR PTRS for high modulation order cases around 7GHz, emphasizing low-density PTRS patterns in time and frequency domains for phase noise estimation and channel time variation tracking.
  • InterDigital — Presents a technical case against unqualified adoption of AI/ML for CSI processing by emphasizing hidden costs in Model Life Cycle Management (LCM) overhead, computational and hardware complexity, energy efficiency versus spectral gain, and multi-vendor interoperability testing. Proposes studying these four specific dimensions to decide whether an AI/ML-based solution should be supported for CSI processing in 6GR. Requires that evaluation benchmarks use state-of-the-art non-AI/ML solutions like sparsity-based frequency/spatial domain designs rather than legacy NR CSI-RS inherited from LTE. Supports identifying specific use cases (CSI-RS overhead reduction, CSI prediction, CSI compression) before discussing evaluation metrics, arguing that two-sided models like CSI compression impose significantly more signaling, computational complexity, power, and testing burdens than single-sided models.
  • Nokia — Questions the necessity of introducing a 6GR-specific TRS before use cases and corresponding requirements are clearly identified. Presents a technical case against periodic TRS inherited from 5G, arguing that periodic TRS contributes to system overhead and network energy consumption and experiences different channel characteristics than PDSCH DMRS due to cell-specific wide-beam transmission versus UE-specific precoded transmission. Proposes that 6GR should build upon aperiodic RS design associated with downlink transmissions that shares the same/similar radio channel characteristics as PDSCH DMRS. If TRS usage is retained, proposes studying mechanisms for more flexible TRS adaptation including not transmitting TRS or adapting TRS configuration/setting for overhead reduction and energy savings without compromising performance, noting that network-side lack of knowledge for timely TRS adaptation is available at the UE.
  • OPPO — Requires supporting CSI report without PMI for reciprocity-based transmission as a 6G day 1 feature, using the NR non-PMI report procedure as a starting point. Proposes studying fusion of implicit downlink CSI feedback and SRS measurement at the NW-side, presenting evaluation results showing Option 1 (implicit CSI fusion) achieves SGCS of 0.915/0.844/0.794/0.752 for layers 1-4 respectively, outperforming both SRS-only and explicit CSI fusion. Supports periodic TRS as day 1 with CSI-RS as the starting point, proposes further study on aperiodic TRS necessity, and recommends considering additional usages including XDCP and CJT calibration measurement during design. For PTRS, argues for a simplified 6G architecture, specifically targeting time/frequency density determination mechanisms, waveform-specific designs, and PTRS-DMRS association rules to reduce specification and implementation complexity.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes a dedicated PT-RS design for 6GR phase noise estimation, arguing that existing reference signals like CSI-RS and DMRS are insufficient because CSI-RS is independent from PDSCH and DMRS lacks sufficient time domain density. Considers NR PT-RS design mature and proposes reusing it as a baseline for 6GR, remaining open to discussing enhancements. For TRS, proposes reusing CSI-RS design with dedicated configuration to construct RE patterns for fine time/frequency tracking, noting benefits for a unified channel measurement framework. Additionally proposes studying whether NR time/frequency tracking requirements are sufficient before discussing any enhancements beyond NR TRS design.
Open issues
  • Whether a dedicated 6GR TRS is necessary versus building upon aperiodic RS designs associated with downlink transmissions that share channel characteristics with PDSCH DMRS.
  • Whether periodic TRS should be supported as a day 1 feature or if its cell-specific wide-beam nature creates channel characteristic mismatch and overhead concerns requiring more flexible adaptation mechanisms.
  • Whether AI/ML-based CSI processing should be integrated from day-1 with high-level principles, or whether hidden LCM, hardware, energy, and interoperability costs must be rigorously benchmarked against state-of-the-art non-AI/ML solutions before deciding support.
  • What evaluation benchmarks are appropriate for AI/ML CSI processing—state-of-the-art non-AI/ML solutions like sparsity-based designs versus legacy NR CSI-RS—and whether use cases must be identified before defining metrics.
  • Whether NR time/frequency tracking requirements are sufficient for 6GR before studying TRS enhancements, and whether existing NR TRS design serves as an adequate starting point.
10.5.4.1 Downlink control channel, scheduling for downlink and uplink transmission 3 contributions

This sub-topic addresses 6G downlink control channel design and scheduling mechanisms, focusing on DCI format simplification, reliability enhancements, and support for new services. Huawei, Nokia, and Spreadtrum each present proposals to reduce the number of DCI format types compared to NR, with all three companies proposing variants of a two-stage DCI structure to address PDCCH blocking and support multi-carrier scheduling. Key technical debates center on whether to adopt two-stage DCI with blind decoding only on the first stage, how to handle DCI size alignment and BWP ambiguity, and which functions require group common DCI versus unicast DCI.

Company positions
  • Huawei — Proposes studying a two-stage DCI structure with a fixed-size 1st-stage DCI scheduling a variable 2nd-stage DCI, aiming to eliminate blind decoding for the 2nd-stage DCI and mitigate PDCCH blocking. Proposes further study of enhanced single-DCI and two-stage DCI mechanisms for multi-carrier scheduling, arguing that semi-statically reserving fields for the maximum number of schedulable carriers creates resource inefficiency. Proposes dynamic PDCCH-based indications for flexible BS and UE active duration control including early termination of Cell DTX/DRX active duration, rather than relying solely on semi-static C-DRX configuration. Proposes that scheduling design jointly considers new service requirements such as unequal error protection for data with different importance characteristics (AI/ML modalities, immersive video streams) and predicted data arrival with critical PDB. Supports retaining NR's in-order scheduling restrictions as baseline and proposes studying early termination for PDSCH repetitions to improve spectral efficiency when CSI is inaccurate.
  • Nokia — Proposes reducing the number of DCI format types for 6G compared to NR by eliminating compact DCI formats 0_2/1_2 and instead making baseline non-fallback DCI formats 0_1/1_1 more configurable through flexible DCI field sizes such as FDRA granularity. Proposes studying RRC-configured DCI sizes for USS to prevent DCI size ambiguities during BWP switching, and advocates replacing NR's hard-coded DCI size alignment procedure with configurable alignment to reduce blind decoding requirements. Proposes studying mechanisms for reliable DL control during bandwidth switching operation including common PDCCH candidates across different bandwidth assumptions and aligned DCI sizes. Proposes studying PDCCH detection feedback techniques within the PDSCH HARQ feedback framework to address missed DL assignments impacting adaptive DL HARQ operation, and requires support for PDCCH repetitions for increased reliability.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes reducing the number of fallback DCI formats to exactly one DL and one UL format with identical size, and requires that fields and bit lengths in DCI scrambled by specific RNTIs be fixed and independent of RRC configurations. Presents a technical case against NR's use of four DL/UL unicast DCI format pairs, citing extreme PDCCH blind decoding complexity and cumbersome size alignment procedures. Proposes studying two-stage DCI structures where only first-stage DCI undergoes blind detection and second-stage DCI carries variable payload without blind decoding, specifically to support multi-carrier scheduling and mixed services with better spectrum utilization. Proposes identifying and clarifying which functions necessitate group common DCI rather than unicast DCI, and narrows the scope to only TPC-related commands and energy efficiency functions like NES or UE power saving.
Open issues
  • Whether 6G should adopt a two-stage DCI structure with blind decoding performed only on the first stage, and whether the second stage should carry variable payload without blind decoding
  • How to resolve DCI size ambiguities during BWP switching — whether through RRC-configured DCI sizes or configurable alignment procedures replacing NR's hard-coded approach
  • Which functions (beyond TPC and energy efficiency) genuinely require group common DCI rather than unicast DCI
  • Whether compact DCI formats (0_2/1_2) should be eliminated entirely and their functionality absorbed into more configurable non-fallback DCI formats
10.5.4.3 HARQ related Aspects 3 contributions

This sub-topic addresses HARQ-related aspects for 6G Radio, focusing on the degree of NR inheritance versus new designs for HARQ-ACK signaling, codebook types, timing, and process management. Companies discuss retaining NR's asynchronous adaptive HARQ while proposing studies on decoupling UL/DL scheduling coordination for CA, simplifying HARQ-ACK codebook types, enabling cross-carrier retransmission within MCSC, and enhancing HARQ mechanisms for improved link adaptation, faster feedback, and support for AI/immersive service traffic characteristics.

Company positions
  • Huawei — Proposes reusing 5G NR L1 HARQ-ACK UL control signaling, DL CA HARQ-ACK feedback on a single UL PUCCH carrier, and NR Type I/II HARQ-ACK codebooks as a starting point for 6G. Proposes inheriting NR CBG-based retransmission and the configurable number of HARQ processes with asynchronous operation. Proposes studying enhanced HARQ mechanisms for improved link adaptation to mitigate improper MCS assignment and studying SBFD, simplified dynamic TDD, and dynamic PUCCH carrier switching to achieve fast HARQ-ACK feedback. Proposes studying mechanisms to improve HARQ-ACK reliability by addressing DCI miss detection and UCI detection failure. Proposes studying HARQ process management considering larger bandwidth, higher antenna numbers, and flexible TB/CW-to-layer mapping, as well as studying HARQ design to accommodate error tolerance and priority differentiation for AI and immersive services.
  • Nokia — Proposes that 6GR shall retain NR's asynchronous adaptive HARQ operation for UL-SCH and DL-SCH. Presents a technical case against NR's tight coordination between UL and DL schedulers in HARQ-ACK reporting, observing that DAI dependencies in Type-2 HARQ-ACK codebooks and timing indication in DL assignments increase scheduling complexity, and proposes studying mechanisms that decouple DL assignment from HARQ-ACK feedback triggering to enable parallel CA processing. Argues that a 6G flexible CA framework with decoupled UL and DL carriers requires HARQ-ACK reporting with decoupled scheduling, targeting a design that allows decoupling of DL scheduling information between cell groups. Proposes studying enhanced feedback techniques including multi-value NACK to differentiate PDSCH decoding failure from missed DL assignment, and indication of detected PDCCH count, to limit the impact of missed DL assignments on adaptive DL HARQ operation.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes studying a unified and integrated scheduling framework that natively supports all combinations of dynamic scheduling schemes (single-slot, repetition, multi-PDSCH/PUSCH, multi-cell, and multi-cell multi-PDSCH/PUSCH). Proposes reducing the number of HARQ-ACK codebook types from the current five in NR, specifically addressing pain points such as Type-1's large feedback bits and complex generation, Type-2's last DCI issue and inter-cell coordination dependency, and the complexity of enhanced Type-2 for two PDSCH groups. Proposes adopting a single basic PDSCH/PUSCH processing time per device type as the starting point, eliminating the dual-capability structure of NR, while also proposing differentiated processing times for diverse device types and further study on relaxation for energy efficiency and large bandwidth configurations. Proposes studying L1-based dynamic indication for faster ARQ retransmission triggered by HARQ process status, requiring definition of the previous TB associated with a HARQ process ID. Proposes cross-carrier HARQ retransmission within the Multi-Carrier Single Cell (MCSC) architecture, where an initial transmission on one carrier can be retransmitted on another carrier within the same cell.
Open issues
  • Whether to reuse NR HARQ-ACK codebook types (Type I/II) as-is or simplify/reduce the number of codebook types, given concerns about Type-1 overhead/complexity and Type-2 inter-cell coordination dependency and last DCI issue.
  • Whether and how to decouple DL assignment from HARQ-ACK feedback triggering and decouple UL/DL scheduling coordination across cell groups for CA, versus maintaining tighter coordination with DAI-based mechanisms.
  • How to handle missed DL assignment detection and HARQ-ACK reliability improvements, including whether to adopt multi-value NACK, PDCCH detection count indication, or other enhanced feedback techniques.
  • Whether to adopt a single basic PDSCH/PUSCH processing time per device type eliminating NR's dual-capability structure, or retain multiple capability categories.
10.5.5 Other physical layer signals, channels and procedure 3 contributions

This sub-topic covers other physical layer signals, channels, and procedures for 6G Radio. Companies are discussing cross-link interference (CLI) handling and measurement frameworks for advanced duplex modes like SBFD, remote interference management (RIM) simplification, scheduling request (SR) procedures for critical-latency services, power control baselines, and energy-saving mechanisms such as Cell DTX/DRX and TRP ON/OFF adaptation.

Company positions
  • Huawei — Proposes studying CLI management techniques for advanced duplex modes (dynamic TDD, SBFD) by leveraging and enhancing Rel-16/18/19 features, specifically supporting UL resource muting with a comb-2 frequency-domain pattern and CSI-RS based inter-gNB CLI measurement schemes, while also proposing CSI-RS resource-based UL resource muting to avoid CLI caused by CSI-RS transmissions. Presents a technical case that native 6G energy-saving features such as TRP ON/OFF adaptation based on long-term traffic prediction inherently mitigate co-channel CLI, and that 6G's delay-budget-oriented services enable packet aggregation offering more sleep opportunities compared to 5G's latency-optimized UPT. Requires retaining the physical layer SR for 6G, stating insufficient motivation for its removal. Proposes studying latency-reduction solutions for the SR/BSR procedure specifically for critical-latency services where the procedure could consume half the transmission occasions within a 10ms PDB.
  • Nokia — Proposes prioritizing layer-1 over layer-3 UE-to-UE CLI measurements for 6G Radio due to higher configuration flexibility and faster interference tracking, and requires re-using SRS-RSRP and CLI-RSSI as baseline reporting quantities while studying event-triggered reporting to reduce UE complexity and energy consumption. For RIM, prefers simplifying the 5G NR RIM design by prioritizing RIM Framework-1, down-prioritizing backhaul-signaling solutions due to one-to-many aggressor-victim cell relationships, and reducing RIM RS configurability parameters such as sequence numbers and bandwidth options (48 vs 96 PRBs) to improve inter-operability. For Cell DTX/DRX, proposes studying joint optimization with spatial/power domain adaptation and relaxation of cell-common signals/channels during non-active periods.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes that 6G Radio physical uplink control signaling carry scheduling request combined with other UCI, and supports SR+BSR as the preferred mechanism over contention-based UL transmission, arguing CBUL is not suitable for latency-sensitive data due to non-deterministic access latency affected by resource periodicity and UE sharing count. Proposes Rel-17 NR UL power control framework (open-loop and closed-loop) as the baseline for 6G power control, reusing beam-based transmissions, multiple numerologies, and DL RS for path loss measurement, with NR PHR as the baseline for 6G PHR. Observes overlapping functionalities between L1 and L3 CLI measurement schemes in NR and proposes a unified UE-to-UE CLI measurement and reporting scheme for SBFD operation. Proposes using Rel-19 gNB-to-gNB co-channel CLI/channel measurements as a starting point with information exchange among gNBs and transparent/non-transparent UL resource muting. For NR-6G MRSS, proposes resource allocation coordination to prevent conflicts, aligned numerology/waveform, and aligned UL/DL TDD direction to avoid cross-slot interference.
Open issues
  • Whether a unified UE-to-UE CLI measurement and reporting scheme should replace separate L1 and L3 CLI measurement schemes from NR for SBFD operation in 6G
  • Which RIM framework and RS configurability parameters should be retained or simplified for 6G given commercial deployment experience in 5G NR
  • Whether the physical layer SR procedure requires latency-reduction optimizations for critical-latency services, and if so, what specific mechanisms should be studied
10.6.1.1 Design of WUS with OFDM based sequence 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses the design of a 6G DL Wake-Up Signal (WUS) using OFDM-based sequences, with discussions centered on waveform choice (CP-OFDM vs DFT-s-OFDM), sequence families (ZC, Gold, m-sequences), coverage targets relative to PDCCH/paging, receiver processing assumptions for energy-efficient (EE) states, and the reuse of Rel-19 LP-WUS framework elements. Companies debate the appropriate residual CFO assumptions, number of RX chains, and synchronization methods, while all propose removing the OOK signal and Manchester encoding constraints from Rel-19.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes adopting a DL WUS based on an OFDM sequence with at least PDCCH as a coverage target, replacing Rel-16 DCP and Rel-17 PEI functionality for a unified 6G energy saving solution. Proposes using Rel-19 LP-WUS design as a starting point, maintaining the pre-DFT OFDM sequence overlay definition to enable time-domain EE processing at the UE, but explicitly requires the removal of the underlying OOK signal and Manchester encoding constraint. Proposes a new design for the length and number of candidate OFDM sequences per OFDM symbol, redesigned for the PDCCH coverage target and UE processing complexity without the OOK signal. Proposes direct mapping of raw information bits to OFDM sequences with a configurable number of repetitions for simplified EE UE processing.
  • Huawei — Proposes that DFT-s-OFDM is supported for DL WUS design to enable time domain detection without FFT, reducing receiver power consumption compared to CP-OFDM. Argues that ZC sequence properties (equivalence between time and frequency offset) allow detection without exhaustive frequency offset scanning, proposing ZC sequence as the evaluation baseline. Questions whether ZC sequence capacity is sufficient for UE-dedicated or finer granularity wakeup, proposing to study other sequence types that can support larger capacity with less resource overhead. Proposes studying appropriate bandwidth for DL WUS by jointly considering coverage performance, power consumption, and resource overhead. Proposes reusing the low power radio architecture for OFDMA-based signals/channels studied in NR for 6G DL WUS study.
  • Nokia — Proposes assuming a more stringent residual CFO of 1 ppm for the EE processing state, arguing that SSB-based calibration during active states can maintain this accuracy from initial cell search. Requires the minimum number of RX chains for 6G WUS reception to depend on RRC state and frequency range, noting that deep/ultra-deep sleep states justify single RX chain operation due to lack of channel state information and CFO accuracy. Proposes exploring m-sequence and Gold sequence families as alternatives to Zadoff-Chu for 6G WUS, while requiring evaluation of sequences based on auto correlation peak prominence, low cross correlation performance, and receiver complexity. Proposes studying both direct subgroup-specific sequence mapping (codepoint scheme) and segmented bitmap mapping to OFDM sequences, noting that controlling the number of segments allows the design to mimic either scheme. Also proposes striving for WUS coverage equivalent to paging PDCCH coverage at aggregation levels 8 and 16.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes using 5G Rel-19 LP-WUS functionality (subgroup paging indication, PDCCH monitoring indication, serving cell measurement) as the baseline for 6G DL WUS with OFDM-based sequence. Requires a single unified WUS solution for all device types and requires cell-wise coverage to achieve complete UE power saving gain, with Msg3 coverage as the starting point. Proposes studying CP-OFDM as the waveform, arguing no distinct power consumption difference versus DFT-S-OFDM when considering FFT-based correlation and noting CP-OFDM simplifies operation when WUS is FDMed with other CP-OFDM signals. Proposes studying both 6G SSB reuse and dedicated LP-SS for synchronization, and proposes evaluating Gold, M, and ZC sequences with a payload of at least 5 bits. Argues that WUS reliability targets for miss detection and false alarm rates require dedicated study due to potential low-precision hardware and synchronization errors in EE processing state.
Open issues
  • Waveform selection for DL WUS: CP-OFDM vs DFT-s-OFDM and their respective impacts on time-domain detection complexity and power consumption
  • Sequence family selection: whether ZC sequence capacity is sufficient for UE-dedicated or finer granularity wakeup versus alternatives like Gold and m-sequences
  • Coverage target definition for 6G WUS: whether to target PDCCH coverage, paging PDCCH at AL8/16, or Msg3 coverage as the baseline
  • Residual CFO assumption for EE processing state: whether to assume a more stringent 1 ppm based on SSB-based calibration or a different value considering synchronization errors
  • Number of RX chains required for WUS reception in different RRC states and frequency ranges, particularly for deep/ultra-deep sleep states
  • Information mapping scheme: direct subgroup-specific sequence mapping versus segmented bitmap mapping to OFDM sequences
  • Synchronization approach: whether to reuse 6G SSB or design a dedicated LP-SS for WUS synchronization
  • WUS reliability targets for miss detection and false alarm rates considering low-precision hardware and synchronization errors in EE processing state
10.6.1.2 WUS operation in RRC states 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses the design and operation of a 6G Downlink Wake-Up Signal (DL WUS) across RRC IDLE/INACTIVE and RRC CONNECTED states. Companies are discussing unified vs. state-specific designs, the baseline assumptions for low-power receiver monitoring (duty-cycled vs. continuous), the capacity and granularity for paging subgrouping, the handling of connected-mode PDCCH monitoring triggering using Rel-19 Options 1-1 and 1-2, and the feasibility of performing RRM measurements with a low-power receiver to extend energy savings. Key tensions include whether to avoid duplicating functionalities seen across NR releases (DCP, PEI, LP-WUS) by defining a single DL-WUS type per state, and what power state assumptions enable coverage and measurement targets similar to the main radio.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes a unified 6G DL WUS of OFDM-based sequence design that claims functionality from both Rel-17 PEI and Rel-19 LP-WUS for RRC IDLE/INACTIVE operation, using codepoint-based indication with at least an all-subgroups codepoint and supporting a maximum of at least 31 subgroups per PO with association to at least 4 POs. Argues that 6G UE 'EE processing' power state assumptions—specifically no NF degradation relative to the main radio and relative power within Rel-18/19 LP-WUR ON range—eliminate the need for Rel-19's conditional entry/exit condition based on serving cell measurements and enable PDCCH as the coverage target for energy saving. For RRC CONNECTED operation, proposes starting from Rel-19 Option 1-2 monitoring to decouple measurement requirements from PDCCH monitoring, while requiring SCell dormancy indication capability and increased wake-up capacity beyond Rel-19 LP-WUS to fully claim Rel-16 DCP functionality.
  • Huawei — Proposes studying 6G DL WUS with finer wakeup granularity than 5G LP-WUS in RRC idle state to reduce false wake-up rate and enable per-UE indication triggering RACH procedure directly. Requires a single DL WUS procedure for RRC connected state, arguing that 5G-A LP-WUS Option 1-1 and Option 1-2 achieve similar energy consumption and latency performance when configured with identical key parameters (monitoring periodicity, monitoring duration), making two procedures redundant. Proposes offloading RRM measurements including neighbour cell measurements to the low-power receiver, noting that more power saving gain can be obtained if LR supports more measurements, while requiring study of the impact on LR complexity to maintain acceptable measurement accuracy. Strives for a unified synchronization signal for main radio and low-power receiver, observing that LR is OFDM-based so no dedicated LR synchronization signal is needed, but acknowledges different synchronization accuracy due to different RX number assumptions. Proposes studying DL WUS for triggering per-UE fast transition from low-power sub-state to data-transmission sub-state in RRC connected state and examining whether DL WUS can carry functionalities beyond wake-up such as PO clustering information for network energy saving or parameter updating.
  • Nokia — Proposes assuming duty-cycled 6GR WUS monitoring with predefined time occasions rather than continuous monitoring, arguing this is necessary to attain UE power benefit given the agreed power model. Proposes that WUS monitoring occasions be limited to one time occasion per paging cycle containing one or more continuous WUS monitoring occasions, as increasing monitoring occasions may negatively impact UE power savings. For connected mode, proposes retaining a basic duty-cycled C-DRX configuration and aligning 6GR WUS monitoring with the C-DRX configuration (Option 1-1), citing reduced RRM measurement cost in the 6G EE processing state. Proposes studying WUS usage within ACTIVE times (previously deprioritized in NR Rel-19) and extending WUS to support multiple PDCCH monitoring adaptation features including SSSG switching, early termination of PDCCH skipping, and SPS activation/deactivation, while striving to avoid overlapping functionality that occurred in 5G across Cell-DTX, DCP, and LP-WUS.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes that 6GR should avoid the duplicated DL-WUS functionalities introduced across NR releases by defining only one DL-WUS type per RRC state. Supports extending the payload size for finer subgrouping granularity and advocates for multi-beam operation via DL WUS occasions composed of multiple monitoring occasions. Proposes using NR mechanisms as a starting point for wake-up delay and DL WUS occasion configuration. Requires that a UE in EE mode can perform serving cell RRM measurements using SSB or LP-SS in a low-power mode under certain signal quality conditions. For connected mode, proposes adopting NR's Option 1-1 and Option 1-2 as the basis for triggering PDCCH monitoring via LP-WUS.
Open issues
  • Whether a single unified DL WUS design can fully claim functionality from both Rel-17 PEI and Rel-19 LP-WUS across IDLE/INACTIVE and CONNECTED states, or whether distinct DL-WUS types per RRC state should be defined to avoid duplicated functionalities.
  • Whether duty-cycled monitoring with limited occasions or continuous monitoring should be assumed for 6G DL WUS, given differing views on the agreed power model and UE power benefit.
  • Whether the 6G EE processing power state assumptions (no NF degradation, relative power in LP-WUR ON range) are sufficient to target PDCCH-level coverage and eliminate Rel-19 conditional entry/exit based on serving cell measurements.
  • Whether a single LP-WUS procedure (Option 1-1 or Option 1-2) is sufficient for RRC CONNECTED state, or whether both options should be retained as a starting point, given debate over identical vs. different energy/latency performance when key parameters are aligned.
  • Which RRM measurements (serving cell only vs. including neighbour cells) can be offloaded to the low-power receiver with acceptable measurement accuracy and complexity impact.
  • Whether DL WUS should carry functionalities beyond wake-up, such as PO clustering information for network energy saving, parameter updating, SSSG switching, early PDCCH skipping termination, or SPS activation/deactivation.
10.6.2 Uplink WUS and operation 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses Uplink Wake-Up Signal (UL WUS) design and operation for 6G network energy saving. Companies debate whether UL WUS study should proceed now or be postponed pending foundational PRACH/RACH work, with discussions covering on-demand SSB/SIB1 extension beyond 5G NR Rel-19 constraints, unified vs. dedicated UL WUS signal design, BS low-power receiver architecture, and UL WUS applicability across RRC states and deployment scenarios.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes maximizing 6G network energy saving by supporting UL WUS in any RRC state and in standalone cells/carriers, removing 5G NR constraints that limited on-demand SSB to SCell operation and on-demand SIB1 to cells with an assisting Cell A. Recommends adopting Rel-19 UL-WUS non-standalone operation as a baseline when a supporting cell is available. Proposes a new light Sync Signal design with sequence-based structure to indicate UL WUS configuration, beam/Sync Signal index, and LSBs of SFN, arguing that preconfigured UL WUS configuration limits network flexibility in Sync Signal placement and that MIB-based configuration fails to reduce initial access latency under long Sync Signal periodicity. Further proposes UL WUS occasion definitions that account for coarse UE timing synchronization and support both window-based association for long preambles and one-to-one association for short preambles depending on timing information availability.
  • Huawei — Proposes studying UL-WUS as a mechanism to transform BS operation from periodic 'always on' activity to demand-driven wake-up, enabling dynamic sleep and long BS sleep durations without UE performance penalties. Proposes extending the Rel-19 on-demand SSB concept from carrier aggregation to single cell/carrier scenarios, where a connected UE requests additional synchronization signals (AD-SS) via UL-WUS. Presents a technical case that UE-triggered AD-SS provides better network energy saving gains than NW-triggered always-on SS, and that handling AD-SS and UL-WUS in BS low-power (LP) mode yields further considerable energy savings compared to handling by the main radio (MR). Proposes studying high-capacity UL-WUS design to carry UE-dedicated information and support multiple use cases including on-demand UL data transmission, OD-SIB1 in standalone deployment, and a 'No UL Data' indication to assist the network in distinguishing PUSCH skipping from PDCCH missing.
  • Nokia — Proposes postponing the UL WUS and operation study on A.I. 10.6.2 to avoid duplication with the foundational PRACH and RACH procedure study on A.I. 10.5.1.2. Presents a technical case that the current stage lacks clarity on what key complements UL WUS signal provides over PRACH preamble design, whether sufficient performance gain exists in coverage or energy efficiency to justify the extra design effort, and what use cases UL WUS operation covers that RACH procedure cannot. For the feasibility aspect, opposes dedicated low-power radio (LPR) receiver architecture for UL WUS at the base station, instead requiring that the UL WUS signal type be identical to other uplink signals so that common network hardware and the common radio modem at the BS side can be reused with functionalities implemented simply by a subset of existing hardware components.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes a single unified design for UL WUS to meet different on-demand signal requirements in 6G. Requires on-demand SIBx to be supported from 6G Day 1 using 5G NR legacy mechanisms including PRACH with dedicated preambles/resources for UL WUS, RAR MAC PDU subheader with RAPID for NW acknowledgement, Msg3 carrying system information request, or RRC signaling for connected UEs, citing successful 5G commercialization and limited negative UE impact. Proposes delaying UL WUS discussion for on-demand SIB1 and on-demand SSB in idle state until feasibility and necessity are evaluated in AI 10.5.1.1. Supports immediate adoption of on-demand SSB for SCell with NW triggering and no UL WUS using the Rel-19 legacy solution, characterizing it as a good balance between NW energy efficiency and UE performance for synchronization and measurement purposes.
Open issues
  • Whether UL WUS study should proceed on A.I. 10.6.2 or be postponed until foundational PRACH and RACH procedure study on A.I. 10.5.1.2 has progressed sufficiently to differentiate UL WUS from PRACH and identify unique benefits.
  • Whether UL WUS should use a dedicated signal design distinct from PRACH or be identical to other uplink signals to enable common BS radio modem reception and reuse of existing network hardware.
  • Whether UL WUS for on-demand SIB1 and on-demand SSB in idle/inactive mode should be addressed now or delayed pending evaluation in other agenda items (A.I. 10.5.1.1).
  • Whether BS-side UL WUS reception should use a dedicated low-power receiver architecture or be handled by the main radio, and what energy savings justify dedicated LP mode handling.
  • Whether on-demand SSB should be extended to standalone cells/carriers and any RRC state, or remain limited to SCell with NW triggering as in Rel-19.
10.7.1 NTN specific requirements and design for GNSS based operation 4 contributions

Companies are discussing the design of 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) with a focus on GNSS-based operation. Key themes include the degree of harmonization between terrestrial (TN) and NTN designs, specific mechanisms for UE power saving and error correction during GNSS-based random access and connected mode, and the appropriate system-level simulation methodology for multi-satellite deployments. There are distinct positions on whether to reuse 5G NTN legacies as a baseline or to study new scenarios like VLEO and new control mechanisms from the start.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes studying Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) NTN scenarios at an orbital height of 300 km, while defaulting to Rel-17 NR-NTN LEO and GEO parameters for other cases. To mitigate increased UE power consumption from GNSS-based operation, proposes considering GNSS position fix time intervals and satellite elevation angles in the 6G PRACH format design. Recommends studying network-controlled timing advance adjustments in both positive and negative directions during random access to correct GNSS position errors, and proposes studying closed-loop frequency control for the network to adjust UE carrier frequency in RRC connected mode.
  • Huawei — Proposes that 6G NTN should support boundary-less radio access through satellite switch with resynchronization without PCI change for regenerative payloads under (quasi) earth fixed cell deployment. Requires beam-level PRACH and paging configurations in SIB for beam-specific operation, mandates using wide beams for common control channels and narrower beams for dedicated channels, and proposes that beam management procedures consider UE location, time, and elevation angle rather than solely RSRP measurement and reporting. Presents a technical case against the UV-plane-based projection method for multi-satellite deployment evaluation, arguing it causes artificial beam distortions and non-uniform beam spacing in ECEF, and proposes 3D hexagonal tessellation of Earth as the replacement system-level simulation methodology.
  • Nokia — Requires that all 6G devices support GNSS for NTN operation and that 6G systems support NTN from day one with maximum similarity to the terrestrial network (TN) design, insisting NTN-specific features must only be introduced when strictly necessary. Opposes the Rel-18 network verified UE location feature unless it is accurate, trustworthy, and has mandatory UE support. Proposes studying extended PDSCH/PUSCH transmission duration to combat HARQ stalling, and studying concurrent SIB1 and NTN access essential SIB scheduling to improve initial access latency and reliability. Calculates TDD efficiency losses of 14-31% for LEO orbits and therefore requires that 6G NTN studies focus on FDD duplex mode.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes reusing 5G NTN legacy solutions as the starting point for UL frequency synchronization and UL timing advance maintenance. Requires a unified TN/NTN design for cell search procedure, coverage features, HARQ process number/HARQ-ACK feedback disable, maximum SSB index count (Lmax), and cell DTX/DRX mechanism. Proposes studying longer SSB periodicity (160ms or larger values) for NTN with limited simultaneously active beams, and proposes studying OCC-based UL capacity increase with OCC schemes, OCC length, and specific UL channels (PRACH, Msg3, CG-based SDT) in NTN first, applying conclusions to TN. Proposes studying TN energy-saving technologies first, then adapting results to NTN considering time/frequency synchronization, timing relationship, and beam hopping. Supports FDD and HD-FDD for 6G day-1 NTN.
Open issues
  • System-level simulation methodology for multi-satellite deployment evaluation (UV-plane-based projection vs. 3D hexagonal tessellation of Earth).
  • Baseline parameter set for new NTN scenarios such as VLEO at 300 km versus defaulting to Rel-17 NR-NTN LEO/GEO parameters.
  • Scope and necessity of NTN-specific features versus maximum harmonization with the terrestrial network (TN) design.
  • Duplex mode focus for 6G NTN studies, given calculated TDD efficiency losses for LEO orbits.
  • Design of PRACH formats to account for GNSS position fix time intervals and satellite elevation angles for power saving.

Contributions

R1-2600050 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.0
6G General Aspects and Frameworks
This Futurewei Tdoc for the 3GPP 6G Radio study presents 18 proposals and 4 observations across multiple physical layer framework areas. The document argues for a single large maximum bandwidth option, a 2-level carrier aggregation framework (intra-cell and inter-cell CA), support for multiple carriers per serving…
Futurewei proposes agreeing to Opt1 for SSB design with bandwidth larger than 3MHz and selecting a single maximum bandwidth option to limit device types and maximize economies of scale. They propose redefining the serving cell concept to support multiple carriers with intra-cell…
R1-2600051 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.1.1
6G Synchronization Acquisition and Beam Measurement
This 3GPP RAN1 contribution from Futurewei for 6G Radio proposes energy-efficient designs for synchronization, system information, and paging. It presents 5 proposals and 15 observations focusing on longer periodicities for SSB/SIB1, on-demand sync signal/SIB1 mechanisms for standalone cells, clustered paging frame…
Futurewei proposes extending 5G NR network energy saving techniques for 6G by removing backward compatibility constraints, specifically replacing frequent SSB/SIB1 transmissions with infrequent periodic transmissions up to 160ms for any SSB type (CD-SSB and NCD-SSB). They…
R1-2600052 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.1.2
Discussion on 6G PRACH Design and RACH Procedure
Futurewei presents three proposals for the 6G RAN1 study item, focusing on PRACH and RACH design. They first propose designing scalable PRACH formats for both TN and NTN, then propose two options for expanding PRACH preamble sets, and finally propose studying solutions to improve MSG3 reliability in the upper mid-band.
Futurewei identifies shortcomings in NR PRACH and RACH designs for 6G scenarios, arguing that existing NR PRACH formats are customized for specific TN deployments and cannot be reused for NTN scenarios without GNSS without introducing non-scalable new formats. They propose…
R1-2600053 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.1.3
6G Bandwidth Operation
This Futurewei contribution analyzes 5G NR Bandwidth Part (BWP) operation lessons and proposes a framework for 6GR bandwidth operation supporting multi-carrier cells with multiple simultaneous active BWPs. The document contains 3 Observations and 11 Proposals.
Futurewei proposes allowing a single 6GR cell to map to multiple component carriers to handle fragmented irregular spectrum, preserving the 5G NR BWP definition as a contiguous spectrum part within a carrier. They propose UE operation with more than one active BWP simultaneously…
R1-2600054 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.2.2
Discussion on downlink transmission schemes for downlink shared channels for 6GR air interface
Futurewei presents 9 observations and 14 proposals on 6G DL transmission schemes, advocating for 5G NR MIMO framework evolution with AI/ML integration from day-1, focusing on DMRS adaptation, hybrid antenna architectures for UMB, frequency-selective precoding, and cooperative MIMO.
Futurewei proposes adopting the existing 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as a 6G baseline while requiring AI/ML integration from day-1 of the MIMO framework design. The company proposes a UE-assisted DMRS pattern selection scheme where UEs report minimum DMRS density requirements…
R1-2600055 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
Uplink transmission scheme(s) for uplink channels
This Futurewei contribution to 3GPP RAN1#124 presents 10 proposals and 2 observations on 6G UL transmission schemes, covering the MIMO/RS/CSI framework, AI/ML integration, frequency-selective precoding, QCL/TCI enhancements, UL power control, timing advance, and carrier switching. The document advocates adopting the…
Futurewei proposes adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as a starting point for 6G development without fundamental paradigm shifts, while studying targeted enhancements for upper midband (UMB) support including larger Tx/Rx antenna elements with hybrid architectures. They…
R1-2600056 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Discussion on beam management for downlink and uplink for 6GR air interface
Futurewei provides 3 observations and 7 proposals on 6G MIMO framework design and beam management, advocating for evolution from 5G NR with specific enhancements for upper midband, fast beam acquisition via mixed antenna architecture, AI/ML integration from day-1, and cross-frequency beam prediction using sub-6GHz…
Futurewei proposes adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as the starting point for 6G development, arguing no fundamental paradigm shift is needed while supporting substantial evolution for upper midband (UMB) around 7 GHz and 15 GHz. They propose a mixed antenna architecture…
R1-2600057 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
Discussion on aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition for 6GR air interface
Futurewei presents a comprehensive view on 6G downlink CSI acquisition, proposing 15 specific actions and 5 observations. The document argues for adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as a baseline for 6G while evolving it with enhancements for upper midband (UMB), AI/ML integration, CSI-RS/report overhead…
Futurewei proposes adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as the baseline for 6G without fundamental paradigm shifts, focusing evolutionary enhancements on UMB support. They propose studying hybrid antenna architectures for UMB base stations with large antenna element counts…
R1-2600058 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
Aspects of uplink-based CSI acquisition
This Futurewei contribution presents 13 proposals and 3 observations on 6G uplink-based CSI acquisition, advocating for evolving the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework rather than a fundamental redesign. The document covers MIMO framework design with AI/ML integration, UL-based CSI acquisition for hybrid antenna…
Futurewei proposes that 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework serves as the starting point for 6G with enhancements focused on upper midband (UMB) support, general SE/UPT performance, and fast FR2 beam acquisition. They propose integrating AI/ML as part of the 6G MIMO framework from…
R1-2600059 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
Other Aspects for CSI acquisition
Futurewei presents 5 proposals and 1 observation on 6G MIMO/RS/CSI framework design for the FS_6G_Radio study, arguing for an evolutionary approach building on 5G NR with targeted enhancements for upper midband, AI/ML integration, multi-port TRS, and early tracking acquisition.
Futurewei proposes adopting the 5G NR MIMO/RS/CSI framework as a baseline for 6G, arguing it provides a complete set of essential functionalities without needing fundamental paradigm shifts. They propose studying multi-port TRS as a QCL source for DL transmissions using massive…
R1-2600060 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.6.1.1
Discussion on 6G Design of WUS with OFDM based Sequence
This Futurewei contribution proposes a 6G DL WUS design based on an OFDM sequence, aiming for PDCCH-level coverage to unify Rel-16 DCP and Rel-17 PEI functionalities. It presents 4 observations and 4 proposals on coverage targets and design aspects, building from the Rel-19 LP-WUS framework while removing the…
Futurewei proposes adopting a DL WUS based on an OFDM sequence with at least PDCCH as a coverage target, replacing Rel-16 DCP and Rel-17 PEI functionality for a unified 6G energy saving solution. They propose using Rel-19 LP-WUS design as a starting point, maintaining the…
R1-2600061 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.6.1.2
Discussion on 6G WUS Operation in RRC States
Futurewei's Tdoc R1-2600061 provides 10 observations and 2 proposals on 6G DL WUS of OFDM based sequence, comparing Rel-19 LP-WUS and Rel-16/17 PEI/DCP designs across RRC states. The document proposes a unified design for both RRC IDLE/INACTIVE paging indication and RRC CONNECTED energy saving, leveraging improved…
Futurewei proposes a unified 6G DL WUS of OFDM based sequence design that claims functionality from both Rel-17 PEI and Rel-19 LP-WUS for RRC IDLE/INACTIVE operation, using codepoint-based indication with at least an all subgroups codepoint and supporting a maximum of at least…
R1-2600062 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.6.2
Discussion on 6G Uplink WUS and Operation
This document from Futurewei discusses UL WUS operation and design for 6G network energy saving, presenting 10 observations and 3 proposals. It argues for extending on-demand Sync Signal/SIB1 to standalone cells and any RRC state, and proposes a light Sync Signal design for UL WUS configuration.
Futurewei proposes maximizing 6G network energy saving by supporting UL WUS in any RRC state and in standalone cells/carriers, removing the 5G NR constraints that limited on-demand SSB to SCell operation and on-demand SIB1 to cells with an assisting Cell A. They recommend…
R1-2600063 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.7.1
Discussion on 6G NTN
This Futurewei Tdoc for the 6G NR study item (FS_6G_Radio) presents one observation and four proposals focused on 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). It recommends studying VLEO NTN scenarios at 300 km, and proposes several power-saving and error-correction mechanisms for GNSS-based operations, including PRACH format…
Futurewei proposes studying Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) NTN scenarios at an orbital height of 300 km for 6GR, while defaulting to Rel-17 NR-NTN LEO and GEO parameters for other cases. To mitigate the increased UE power consumption from GNSS-based NTN operation, they propose…
R1-2600137 Huawei discussion not treated 10.1
Evaluation assumptions for 6GR air interface
This Huawei/HiSilicon contribution addresses remaining 6G radio evaluation assumptions, covering UE antenna modelling and various traffic models. It presents four formal proposals regarding UE antenna configurations, FTP-3 extension for mixed packet sizes, bidirectional traffic modelling, and IoT traffic model reuse.
Huawei proposes specific UE antenna modelling with combinations ranging from 1T1R up to 8T16R (16R for FWA only) across carrier frequencies from 700MHz to 15GHz, with antenna element locations for transmission being a subset of reception locations. They require FTP-3 extension…
R1-2600138 Huawei discussion noted 10.2.1
Waveform for 6GR air interface
This contribution from Huawei proposes and evaluates several waveform and modulation enhancements for 6G, including I/Q-offset DFT-s-OFDM, Pruning QAM, UL multi-layer DFT-s-OFDM, and DL DFT-s-OFDM for signals in BS LP-mode. The document contains 20 Observations and 12 Proposals.
Huawei proposes I/Q-offset DFT-s-OFDM as a generalization of prior low PAPR proposals (including Pi/2 BPSK Truncation and O-QAM modulated DFT-s-OFDM) and supports it as a lower PAPR waveform candidate for RAN4 evaluation. They request RAN1 begin discussion on spec impacts…
R1-2600139 Huawei discussion not treated 10.3.1
Channel coding for 6GR air interface
This Huawei/HiSilicon contribution to the 3GPP RAN1#124 meeting discusses channel coding for the 6G radio interface, presenting 14 proposals and 57 observations across data and control channel topics. The document focuses heavily on extensions to 5G NR LDPC codes for higher data rates and provides detailed views on…
Huawei proposes a 6G LDPC extension design based on single-edge quasi-cyclic (QC) structure with enhanced BG3 using Kb=44 information columns, hybrid row-splitting-and-extension for rate-adaptive density optimization, and no puncturing in the information column to enable faster…
R1-2600141 Huawei discussion not treated 10.3.2
Modulation for 6GR air interface
This Huawei document presents 18 proposals and 72 observations for the 6G radio air interface study, systematically arguing against higher-order modulation (4096QAM) and arithmetic-coding-based probabilistic shaping (CCDM, ESS, MPDM) due to prohibitive complexity, while promoting ECC-DM as a low-cost shaping…
Huawei proposes strict evaluation rules requiring full complexity, storage, and latency reporting before any performance claims are considered for 6G modulation candidates. They present a detailed technical case against arithmetic-coding-based probabilistic shaping (CCDM, ESS,…
R1-2600142 Huawei discussion not treated 10.4
Evaluation assumptions on energy efficiency
This Huawei/HiSilicon contribution presents 14 proposals and 6 observations on energy efficiency evaluation assumptions for 6G Radio (FS_6G_Radio). It addresses both network and device energy saving, covering BS power consumption models (including a new LP-mode), UE power scaling methods, evaluation metrics, and…
Huawei proposes a Cat. 2-plus BS power consumption model for 6GR that optimizes transition times from existing 5G Cat. 2 (e.g., light sleep to ~100 ms). They introduce a Low Power (LP) mode for BS where only a fraction alpha (0.25 or 0.5) of total TRxU chips/TRxU remain active…
R1-2600143 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.0
Discussion on general aspects and framework
Huawei's Tdoc R1-2600143 provides a comprehensive framework proposal for 6G RAN1 physical layer studies, containing 24 proposals and 14 observations across six major areas: coverage enhancements for co-site deployment with 5G mid-band, efficient spectrum utilization via a new 'virtual cell' concept, numerologies for…
Huawei demands 6G coverage evaluation use specific 2.5/3.3 GHz 5G references versus 7.125/8.4 GHz 6G with Candidate 1 link budget template and MPL metric, identifying gaps of 10.6 dB (PUSCH), 7.6 dB (PDSCH), 13.6 dB (common DL), and 16.6 dB (common UL). They propose a new…
R1-2600144 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.1.1
Synchronization acquisition and beam measurement for 6GR
This document from Huawei (R1-2600144) presents 30 proposals and 17 observations on 6GR physical layer design for initial access, paging, and mobility, focusing heavily on coverage enhancement, network energy saving, and system simplification.
Huawei proposes studying a new SSB pattern with increased frequency-domain and time-domain resources, designed assuming 5MHz with 15kHz SCS, to improve single-shot detection performance over NR. They propose studying an extended always-on signal periodicity of 160ms combined…
R1-2600145 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.1.2
PRACH and RACH procedure for 6GR
This Huawei/HiSilicon contribution discusses 6G PRACH and RACH procedure enhancements, making 12 observations and 12 proposals across five main areas: PRACH capacity, resilience to large Doppler, coverage enhancement, procedure enhancement, and evaluation methodology. The document argues for fundamental redesigns…
Huawei proposes studying fundamentally new preamble sequences to break the Zadoff-Chu capacity limit of 64 preambles, citing a 72× reduction in sequence capacity for short formats and a 4× further reduction due to 6G Doppler requirements. They present a mathematical case against…
R1-2600146 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.1.3
Bandwidth operation for 6GR
This document contains 5 observations and 10 proposals from Huawei on bandwidth part (BWP) operation for 6G Radio, covering initial access design, post-access bandwidth expansion, simplified BWP operation, and energy-saving mechanisms.
Huawei proposes supporting BWP operation in 6GR for UEs with different bandwidth capabilities, reduced UE energy consumption, and flexible spectrum usage. For initial access, Huawei proposes studying a single initial DL BWP containing SSB/SIB confined within the UE minimum…
R1-2600147 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.2.1
Downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink control channels
This document presents Huawei's views on 6GR downlink control channel design, outlining 5 observations on current NR PDCCH limitations and 14 proposals for 6GR study directions. The proposals span performance metrics, CORESET structure, transmission schemes, MU-MIMO, DMRS design, and a two-stage DCI framework to…
Huawei proposes retaining the NR CORESET concept and basic one-port DMRS-based transmission schemes as the 6GR baseline while studying specific enhancements. They propose decoupling the maximum PDCCH bandwidth from PDSCH bandwidth to reduce UE power consumption, and studying…
R1-2600148 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.2.2
Transmission schemes for 6GR DL shared channels
This document presents Huawei's views on 6G downlink transmission enhancements, containing 24 Observations and 24 Proposals across requirements, transmission schemes, MIMO layers, resource allocation, multi-TRP design, DMRS design (including AI/ML), and evaluation methodology.
Huawei proposes that 6GR DL transmission adopt a DMRS-based transparent scheme as baseline, supporting high-order SU-MIMO up to 16 layers and MU-MIMO up to ~100 layers to meet 3x average spectral efficiency targets. They require single-sided (UE-sided) AI/ML receiver models as…
R1-2600149 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
Transmission schemes for 6GR UL channels
This Huawei/HiSilicon 3GPP Tdoc proposes physical layer enhancements for 6G Radio (6GR) uplink transmission, covering PUSCH, DMRS, and PUCCH/L1-UCI design. The document makes 34 formal proposals and 26 observations, focusing on UL MIMO codebook improvements for irregular UE antennas, high-order MU-MIMO support (up to…
Huawei proposes studying enhanced UL codebook designs that address performance losses from irregular UE antenna array layouts, presenting SLS results showing up to 50.3% CA and 51.1% CE spectral efficiency loss for 8Tx/4Tx NR DFT codebooks versus ideal SVD precoding. They…
R1-2600150 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Beam management for downlink and uplink
This Huawei contribution proposes a simplified and unified 6G beam management framework, consisting of 4 observations and 13 proposals covering beam reporting, beam indication, beam failure recovery, enhancement solutions including long-term channel information and AI/ML, and evaluation methodology.
Huawei argues that the 5G beam management framework suffers from redundancy due to separately introduced features across releases, and proposes a simplified and unified 6G BM framework that merges MIMO and mobility beam reporting into a single CSI framework, eliminating the…
R1-2600151 Huawei discussion revised 10.5.3.1
Aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition
This 3GPP RAN1 contribution from Huawei presents 23 Proposals and 16 Observations on downlink-based CSI acquisition for the 6G Radio (6GR) study, addressing challenges like high overhead and complexity in massive MIMO systems, especially at around 7 GHz. The document proposes a new framework centered on leveraging…
Huawei proposes a fundamental shift from the 5G NR instantaneous snapshot-based CSI acquisition to a 6GR framework that separates and exploits long-term channel information (PAS, PDP) as prior knowledge. They present technical case for using long-term channel information to…
R1-2600152 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
Aspects of uplink-based CSI acquisition
This document from Huawei presents 15 proposals and 7 observations on 6GR uplink-based CSI acquisition via SRS, addressing challenges like low SNR, channel aging, and inter-cell interference through sparse patterns, AI/ML, long-term channel information, and evaluation methodologies.
Huawei proposes studying sparse SRS design using larger transmission comb values (e.g., Comb-8) and larger partial frequency factors to improve SNR and reduce channel aging. They propose studying long-term channel information leveraging to assist CSI acquisition under sparse SRS…
R1-2600153 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
Other aspects for MIMO operation
Huawei discusses enhancements for 6G MIMO operation across four areas: long-term channel information assisted SRS design for sparse patterns and multi-TRP scenarios, TRS for fine synchronization, and PTRS for phase noise compensation. The document contains four proposals and one observation.
Huawei proposes studying long-term channel information to enable sparse SRS design, using deterministic assisted information extracted from environment-dependent deterministic channel information or historical channel samples to reconstruct dense CSI from sparse SRS…
R1-2600154 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.4.1
Downlink control information and data scheduling
This 3GPP RAN1 contribution from Huawei/HiSilicon presents 22 proposals and 2 observations addressing 6G downlink control information and data scheduling. Key areas include introducing a two-stage DCI structure, joint multi-carrier scheduling, energy-saving enhancements, and adapting scheduling design for new services…
Huawei proposes studying a two-stage DCI structure to mitigate PDCCH blocking, where a fixed-size 1st-stage DCI schedules a variable 2nd-stage DCI carrying DL/UL scheduling information, aiming to eliminate blind decoding for the 2nd-stage DCI. They propose studying dynamic…
R1-2600155 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.4.3
HARQ related aspects for 6GR
This Huawei contribution (R1-2600155) presents 27 proposals and 20 observations on HARQ design for 6G Radio (6GR), advocating for the inheritance of several 5G NR HARQ mechanisms while proposing new studies for enhancements. The document covers physical layer HARQ-ACK signaling, carrier aggregation feedback, codebook…
Huawei proposes reusing 5G NR L1 HARQ-ACK UL control signaling, DL CA HARQ-ACK feedback on a single UL PUCCH carrier, and NR Type I/II HARQ-ACK codebooks as a starting point for 6G. They propose inheriting NR CBG-based retransmission and the configurable number of HARQ processes…
R1-2600156 Huawei discussion not treated 10.5.5
Other physical layer signals and procedures
This Huawei/HiSilicon document for the 6G Study Item (FS_6G_Radio) provides 8 proposals and 2 observations covering advanced duplex interference management, remote interference measurement, and scheduling request procedures. The document argues for the adoption and enhancement of 5G NR CLI and RIM features in 6G,…
Huawei proposes studying cross-link interference (CLI) management techniques for advanced duplex modes such as dynamic TDD and SBFD, leveraging and enhancing Rel-16, Rel-18, and Rel-19 features. They support the adoption of UL resource muting (specifically a comb-2 pattern in…
R1-2600157 Huawei discussion not treated 10.6.1.1
Design of WUS with OFDM based sequence
This document contains 8 observations and 10 proposals discussing the design of an OFDM-based DL WUS (Wake-Up Signal) for 6G, focusing on requirements like capacity, detection complexity, and coverage, as well as specific signal design aspects including waveform, sequence type, bandwidth, and evaluation methodology.
Huawei proposes that DFT-s-OFDM is supported for DL WUS design to enable time domain detection without FFT, reducing receiver power consumption compared to CP-OFDM. They argue that ZC sequence properties (equivalence between time and frequency offset) allow detection without…
R1-2600158 Huawei discussion not treated 10.6.1.2
WUS operation in RRC states
This document from Huawei discusses design principles and procedures for 6G DL WUS (Wake-Up Signal) across RRC idle and connected states, providing 11 observations and 10 proposals. It focuses on capacity improvements, single solutions for connected-state WUS procedures, measurements by low-power receivers, and…
Huawei proposes studying 6G DL WUS with finer wakeup granularity than 5G LP-WUS in RRC idle state to reduce false wake-up rate and enable per-UE indication triggering RACH procedure directly. They require a single DL WUS procedure for RRC connected state, arguing that 5G-A…
R1-2600159 Huawei discussion not treated 10.6.2
UL-WUS and Operation
This document from Huawei analyzes the necessity and benefits of Uplink Wake-Up Signaling (UL-WUS) for 6G, presenting 6 key proposals and 12 observations across motivation, performance evaluation, and design aspects to enable demand-driven BS wake-up for network energy savings.
Huawei proposes studying UL-WUS as a mechanism to transform BS operation from periodic 'always on' activity to demand-driven wake-up, enabling dynamic sleep and long BS sleep durations without UE performance penalties. They propose extending the Rel-19 on-demand SSB concept from…
R1-2600160 Huawei discussion not treated 10.7.1
Requirements and Design for 6G NTN
This Huawei document for the 6G NR NTN study item presents 15 proposals and 11 observations addressing system design and evaluation methodology. It covers initial access, beam management, energy saving, HARQ/scheduling, and simulation assumptions for non-terrestrial networks in 6G.
Huawei proposes that 6GR NTN should support boundary-less radio access through satellite switch with resynch without PCI change for regenerative payloads under (quasi) earth fixed cell deployment. They require beam-level PRACH and paging configurations in SIB to enable…
R1-2600133 InterDigital discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
6GR CSI: Aspects of Downlink-based CSI Acquisition
This document from InterDigital presents 21 Observations and 21 corresponding Proposals on downlink-based CSI acquisition for 6G, covering both non-AI/ML and AI/ML enhancements. The proposals address support for up to 256 CSI-RS ports, CSI-RS overhead reduction via sparse patterns, a unified scalable codebook,…
InterDigital proposes expanding the maximum number of CSI-RS antenna ports to 256 for 6GR to improve spectral efficiency, reliability, and coverage. They propose studying CSI-RS pattern adaptation based on channel sparsity order in delay/frequency and/or spatial domain as an…
R1-2600134 InterDigital discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
6GR CSI: Aspects of Uplink-based CSI Acquisition
This document presents InterDigital's views on uplink-based CSI acquisition for 6G, containing 9 Observations and 9 Proposals. The contribution covers SRS framework evolution, new UE implementations, codebook design, antenna switching, and UE-initiated triggering mechanisms.
InterDigital proposes retaining all NR SRS usages ('codebook', 'nonCodebook', 'antennaSwitching', 'beamManagement') and all time-domain behaviors ('aperiodic', 'semi-persistent', 'periodic') as baseline for 6GR. They propose supporting at least 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 SRS ports and…
R1-2600135 InterDigital discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
6GR CSI: Considerations for Evaluation of AI/ML-based Solution
This document from InterDigital presents 3 Observations and 3 Proposals regarding the evaluation methodology for AI/ML-based Channel State Information (CSI) processing in 6G, arguing that AI/ML solutions introduce hidden complexities (LCM, hardware, energy, interoperability) that vary by use case and must be…
InterDigital presents a technical case against unqualified adoption of AI/ML for CSI processing by emphasizing hidden costs in Model Life Cycle Management (LCM) overhead, computational and hardware complexity, energy efficiency versus spectral gain, and multi-vendor…
R1-2600093 Kyocera Corporation discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Beam Management for Multi-TRP transmission in 6GR
Kyocera presents 5 proposals for AI-based beam management for multi-TRP transmission in 6G, arguing that Rel-18/19 AI/ML frameworks should be reused and extended to Distributed MIMO scenarios with more than 2 TRPs, while studying beam prediction in both spatial and temporal domains to reduce overhead and improve…
Kyocera proposes reusing the Rel-18/19 inter-cell AI/ML beam management framework for Distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) scenarios with multi-TRP transmission. They propose using 5G NR 2-TRP operation as a baseline reference and studying m-TRP operation with more than 2 TRPs, documenting…
R1-2600026 Nokia discussion not treated 10.1
On remaining aspects of 6GR evaluations
The document presents Nokia's positions on remaining evaluation assumptions for 6GR, covering four traffic models (extended FTP3, bi-directional traffic, eXR haptics, IoT) and several evaluation parameters (UE antenna, CPE/FWA, power levels, noise figure). It contains 2 observations and 24 proposals addressing traffic…
Nokia proposes a simplified extended FTP3 traffic model limited to two file sizes (X=2, Y=X=2) with arrival rates linked by a parameter K (λ₁=K·λ₂) targeting specific RB utilization load levels, and explicitly opposes embedding L1/L2 processing latencies, HARQ processing, or TTI…
R1-2600027 Nokia discussion noted 10.2.1
On remaining aspects of waveform for 6GR
Nokia's R1-2600027 presents 18 proposals and 15 observations on 6G waveform, arguing for 5G NR CP-OFDM/DFT-s-OFDM as baseline with targeted enhancements while strongly deprioritizing DL DFT-s-OFDM and Zak-OTFS studies due to technical limitations and complexity concerns.
Nokia proposes CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM as defined in 5G NR as the supported baseline communication waveforms for 6G downlink and uplink respectively, with CP-OFDM for all layers and DFT-s-OFDM restricted to single-layer UL. They present a technical case against DL DFT-s-OFDM,…
R1-2600028 Nokia discussion not treated 10.3.1
On remaining aspects of channel coding in 6GR
This document presents Nokia's views on 6G channel coding, containing 6 proposals and 2 observations. It addresses LDPC extensions for data rates beyond NR range, polar code enhancements for control channels, and the retention of 5G block codes for small block lengths in 6G.
Nokia proposes defining the boundary between NR-range and beyond-NR-range data rates using the maximum TBS supported in 5G NR Rel-15 per carrier. For LDPC extensions beyond NR range, Nokia requires any new base graph to preserve the QC-LDPC dual-diagonal structure and sub-matrix…
R1-2600029 Nokia discussion not treated 10.3.2
On remaining aspects of modulation in 6GR
Nokia provides 11 proposals and 5 observations on 6G modulation, establishing baseline uniform QAM schemes from 5G NR (with UL 1024QAM added) and addressing enhancements like geometric/probabilistic constellation shaping, higher-order QAM, and MCS table optimization.
Nokia proposes adopting 5G NR uniform QAM schemes as baseline 6G modulation and adding uniform 1024QAM in UL. They oppose uniform 4096QAM in DL due to R-ML MIMO detection complexity and EVM requirements. For geometric constellation shaping, they require down-selection from…
R1-2600030 Nokia discussion not treated 10.4
On remaining aspects of EE evaluations
This Nokia contribution presents 22 proposals and 8 observations on 6G Energy Efficiency for the FS_6G_Radio work item, covering base station and UE power consumption models, UE power saving methods, and idle mode evaluations.
Nokia proposes adopting the 5G BS power consumption model (TR38.864 Category 2) as the 6G baseline while defining a new 'Category 2-plus' category with 10-20% relative power improvements across sleep and active states, plus faster transition times (light sleep 640ms→100ms, deep…
R1-2600031 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.0
Overall aspects of the 6GR multi-antenna system
This Tdoc from Nokia presents 24 proposals and 12 observations on 6GR physical layer design aspects including SCS selection, CP length, 400MHz UE bandwidth support, frame structure, duplexing, spectrum aggregation, and coverage, with a focus on system simplification and unified framework design.
Nokia proposes ruling out 60 kHz SCS from the Around 15 GHz scenario and postponing final SCS selection between 30 kHz and 120 kHz until end of 2026. They require supporting only normal CP length for TN communication, and for NTN only normal CP in DL with any UL pre-compensation…
R1-2600032 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.1.1
On  synchronization acquisition and beam measurement
This Nokia Tdoc for the 6GR study item presents 28 proposals and 36 observations covering the design of synchronization signals, broadcast channels, mobility measurements, and AI/ML in initial access. The document's technical focus spans synchronization raster definition, PSS/SSS sequence design, PBCH combining,…
Nokia proposes studying ZC sequence-based designs for PSS to exploit robustness against frequency offset, contrasting with NR's m-sequence approach and noting ZC sequences require fewer frequency hypotheses for reliable correlation peak strength. They propose studying a single…
R1-2600033 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.1.2
On PRACH and RACH procedure
Nokia's Tdoc R1-2600033 presents 21 proposals and 9 observations on 6G PRACH and RACH procedure design. The document addresses sequence selection, capacity enhancement, preamble formats for new frequency ranges, configuration scenarios (MRSS, NTN, SBFD), RACH procedure simplification, and AI/ML-based beam prediction…
Nokia proposes Zadoff-Chu sequences for 6G PRACH preamble due to CAZAC property and frequency offset robustness, and refrains from sequences lacking good cross-correlation under timing errors. They propose 4-step RACH as the sole baseline procedure, with Msg3-based…
R1-2600034 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.1.3
On aspects of bandwidth operation in 6GR
This 3GPP contribution from Nokia discusses bandwidth operation in 6GR, presenting 13 proposals and 7 observations aimed at redesigning the BWP framework to address 5G NR shortcomings. Key themes include simplification, robustness, decoupling UL/DL in TDD, and enabling wider initial BWP for network energy saving.
Nokia proposes a lean 6GR BWP configuration framework that reduces the number of BWP types and eliminates redundant functionality options, making as many parameters cell-specific rather than BWP-specific. They require removing the existing 5G TDD coupling between DL and UL BWPs,…
R1-2600035 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.2.1
On downlink transmission schemes for downlink control channels in 6GR
This document contains 7 observations and 16 proposals on downlink control channel design for 6G Radio (6GR). Nokia's overall position is that the 5G NR PDCCH structure (CORESET, CCE, REG, blind decoding, search spaces, aggregation levels, QPSK with DM-RS) is sufficiently flexible and should be retained as the…
Nokia proposes retaining the baseline 5G NR PDCCH structure—including CORESET, CCE, REG, blind decoding, search spaces, aggregation levels, and QPSK modulation with transparent DM-RS-based precoding—for 6GR, arguing this flexibility is sufficient for 6G services and essential…
R1-2600037 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
On transmission schemes for uplink channels in 6GR
This document from Nokia contains 23 Observations and 31 Proposals addressing uplink transmission schemes for 6GR, covering PUCCH simplification, PUSCH MIMO layer imbalance mitigation, DMRS design for up to 48 antenna ports, enhanced multi-slot resource allocation, and AI/ML receiver evaluation frameworks for sparse…
Nokia proposes simplifying 6GR UCI arbitration by limiting CSI reporting to PUSCH only and adopting slot-level one-shot multiplexing/prioritization to eliminate the iterative symbol-level procedures of NR. They argue NR's five PUCCH formats are excessive and proposes a limited…
R1-2600038 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
On beam management for downlink and uplink in 6GR
Nokia presents 17 proposals and 15 observations on 6G beam management, advocating for a unified TCI framework as the baseline while addressing 5G NR limitations. The document covers beam indication, reporting, failure recovery, inter-cell operation, QCL simplification, and AI/ML use cases including inter-cell, beam…
Nokia proposes that the NR Release-17 unified TCI framework principles serve as the baseline for 6G beam management, while studying enhancements to address identified limitations including the limited number of indicated TCI states, reliance on periodic TRS as QCL source RS, and…
R1-2600039 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
On downlink-based CSI acquisition in 6GR
This Nokia Tdoc (R1-2600039) presents 34 proposals and 23 observations on DL-based CSI acquisition for 6GR. It covers CSI-RS design for large arrays (>128 ports), energy savings, AI/ML-based CSI compression and prediction, unified codebook design, and reporting mechanism simplifications, all aimed at enhancing 6GR…
Nokia proposes establishing 5G Rel-20 CSI-RS design up to 128 APs as the baseline for 6GR CSI acquisition and strives for reusing existing 5G CSI-RS design principles for new 6GR antenna array configurations, including studying new frequency domain densities of 1/16 and 1/32.…
R1-2600040 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
On uplink-based CSI acquisition in 6GR
Nokia's R1-2600040 presents 30 proposals and 14 observations on uplink-based CSI acquisition for 6G, covering SRS design evolution, UL/DL CSI acquisition, and AI/ML for overhead reduction. The document argues for reusing the 5G NR SRS framework as a baseline while studying enhancements for higher antenna counts, new…
Nokia proposes reusing the existing 5G NR UL SRS design framework, basic resource definition, and Zadoff-Chu sequences as the baseline for 6G, with SRS support up to 8 antenna ports for UEs. For Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) devices, Nokia proposes studying support for more than 8…
R1-2600041 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
Other aspects of 6GR physical layer operation
This Nokia contribution discusses tracking reference signal (TRS) design for 6G Radio, presenting 3 Observations and 3 Proposals across sections 2 and 3. The document questions the need for a dedicated 6GR TRS, critiques overhead and channel characteristic mismatch issues with 5G periodic TRS, and proposes…
Nokia questions the necessity of introducing a 6GR-specific TRS before use cases and corresponding requirements are clearly identified. They present a technical case against periodic TRS inherited from 5G, arguing that periodic TRS contributes to system overhead and network…
R1-2600042 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.4.1
On downlink control channel, scheduling for downlink and uplink transmission
Nokia presents 10 proposals and 8 observations on 6G downlink control channel design, covering DCI formats, DCI size alignment, DCI content flexibility, and downlink control reliability. The document argues for simplification of DCI format types compared to NR, configurable DCI sizes to resolve BWP ambiguity issues,…
Nokia proposes reducing the number of DCI format types for 6G compared to NR by eliminating compact DCI formats 0_2/1_2 and instead making the baseline non-fallback DCI formats 0_1/1_1 more configurable through flexible DCI field sizes such as FDRA granularity. They propose…
R1-2600043 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.4.3
Views on HARQ related aspects in 6GR
Nokia's contribution on 6G (6GR) HARQ aspects proposes retaining NR's asynchronous adaptive HARQ for UL/DL, and introduces 6 study proposals and 7 observations focused on decoupling UL/DL scheduling coordination for CA and improving missed DL assignment handling via PDCCH detection feedback, totaling 13…
Nokia proposes that 6GR shall retain NR's asynchronous adaptive HARQ operation for UL-SCH and DL-SCH. They present a technical case against NR's tight coordination between UL and DL schedulers in HARQ-ACK reporting, observing that DAI dependencies in Type-2 HARQ-ACK codebooks…
R1-2600044 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.5
On other physical layer signals, channels and procedures in 6GR
This document from Nokia presents 12 proposals and 2 observations across three main technical areas in 6G Radio: Cross-link interference (CLI) handling, Remote Interference Management (RIM), and Cell DTX/DRX for energy efficiency. The proposals aim to establish frameworks for measuring and reporting both UE-to-UE and…
Nokia proposes prioritizing layer-1 over layer-3 UE-to-UE CLI measurements for 6GR due to higher configuration flexibility and faster interference tracking. They require re-using SRS-RSRP and CLI-RSSI as baseline reporting quantities while studying event-triggered reporting to…
R1-2600045 Nokia discussion not treated 10.6.1.1
On the design of WUS with OFDM based sequence
This Nokia contribution discusses 6G WUS (Wake-Up Signal) design aspects, focusing on OFDM-based sequences, energy-efficient processing assumptions, and information mapping schemes. It contains 7 proposals and 14 observations covering CFO assumptions, RX chain configurations, sequence family selection, subgroup…
Nokia proposes assuming a more stringent residual CFO of 1 ppm for the EE processing state, arguing that SSB-based calibration during active states can maintain this accuracy from initial cell search. They require the minimum number of RX chains for 6G WUS reception to depend on…
R1-2600046 Nokia discussion not treated 10.6.1.2
On WUS operation in different RRC states
This Nokia contribution (18 observations/proposals) discusses WUS operation in RRC states for 6GR power savings. It proposes study assumptions and evaluations for duty-cycled WUS in IDLE/Inactive mode for paging and connected mode for PDCCH monitoring, while also exploring broader WUS use cases like SI indication,…
Nokia proposes assuming duty-cycled 6GR WUS monitoring with predefined time occasions rather than continuous monitoring, arguing this is necessary to attain UE power benefit given the agreed power model. They propose that WUS monitoring occasions be limited to one time occasion…
R1-2600047 Nokia discussion not treated 10.6.2
On Uplink WUS and corresponding operation
This Nokia contribution presents 3 Observations and 2 Proposals regarding 6G uplink Wake-Up Signal (WUS) design. Nokia argues that PRACH/RACH procedure study (A.I. 10.5.1.2) should be prioritized before UL WUS (A.I. 10.6.2), as current understanding is insufficient to differentiate UL WUS from PRACH or identify its…
Nokia proposes postponing the UL WUS and operation study on A.I. 10.6.2 to avoid duplication with the foundational PRACH and RACH procedure study on A.I. 10.5.1.2. They present a technical case that the current stage lacks clarity on what key complements UL WUS signal provides…
R1-2600048 Nokia discussion not treated 10.7.1
On NTN specific requirements and design for GNSS based operation in 6GR
Nokia's contribution proposes 11 specific items and 2 observations for 6G Radio NTN design, emphasizing a harmonized TN/NTN framework with GNSS-dependent operation, limited NTN-specific features, and studies on HARQ stalling mitigation and SIB scheduling improvements.
Nokia requires that all 6GR devices support GNSS for NTN operation and that 6GR systems support NTN from day one with maximum similarity to the terrestrial network (TN) design. They insist NTN-specific features must only be introduced when strictly necessary, such as UE…
R1-2600186 OPPO discussion not treated 10.5.0
General aspects and frameworks for 6GR multi-antenna system
OPPO presents 46 proposals and 13 observations across 7 major sections addressing 6GR PHY design, advocating for a scalable modular air interface built on a lean mandatory baseline functionality set derived from low-tier IoT, while examining duplex types, spectrum utilization, coverage targets, MRSS, and harmonization…
OPPO proposes a modular 6GR air interface structured around a lean Mandatory baseline functionality set templated from lowest-tier 6G IoT, asserting that eMBB devices in low-data-rate mode are naturally IoT devices. They require intra-device-type scalability via…
R1-2600187 OPPO discussion not treated 10.1
Evaluation assumption for 6GR air interface
OPPO's Tdoc R1-2600187 provides 9 formal proposals and 2 observations across 5 evaluation areas for the 6GR air interface study, covering antenna configurations, link budget, traffic models, and NTN evaluations. The document addresses gNB antenna configuration anomalies at 7GHz, proposes UE antenna combinations up to…
OPPO proposes updating the 7GHz outdoor gNB antenna configuration to fix inconsistent element spacing (0.8λ vs 0.5λ methodology) and impractical aperture sizes exceeding 1.5m near-field limits. They support UE antenna configurations up to 4T8R as typical common assumptions…
R1-2600188 OPPO discussion not treated 10.2.1
On waveform enhancements/additions for 6G Radio
OPPO presents 10 proposals and 1 observation on 6G waveform enhancements, advocating for a modular, scalable air interface design that prioritizes reusing 5G NR waveforms (CP-OFDM/DFT-s-OFDM) for terrestrial network communication and opposes DFT-s-OFDM for downlink due to limited gain and scheduling restrictions.
OPPO proposes a modular 6GR air interface design with a Mandatory baseline functionality set serving as common basis across device types from 6G IoT to eMBB. They require waveform enhancement studies to focus primarily on 6G TN communication requirements, striving to reuse TN…
R1-2600189 OPPO discussion not treated 10.3.1
Discussion on 6G channel coding
This OPPO document presents 2 Observations and 2 main Proposals for 6G channel coding. It covers LDPC enhancements for data throughput via larger lifting sizes and new protographs, and Polar coding extensions to support DCI payload sizes exceeding the 5G limit of 140 bits through interleaver modifications.
OPPO proposes increasing LDPC lifting size up to 2*Z for BG1 or 4*Z for BG2 as a simple method to double data channel throughput while maintaining or improving decoding performance over 5G. They present technical case for a new LDPC protograph achieving about 0.2 dB gain over 5G…
R1-2600190 OPPO discussion not treated 10.3.2
Discussion on modulation, joint channel coding and modulation for 6GR
This OPPO 3GPP RAN1 contribution analyzes modulation schemes for 6GR, providing 26 observations and 4 proposals. OPPO argues against higher-order modulations beyond 1024QAM (DL) and 256QAM (UL) due to stringent EVM and limited applicability, supports geometric shaping (GS) over probabilistic shaping (PS) citing PS's…
OPPO proposes limiting the 6GR modulation scheme to up to 1024QAM for DL and 256QAM for UL, presenting technical arguments against 4096QAM based on its -38 dB EVM requirement and marginal applicability shown by system-level SINR CDFs where only the top 1% of UEs exceed 29 dB…
R1-2600191 OPPO discussion not treated 10.5.2.2
Downlink transmission scheme for downlink shared channels
OPPO's contribution to 3GPP RAN1#124 on 6G downlink transmission schemes presents 34 proposals and 20 observations covering baseline PDSCH transmission modes, multi-TRP simplification, codeword-to-layer mapping, AI/ML-based cross-layer modulation and precoding, DMRS design unification and overhead reduction, and…
OPPO requires NR PDSCH transmission mode (UE-transparent precoding, jointly precoded DMRS, SU-MIMO up to 8 layers, MU-MIMO) as baseline for 6G and proposes studying transmit diversity schemes (precoder cycling with partial CSI, cyclic delay diversity, SFBC) targeting…
R1-2600192 OPPO discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
Discussions on 6GR Uplink Transmission
This document contains approximately 30 proposals and 7 observations across 6 sections covering 6G uplink PUSCH and PUCCH design, addressing codebook-based transmission, coherent MIMO, DMRS design (including AI/ML-based superimposed pilots), power control, and PUCCH formats.
OPPO requires codebook-based UL transmission as the 6G day 1 baseline and proposes studying non-codebook-based feasibility only after evaluating hardware cost and complexity for antenna calibration. They present technical case for UE-assisted coherent state reporting and…
R1-2600193 OPPO discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Discussions on 6GR multi-beam operation
This OPPO contribution proposes 12 specific design changes for 6G multi-beam operation, focusing on minimizing beam sweeping overhead and latency through dedicated measurement RS, AI-based prediction, unified single-beam indication, and a UE-initiated beam management framework. It also includes one observation…
OPPO proposes replacing NR's general CSI-RS/SRS reuse with dedicated DL and UL beam measurement RS that natively support frequency-domain and time-domain beam sweeping within a single resource. They require separating beam indication from QCL indication (DL) and power control…
R1-2600194 OPPO discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
Discussion on downlink based CSI acquisition
OPPO's Tdoc R1-2600194 provides 17 observations and 37 proposals on the 6G CSI framework, recommending the NR CSI framework as the baseline with simplifications. Key proposals include supporting up to 256 CSI-RS ports, studying AI/ML-based CSI-RS overhead reduction, adopting a unified fixed codebook with…
OPPO proposes using the NR CSI framework as a starting point for 6G, requiring simplification of CSI-ReportConfig and CPU/timeline calculations to avoid over-design. They propose supporting up to 256 CSI-RS ports, asserting that 512 ports provide no additional performance gain,…
R1-2600195 OPPO discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
Discussion on uplink based CSI acquisition
This OPPO contribution proposes a streamlined 6G SRS framework based on NR Rel-15, arguing many post-Rel-15 features lack practical value. The document contains 21 proposals and 4 observations covering SRS framework, detailed SRS design, and uplink codebook design.
OPPO proposes basing the 6G SRS framework primarily on NR Rel-15, asserting that many features introduced after Rel-15 are not valuable for 6GR and should be pruned. They argue for a unified SRS configuration eliminating the distinction between codebook-based and…
R1-2600196 OPPO discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
Other aspects for CSI acquisition
OPPO presents 7 proposals and 2 observations covering CSI acquisition and RS design for 6G, including no-PMI CSI reporting, fusion of DL CSI feedback and SRS measurements, periodic TRS support, and simplified PTRS design.
OPPO requires supporting CSI report without PMI for reciprocity-based transmission as a 6G day 1 feature, using the NR non-PMI report procedure as a starting point. They propose studying fusion of implicit downlink CSI feedback and SRS measurement at the NW-side, presenting…
R1-2600197 OPPO discussion not treated 10.4
Discussion on evaluations for 6G Energy Efficiency
This OPPO contribution addresses open issues for 6G Energy Efficiency evaluations, covering both network (BS) and UE power consumption modeling and assumptions across 9 proposals. The document proposes baseline configurations, scaling rules for multi-carrier and low-power modes, load definitions, and specific…
OPPO proposes a specific BS baseline assumption with 20ms periodicity for SSB and RO, requiring companies to report SIB1 periodicity and processing values. They propose a scaling method for the SCMC BS power model by scaling Pdyn,jointe from 100MHz to 200MHz system bandwidth.…
R1-2600198 OPPO discussion not treated 10.5.1.1
Discussion on Synchronization acquisition and beam measurement for 6GR
OPPO presents 30 proposals and 11 observations on 6G Radio synchronization, SSB structure, energy efficiency, and initial access procedures. The document covers SSB design parameters, sync raster interaction, PBCH optimization, SSB periodicity/adaptation, on-demand SIB1/paging, coverage evaluation methodology, and…
OPPO proposes that 6GR SSB design use binary m-sequence/Gold sequence with length 127, matching NR, and requires orthogonal sequences if RAN4 does not separate sync raster points in MRSS spectrum. They propose a more compact PBCH payload (≤56 bits with CRC) and evaluate PBCH…
R1-2600136 SageRAN discussion not treated 10.7.2
Discussion on NR-NTN GNSS resilience
This SageRAN document for the 3GPP RAN1 5G-Advanced NTN SI discusses GNSS-resilient operation across pre-compensation, PRACH, connected mode, and positioning. It presents 7 observations and 15 proposals focusing on UE-side time/frequency estimation using reference locations, minimal physical layer impact for PRACH,…
SageRAN argues that assistance information of common TA/Doppler in the service link is inapplicable due to diverse UE positions and velocities, proposing instead that a reference location be used for time/frequency pre-compensation. They present a technical case that the last UE…
R1-2600108 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.3.1
Discussion on channel coding for 6GR
This document from Spreadtrum/UNISOC presents three proposals on 6G channel coding, focusing on LDPC extension for data channels and Polar code extension for control channels, emphasizing minimal impact on existing hardware/software and prioritizing backward-compatible solutions.
Spreadtrum/UNISOC proposes that LDPC extension for 6G should maintain high consistency with existing NR LDPC, with only minor software or hardware modifications, and argues implementation-based solutions should receive priority consideration if they can meet data rate…
R1-2600109 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.3.2
Discussion on modulation, joint channel coding and modulation for 6GR
Spreadtrum/UNISOC presents a technical case against adopting Probabilistic Shaping (PS), Geometric Shaping (GS), high-order uniform QAM (DL 4096QAM, UL 1024QAM), and joint channel coding and modulation for 6G Release. The document contains 2 formal proposals and 11 observations, arguing that deployment SIR/SINR…
Spreadtrum/UNISOC opposes the adoption of Probabilistic Shaping (PS) for 6G, arguing that its serial and block-based Distribution Matcher/De-matcher (DM/DDM) processing fundamentally conflicts with the TS 38.214 PDSCH processing time (N1) constraint, leading to prohibitive chip…
R1-2600110 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.4
Discussion on energy efficiency
Spreadtrum provides 12 proposals on power consumption models for 6G energy efficiency evaluation, covering both network and UE sides. The proposals aim to simplify evaluation by reducing model complexity.
Spreadtrum proposes to reduce 6G UE power model complexity by removing bandwidth configurations (5%, 400MHz) from the UE power model and eliminating the maximum schedulable PDSCH throughput ratio parameter from PDCCH-only state. They argue that 400MHz support is undetermined and…
R1-2600111 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.0
Discussion on 6GR general aspects and frameworks
This document from Spreadtrum/UNISOC presents 17 proposals and 4 observations addressing 6GR general aspects and frameworks for RAN1#124, covering duplexing types, maximum bandwidth, frame structure, spectrum utilization, scalability, coverage, and TN/NTN integration.
Spreadtrum proposes studying SBFD symbol as a new native symbol type in 6GR frame structure while opposing gNB dynamic SBFD, UE SBFD, and gNB full duplex in Release day1. They require separate discussion of NW-side and UE-side maximum CBW, and separate DL versus UL max CBW at UE…
R1-2600112 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.1.1
Discussion on 6GR synchronization acquisition and beam measurement
Spreadtrum/UNISOC provides 33 proposals and 5 observations on 6GR synchronization acquisition and beam measurement, advocating NR initial access procedures as the baseline while introducing enhancements for coverage, energy efficiency, and AI-based beam prediction. The document covers SSB structure, periodicity,…
Spreadtrum proposes that NR initial access procedures serve as the baseline for 6GR design with specific evolutionary enhancements. They argue that reducing 6GR sync signal bandwidth by a small margin does not significantly reduce sync raster entries but seriously degrades SSB…
R1-2600113 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.1.2
Discussion on 6GR PRACH and RACH procedure
This document contains 15 proposals and 3 observations from Spreadtrum on 6G PRACH and RACH procedure design, advocating for a unified Day-1 framework that integrates NR features as baseline while natively supporting SBFD and addressing capacity, coverage, and multi-carrier enhancements.
Spreadtrum proposes a unified and integrated PRACH/RACH framework from 6GR Day-1 to avoid the fragmentation and compatibility issues observed in NR Releases 16-20, where enhanced coverage features achieved limited commercial deployment. They require natively supporting random…
R1-2600114 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.1.3
Discussion on bandwidth operation for 6GR
This document contains 4 proposals and 2 observations regarding 6GR BWP operation during and after initial access. It addresses discrete spectrum utilization, CORESET-0 configuration, center frequency misalignment for DL/UL BWPs, and dedicated initial BWPs for LPWA and SCMC scenarios.
Spreadtrum proposes directly adopting the NR mechanism for determining CORESET-0 information via MIB for 6GR initial access. They propose studying discontinuous frequency resources for initial DL/UL BWP to address the limitation that NR's continuous frequency requirement for…
R1-2600115 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.2.1
Discussion on downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink control channels for 6GR
This document contains 78 proposals and 18 observations discussing 6GR PDCCH design, where Spreadtrum identifies NR limitations including insufficient CORESET duration (max 3 symbols), overlapping monitoring adaptation mechanisms, and three monitoring capability types increasing complexity, while proposing NR-based…
Spreadtrum proposes inheriting NR PDCCH physical structure (CCE/REG/REG bundle framework, ALs 1/2/4/8/16, time-first REG mapping, hash-based search space) as baseline for 6GR. They prefer one port precoder-cycling between REG bundles for transmit diversity over SFBC, arguing…
R1-2600116 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.2.2
Discussion on downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink shared channels for 6GR
This Spreadtrum contribution provides 15 proposals and 5 observations on 6G downlink transmission schemes, codeword-to-layer mapping, DMRS design, and MRSS aspects. The company advocates for unified transmission schemes to minimize complexity, specifies DMRS overhead reduction using AI/ML receivers, and proposes…
Spreadtrum proposes unified 6GR downlink transmission schemes to minimize UE and NW implementation complexity, explicitly opposing multiple schemes for the same scenario and scheme enhancements yielding less than 10% performance gain. They retain NR baselines for maximum layers…
R1-2600117 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
Discussion on uplink transmission scheme(s) for uplink channels for 6GR
This Spreadtrum/UNISOC contribution to 3GPP RAN1#124 contains 8 Observations and 26 Proposals addressing 6G uplink channel design. The document provides positions on PUSCH transmission schemes, DMRS design with AI/ML receiver enhancements, and PUCCH simplification, collectively advocating for a streamlined design…
Spreadtrum proposes using NR closed-loop transmission (codebook-based and non-codebook-based) as the baseline for 6G PUSCH, but requires limiting 8-port transmission to FFS status for CPE/FWA only due to lack of commercial 8-port devices despite NR spec support. They propose…
R1-2600118 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Discussion on beam management for downlink and uplink for 6GR
This Spreadtrum contribution to 3GPP RAN1#124 discusses beam management for 6G Radio, presenting 2 observations on NR beam management effectiveness and standardization complexity, along with 11 proposals covering beamforming architecture, unified CSI frameworks, AI/ML-based beam management, and collaborative UE…
Spreadtrum proposes hybrid beamforming as the fundamental beamforming architecture for 6G ultra large antenna arrays, supporting digital, analog, and hybrid architectures. They propose studying a unified CSI framework that integrates beam management across network-controlled and…
R1-2600119 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
Discussion on aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition for 6GR
This document from Spreadtrum provides 18 proposals and 12 observations on downlink CSI acquisition for 6G Radio, covering a unified CSI framework, CSI-RS design with up to 128 ports, and AI/ML-based CSI solutions including compression/feedback (JSCC/JSCM) and low-overhead CSI-RS with model generalization analysis.
Spreadtrum proposes a unified CSI acquisition framework design that associates a CSI report configuration with a channel measurement configuration and/or an interference measurement configuration, supporting multiple scenarios including early CSI for candidate cells. They…
R1-2600120 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
Discussion on aspects of uplink-based CSI acquisition for 6GR
This document from Spreadtrum presents 10 proposals and 4 observations regarding 6G SRS design, covering antenna port support, AI-based overhead reduction, and unified sensing/communication RS design for 6GR Day1 study.
Spreadtrum proposes limiting 6GR Day1 SRS study to {1,2,3,4} antenna ports, noting 8-port devices lack commercial deployment despite NR support. They recommend reusing Zadoff-Chu sequences as the SRS baseline and studying cross-slot SRS features beyond 14 symbols for both CSI…
R1-2600121 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
Discussion on other aspects of CSI acquisition and report for 6GR
This document from Spreadtrum/UNISOC discusses design aspects for 6G Radio (6GR) Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PT-RS) and Tracking Reference Signal (TRS). It contains 4 proposals total, recommending a dedicated PT-RS design reusing 5G NR as a baseline and advocating for the reuse of CSI-RS design with dedicated…
Spreadtrum proposes a dedicated PT-RS design for 6GR phase noise estimation, arguing that existing reference signals like CSI-RS and DMRS are insufficient—CSI-RS is independent from PDSCH and DMRS lacks sufficient time domain density. They consider NR PT-RS design mature and…
R1-2600122 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.4.1
Discussion on downlink control channel, scheduling for DL and UL transmission for 6GR
This document from Spreadtrum/UNISOC provides a comprehensive analysis of NR DCI design issues and presents 30 proposals/observations for 6G DCI formats. It identifies key problems like excessive unicast DCI format pairs, missing BWP switching recovery, cumbersome field re-interpretation for control without data, and…
Spreadtrum proposes reducing the number of fallback DCI formats to exactly one DL and one UL format with identical size, and requires fields and bit lengths in DCI scrambled by specific RNTIs to be fixed and independent of RRC configurations. They present a technical case…
R1-2600123 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.4.3
Discussion on 6GR HARQ related aspects
This Spreadtrum/UNISOC contribution proposes a comprehensive framework for 6G HARQ, covering scheduling, timing, codebook simplification, processing time differentiation, and new features like faster ARQ retransmission and MCSC cross-carrier HARQ. It contains 24 Observations and 14 Proposals across general, downlink,…
Spreadtrum/UNISOC proposes studying a unified and integrated scheduling framework that natively supports all combinations of dynamic scheduling schemes (single-slot, repetition, multi-PDSCH/PUSCH, multi-cell, and multi-cell multi-PDSCH/PUSCH). They propose reducing the number of…
R1-2600124 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.5
Discussion on other physical layer signals, channels and procedure for 6GR
Spreadtrum UNISOC provides views on 6G Radio physical layer signals, channels, and procedures, covering scheduling request, power control, and interference measurement/handling. The document contains 8 formal proposals and 1 observation, with a focus on reusing NR mechanisms as baselines for 6G while proposing unified…
Spreadtrum UNISOC proposes that 6GR physical uplink control signaling carry scheduling request combined with other UCI, and supports SR+BSR as the preferred mechanism over contention-based UL transmission, which they argue is not suitable for latency-sensitive data due to…
R1-2600125 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.6.1.1
Discussion on design of WUS with OFDM based sequence for 6GR
This document from Spreadtrum/UNISOC presents 8 proposals and 1 observation on the design of 6G DL Wake-Up Signal (WUS) with OFDM-based sequences, covering basic principles, coverage, waveform, synchronization, sequence design, and receiver processing.
Spreadtrum/UNISOC proposes using 5G Rel-19 LP-WUS functionality (subgroup paging indication, PDCCH monitoring indication, serving cell measurement) as the baseline for 6G DL WUS with OFDM-based sequence. They require a single unified WUS solution for all device types and require…
R1-2600126 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.6.1.2
Discussion on WUS operation in RRC states for 6GR
Spreadtrum presents 7 proposals and 3 observations on 6G DL WUS operation, focusing on avoiding NR's duplicated functionalities by introducing only one DL-WUS type per RRC state. The document addresses procedures for paging/PDCCH triggering, subgrouping, occasion configuration, wake-up delay, and RRM measurements in…
Spreadtrum proposes that 6GR should avoid the duplicated DL-WUS functionalities introduced across NR releases by defining only one DL-WUS type per RRC state (Proposals 1 and 6). They propose using NR mechanisms as a starting point for wake-up delay and DL WUS occasion…
R1-2600127 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.6.2
Discussion on uplink WUS and operation for 6GR
This Spreadtrum contribution provides views on uplink wake-up signal (UL WUS) design and on-demand system information/SSB operation for 6G, containing 5 proposals and 5 observations. It supports a unified UL WUS design and proposes immediate adoption of on-demand SIBx and on-demand SSB for SCell from 5G NR legacy,…
Spreadtrum proposes a single unified design for UL WUS to meet different on-demand signal requirements in 6G. They require on-demand SIBx to be supported from 6G Day 1 using 5G NR legacy mechanisms (PRACH with dedicated preambles/resources for UL WUS, RAR MAC PDU subheader with…
R1-2600128 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.7.1
Discussion on 6GR NTN specific requirements and design for GNSS based operation
Spreadtrum provides 2 observations and 13 proposals on 6G NTN design, focusing on leveraging 5G NTN legacy solutions as a starting point while promoting unified TN/NTN designs where applicable. The document covers synchronization, timing, initial access, coverage, capacity, signaling overhead, beam management,…
Spreadtrum proposes reusing 5G NTN legacy solutions as the starting point for UL frequency synchronization and UL timing advance maintenance in 6G. They require unified TN/NTN design for cell search procedure, coverage features, HARQ process number/HARQ-ACK feedback disable,…

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