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RAN1 / Meeting 124bis / FS_6G_Radio

FS_6G_Radio

FS_6G_Radio · 100 contributions

Position changes since RAN1#124

AI-synthesized from contributions · all text is paraphrased
10.3.1 Channel coding 1 evolved · 2 new
Evolved positions
  • Nokia hardened their LDPC design constraints by adding specific new limits not present at RAN1_124: max code block size locked at 8448, minimum code rate set to approximately 2/3, and a requirement to puncture only one column. They added a new technical argument against relying solely on reverse decoding order for BG1 evaluation comparisons, citing up to 0.65 dB degradation at high code rates, and advocate for near-optimal or top-down schedules instead — a decoder-scheduling dimension absent from their prior position. Their stance on small-payload block codes hardened from require identical to 5G to a specific technical justification citing optimized minimum distance and FHT-based ML decoding efficiency. The prior proposal for polar segment counts based on code rate/info length with SCL list size 8 or 16 is dropped from the current position. Boundary definition by max Rel-15 TBS per carrier is preserved.
New contributors this meeting
  • Presents technical case against 5G NR RM code baseline for small UCI payloads, arguing performance is far from optimal. Proposes studying novel DMRS-less transmission using VHC product-code strategy, claiming up to 3dB SNR gain and 6.6dB PAPR reduction at 1% outage compared to legacy PUCCH Format 3. Argues DMRS overhead up to 28% in PUCCH Format 3 introduces sub-optimality for short block lengths, and that VHC achieves low receiver complexity by separating detection in time and frequency domains.
  • Proposes studying concatenated BCH outer code with extended LDPC to mitigate error floor in high-reliability scenarios. Observes error floor impact becomes more pronounced as LDPC code block sizes increase to 16896 bits in high-throughput or sensitive NTN links. Proposes RAN1 evaluate BCH+LDPC using short BCH outer code (t≈8-10) focusing on post-decoding BER/BLER in error-floor region, HARQ retransmission impact, and latency for NTN, with implementation complexity assessment, drawing justification from DVB-S2/S2X standards (ETSI EN 302 307) for QEF performance.
10.5.0 General aspects and frameworks 2 evolved · 1 new
Evolved positions
  • FUTUREWEI shifted their intra-cell CA proposal from a proprietary '2-level CA framework redefining the serving cell concept to Method 1 adopting external Gothia cell terminology, integrating it with inter-cell CA that now explicitly includes FR1+FR2 non-collocated scenarios with possible DC-like realization. They hardened on 20MHz as the smallest maximum UE bandwidth for lowest-tier devices, adding a new technical argument that 5MHz HD-FDD devices cannot meet RAN peak data rate requirements and that economies of scale drive overall complexity. Added a new common initial-access framework proposal requiring DL and UL IA bandwidth to share center frequencies within the same carrier, supporting transition to post-IA wideband operation under both aggregation frameworks. Dropped earlier positions on coverage range metric, SCS/duplex mode studies, and initial-access energy efficiency mechanisms from the current contribution.
  • Spreadtrum hardened their 20MHz smallest maximum UE bandwidth position by adding a specific quantitative complexity reduction argument (35-70%) and designating it as Alt 1. They shifted their spectrum aggregation proposal from studying SCMC to proposing study of the Gothia cell concept with three DCI scheduling options for cross-carrier data transmission, adopting external terminology. Their 400MHz UE support position narrowed from supporting both Option 2 and Option 3 to proposing Option 2 as the preferred starting point with explicit reasoning balancing performance and implementation complexity against Option 1 and CA-limited Option 3. Added an entirely new proposal area on NR-6GR MRSS coexistence requiring unified design with co-located TRPs baseline, aligned numerology/waveform, and no impact on legacy NR UE behavior. Their opposition to gNB dynamic SBFD, UE SBFD, and gNB full duplex in Day 1 is preserved while the native SBFD symbol study proposal now explicitly includes reserved resources for forward compatibility. Dropped the earlier requirement for separate NW-side/UE-side CBW discussion and bottleneck channel identification across RRC states.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes enhanced CA as the primary 6G spectrum aggregation tool with fast/instant activation, multi-carrier single-DCI scheduling, and removal of tight time-synchronous dependencies. Defines virtual carrier (Gothia cell) only if it solves problems not addressable by CA enhancements. Requires deprioritizing gNB dynamic SBFD, gNB FD, and UE SBFD, proposes removal of SFI-based operation for dynamic TDD, and introduces new Mixed DL/UL and None frame resource types. Proposes specific coverage values of 1 Mbps DL / 30 kbps UL at MaxCL 143 dB and time-asynchronous UCI reporting.
10.5.1.1 Synchronization acquisition and beam measurement 3 evolved · 1 new
Evolved positions
  • Hardened SSB bandwidth position from general removing backward compatibility constraints to explicit rejection of the ≤3MHz option, citing PBCH detection and coverage degradation. Refined light sync signal structure by specifying PSS as minimum component with SSS now optional (at least PSS and optionally SSS) where prior position did not specify optionality. Narrowed UL-WUS design by adding numerical specificity: limited to a small number of OFDM sequences and listening occasions enabling low-power BS receiver operation. Shifted DL WUS deployment stance from requires adoption from day one coupled with coverage arguments to requires adoption from day one as baseline UE energy saving mechanisms with additional capability of supporting dynamic POs.
  • Hardened PSS sequence position from proposes studying ZC sequence-based designs to presenting concrete evaluation results comparing Zadoff-Chu (u=1, u=1/2) and 1/3rd m-sequence with 5 hypotheses, showing ZC u=1/2 achieves lowest complexity while ZC u=1 and 1/3rd m-sequence tie. Single PSS sequence stance preserved with added complexity quantification. Added entirely new proposal: using PSS bandwidth instead of SSB bandwidth for sync raster definition (Option 4) to make raster sparser without impacting PBCH performance or channel allocation flexibility. Added paging-conditional additional synchronization signals for NES—a new mechanism absent from prior position. Dropped prior FR2-1 240kHz SCS SS/PBCH proposal entirely. Dropped prior AI/ML initial access reuse of Rel-19 beam management models entirely. Expanded measurement discussion from prior silence to proposing SSS-based measurements across all RRC states for consistent coverage with NZP-CSI-RS studied only for CONNECTED mode, arguing L3 CSI-RS are not used in practice in NR.
  • Hardened baseline specification from general NR initial access procedures serve as the baseline for 6GR design to explicit inheritance of NR's SSB structure with concrete parameters: 20 PRBs and 4 OFDM symbols. Added positive requirement for unified SSB structure across all deployment scenarios including multi-TRP, TN/NTN, and all frequency ranges—prior position only stated opposition to different SCS. Added SSB repetition study with three explicit options (within burst set, burst set repetition, or combination) and a new hard requirement that at least two SSBs be mappable to one 14-symbol slot. Narrowed on-demand sync signal position from general support to identifying valid scenarios for both network-triggered and UE-triggered mechanisms under standalone and multi-cell/carrier deployments. Expanded cell DTX/DRX from idle-only to both RRC connected and idle states. Same stance on 40ms default periodicity with 6% additional gain argument and same SCS across channels is preserved.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes studying two concrete SSB bandwidth options (20 PRBs and 12 PRBs) for 3MHz minimum spectrum allocation, SSB periodicity extension to 80ms/160ms with mandatory SSB repetition clusters, PSS placement at beginning of SSB with SSS distributed among PBCHs, extended on-demand common signaling from SCell to PCell/isolated cell, non-transparent multi-TRP schemes for early CSI acquisition, and AI/ML-based SSB prediction with RO selection using both UE-sided and NW-sided model inference.
10.5.1.2 PRACH and RACH procedure 2 evolved · 1 new
Evolved positions
  • Nokia hardened Msg1-based identification restrictions from limited use cases to specific enumerated use cases: coverage extension and OD-SIB1.' They hardened AI/ML beam prediction from study language to explicit prioritization of spatial over temporal beam prediction, backed by new quantified simulation results (64-65% relative MSG1 failure reduction). They added entirely new proposals: parameterized PRACH format configuration with reduced tables and separately configurable parameters for RO clustering and time adaptation; a TN/NTN unified design requirement; and an SBFD design constraint that SBFD RA support shall not increase complexity of basic TDD RA operation. PRACH-PUxCH overlapping from the prior meeting is dropped. The ZC sequence argument is preserved with refined language (retaining vs proposes) and the opposing-stance on non-CAZAC sequences is now framed as direct opposition rather than refrains from.' 4-step RACH as sole baseline is explicitly preserved. The short/long PRACH format SCS specifications (30 kHz / 5 kHz) for 7 GHz are dropped from the current position.
  • Spreadtrum hardened their preamble sequence position: they added a procedural gate requiring a structured gap analysis process before any new sequence designs are considered, moving beyond the prior meeting's baseline reuse support. They added a new explicit position capping the number of preambles per RO at 64 and redirecting PRACH capacity increase studies to RO configuration and SBFD mechanisms. They added a new justification layer—'limited commercial deployment of post-Rel-16 NR features'—to support the unified Day-1 framework argument. The MSG3/MSG4 HARQ-ACK PUCCH independent scheduling proposal and the RO-SSB mapping rules for PRACH repetition study from the prior meeting are dropped. The joint coverage configuration/joint coverage request, native SBFD integration, and NR ZC sequence reuse positions are preserved with refined language.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes Zadoff-Chu (ZC) based sequences as the baseline for 6G PRACH preamble and considers both long and short NR PRACH preamble formats as starting points. Proposes studying configuration of multiple PRACH formats per cell/carrier and increasing PRACH capacity from 64 to 128 candidate sequences. Questions whether PRACH configuration should remain under the BWP framework and proposes studying a simplified SSB-RO mapping mechanism or separate PRACH resource allocation per SSB. Requires 4-step RACH procedure as baseline and prioritized, while proposing studies on reducing Msg2 payload size and introducing group common Msg4 to handle increased preamble numbers. For energy efficiency, proposes a reference time (SSB or SIB1 transmission time) for clustered PRACH transmission with two options: relative configuration or default availability of only the first resource set(s). Proposes studying PRACH resource adaptation with granularities including association period, PRACH periodicity, and SSB index. For coverage, proposes native support of Msg1/2/3/4/5 repetition with joint repetition scheme to avoid resource fragmentation, and separate RSRP threshold configuration per SSB index for PRACH repetition.
10.5.1.3 Bandwidth operation 3 evolved · 1 new
Evolved positions
  • FUTUREWEI shifted from a single multi-carrier framework proposal to presenting two explicit alternative post-initial-access options (Option A: single active logical contiguous virtual resource across multiple carriers; Option B: multiple independent contiguous physical frequency resources). The earlier terminology of Primary BWP (PBWP) and Secondary BWP (SBWP) is dropped entirely in favor of these two options. The two HARQ solutions are reframed: the earlier 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 becomes single TB over separated allocations with a single HARQ process versus separate TBs per allocation with independent HARQ processes.' A new requirement appears: studying HARQ process continuity during BW switching. The earlier proposals on DCI-based switching reliability improvement via two-stage DCI or MAC CE and BWP association with QoS are dropped. Added: explicit requirement for co-location and center-frequency alignment for TDD initial access to simplify initial access, and specification that initial DL/UL BW are contiguous PRB regions supporting synchronization, system information, paging, and random access.
  • Nokia hardened their lean BWP configuration framework: the earlier general proposal to reduce BWP types becomes a specific limit of two non-initial BWPs per link direction (wideband and narrowband). The earlier requirement to remove TDD coupling between DL and UL BWPs is refined with a concrete implementation assumption: separate UE local oscillators for Rx and Tx. The BWP switching framework is significantly refined: the gap minimization proposal now splits total switching delay into processing time and switching time components, and introduces a new Type 0 (baseband-only) versus Type 1 (RF retuning) classification where gap presence is conditional on link direction and switch type. The earlier proposals to decouple initial BWP bandwidth from CORESET0 bandwidth and to simplify carrier configuration via a single absolute frequency parameter replacing pointA and SCS-specific offset are dropped. The opposition to timer-based BW adaptation is preserved and explicitly restated. The implicit acknowledgement mechanism via PUSCH is preserved.
  • Spreadtrum hardened their initial access framework by adding explicit bandwidth confinement requirements: SIB1, Msg2, Msg4, and scheduling PDCCH must be confined within CORESET-0, while Msg1, Msg3, and PUCCH for Msg4 must be confined within the initial uplink BWP. The earlier language proposes directly adopting the NR mechanism for CORESET-0 becomes proposes reusing NR's mechanism,' preserving the stance. The proposal to study discontinuous frequency resources for initial BWP is preserved with identical language. The center frequency misalignment study is preserved, with the SCMC citation now accompanied by agreed asymmetric CBW.' A new structured list of NR BWP lessons appears: BB/RF parameter bloat, complicated SCS switching, redundant BWP types, contiguous-only resource restriction, and DCI-based switching reliability gaps in non-overlapped BWP scenarios. A new procedural requirement for early RAN4 involvement to avoid sub-optimal design is added. The earlier FFS items on dedicated initial BWP for LPWA and multiple initial BWPs for SCMC are dropped.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes studying the introduction of the BWP concept in 6GR for both DL and UL, driven by mismatched UE/NW bandwidth capabilities and UE power consumption issues. Proposes redefining BWP to support non-continuous PRBs across multiple carriers, decoupling DL and UL BWP frequency locations/bandwidths, relaxing NR's CORESET#0 bandwidth confinement during initial access, and studying multiple BWP switching schemes including low-power signal and timer-based triggers. Also proposes studying carrier assignment for common signaling under the SCMC framework.
10.5.2.1 Downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink control channels 2 evolved · 1 new
Evolved positions
  • Spreadtrum hardened its monitoring simplification from requires a unified framework to an explicit hard position: supports only slot-based monitoring capability while opposing span-based and slot-group-based monitoring, and requires defining upper limits on monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapped CCEs per slot applied to all device types. A new specificity added: REG must consist of one RB in one OFDM symbol to avoid resource fragmentation. The QPSK position now explicitly permits higher-order modulations only for 2nd-stage DCI in a two-stage DCI structure, whereas the prior meeting had no modulation restriction linked to DCI stages. New proposals added: transparent MU-MIMO via overlapping CORESET resources with different DMRS scrambling IDs, PDCCH repetition for reliability enhancement, and transparent or non-transparent time-frequency resource sharing between 5G and 6G CORESETs for MRSS coexistence. Dropped: the explicit preference for one-port precoder-cycling between REG bundles over SFBC, and the proposal for a harmonized PDCCH monitoring adaptation mechanism to replace NR's overlapping functionalities (PDCCH skipping, SSSG switching, DCI format 2_6, PEI, LP-WUS).
  • Nokia hardened its position on two UE monitoring capabilities: flexible CORESET placement within a slot tightened to flexible CORESET placement beyond the first 3 symbols,' and the previously general Day-1 mandatory proposal now explicitly requires support for more than one CORESET in addition to CORESET#0.' A new proposal added: baseline blind decoding limits from 5G could be increased given evolved UE processing capabilities, extending the earlier review of DCI-size/CCE limits. The configurable scrambling ID for MU-MIMO is a new specificity added to the DM-RS design. Dropped entirely: the power-saving proposals on baselining C-DRX and prioritizing SSSG switching over PDCCH skipping, the study of non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping for CORESET0 above 5MHz, the increase of maximum configured search spaces, and the separation of paired DCI formats across different search spaces.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes preserving NR PDCCH flexibility through Search Space and CORESET concepts for 6G with harmonized CCE and REG definitions across 5G and 6G, three coverage enhancement directions (flexible time domain repetition for PDCCH, larger CCE aggregation levels such as AL32 or higher, extending CORESET duration beyond 3 OFDM symbols targeting ~7GHz deployments with ~10dB additional path loss and narrowband 3-5MHz BWPs), requiring SFN-based M-TRP PDCCH for spatial diversity and reliability, requiring 6G PDCCH DMRS design to use 5G NR as baseline with ZC sequence/single port/comb structure with 3 REs per REG, and proposing RAN1 study five MRSS options.
10.5.2.2 Downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink shared channels 2 evolved · 2 new
Evolved positions
  • FUTUREWEI refined their DMRS adaptation framework by recasting it from UE-assisted DMRS pattern selection to a UE-centric DMRS adaptation framework,' though the underlying mechanism of UE reporting minimum DMRS density requirements (D_F, D_T, D_J) and the claimed 70% overhead reduction are preserved. They expanded their hybrid antenna architecture position for UMB by adding a distinction between two MU-MIMO cases: when full CSI is available, adjust both analog beams (phase-only constraints) and digital precoders; when only analog-beam-specific CSI is available, adjust only digital precoders — an implementation detail absent from the prior meeting. The cooperative MIMO proposal is refined from a general TDD reciprocity scheme to a specific aperiodic SRS configuration mechanism where the network configures UEs with SRS parameters tied to associated PDSCH transmissions (PRB allocation, port allocation). They added QCL/TCI enhancements and EVM assumptions as new proposal areas.
  • Spreadtrum hardened their complexity-minimization stance on two fronts. First, they added an explicit requirement for a single PDSCH mapping type to reduce receiver complexity,' elevating a general preference for simplicity to a specific design constraint. Second, they strengthened their argument against multiple transmission schemes by adding a commercialization precedent: only Rel-15 schemes achieved good commercialization while later enhanced schemes were not implemented.' Their DMRS port support expanded from preserving NR port counts to proposing up to 32 ports via increased CDM groups or longer FD-OCC, a concrete upward revision. Their technical case against SIP is refined from insufficiently evaluated for multi-user interference and standardization impact to quantified AI complexity concerns (1.48M parameters, 80M FLOPs). The MRSS position hardened: previously opposing SDM between NR and 6G,' now explicitly opposes signals/channels sharing between NR and 6G in addition to SDM opposition. The layer mapping rule is newly specified: first half layers map to CW0 and remaining to CW1' with single MCS per codeword, adding implementation detail absent from the prior meeting.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes maintaining 6GR PDSCH resource allocation compatibility with 5G NR for MRSS. Proposes 48 DMRS ports, single scalable Comb-2 DMRS type based on Rel-18 e-type 1 UL as baseline. Requires revisiting CW-to-layer mapping to enable second codeword from rank 2 and revisiting MCS table design to decouple higher modulation orders from higher code rates. For AI/ML, proposes studying sparse DMRS and DMRS-free in unified framework, end-to-end training with known transmitted sequences, and modular receiver splits.
  • Proposes prioritizing multi-TRP from initial access with CJT and sDCI-based mTRP for day 1. Requires unified DMRS based on Comb-3 CDM groups with FD-OCC length=4 per RB per symbol supporting up to 48 orthogonal ports plus non-orthogonal DMRS, deprioritizes interleaved VRB-to-PRB mapping. Proposes three flexible CW-to-layer mapping options for up to 4 layers with emphasis on Option 2 (single CW with individual modulation order per layer) showing 36% SE gain. Presents technical case against AI-based receiver for DMRS channel estimation and SIP.
10.5.2.3 Uplink transmission scheme(s) for uplink channels 3 evolved · 3 new
Evolved positions
  • FUTUREWEI hardened their AI/ML DMRS optimization from identifying specific use cases and study language to presenting concrete experimental NMSE results with lower-density DMRS configurations and LS-based preliminary estimation at specified SNR ranges (10-30dB). Their per-subcarrier precoding proposal was preserved but refined with a new technical claim: the effective channel impulse response collapses to one dominant zero-lag tap, providing a physical rationale absent from the prior meeting. The UL carrier switching position hardened from proposes studying to a concrete mechanism with single signal/channel configuration set across n carriers. The UL power control consolidation via unified TCI framework is preserved with no substantive change in language strength.
  • Nokia hardened their PUSCH baseline from open proposals to specifying SRS-based codebook-based PUSCH as the baseline with a unified precoding framework including per-port amplitude scaling and dynamic coherency conditions, while explicitly deprioritizing non-transparent open-loop and multi-TRP PUSCH schemes citing limited 5G adoption. Their MIMO layer imbalance mitigation was refined with quantified evidence: ~30% throughput gain from multi-codeword transmission with SIC receivers from rank 2, up from the prior meeting's qualitative identification of the problem. A new FDRA design constraint appeared: contiguous-only FDRA Type 1. The DMRS type description softened slightly from Rel-18 e-type 1 as baseline to comb-based pattern without the explicit NR release anchor. Their three-category sparse DMRS proposal for AI/ML was preserved but reframed around evaluation fairness rather than study category definitions.
  • Spreadtrum hardened their 8-port stance from FFS status for CPE/FWA only to explicitly limiting Day 1 PUSCH ports to {1,2,4} with 8-port studied only for CPE/FWA, and added the argument that 8-port UEs have not been commercially used despite NR spec support. Their DMRS position was refined in two dimensions: the single DMRS type is now specified for UL only (previously both DL and UL), and the port count was narrowed from undefined maximum to up to 32 ports with explicit multiplexing methods FDM/TDM/CDM. New multi-TRP work appeared: requiring NR schemes as baseline with avoidance of multiple transmission schemes for similar scenarios, and proposing study of L1 UE aggregation and remote shared uplink panels. Their superimposed pilot stance was softened from opposes prioritizing to cautious stance requiring sufficient evaluation.' The AI/ML DMRS overhead reduction evidence was preserved with identical simulation claims (2-symbol vs 3-symbol DMRS). PUCCH simplification to two formats was dropped entirely from this submission.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes a PUCCH-less uplink control architecture combining Option 2 (UCI on PUSCH) and Option 3 (other methods), with UCI conveyed via MAC CE on PUSCH when resources are available. For cases without scheduled resources, proposes CB-PUSCH-SR for synchronized UEs and minimized 2-step PRACH-SR for unsynchronized or coverage-limited UEs, with non-overlapping operation based on uplink synchronization status and implicit SR acknowledgement via MsgB or uplink grant.
  • Observes five PUCCH formats in 5G significantly increase UCI multiplexing difficulty and proposes limiting PUCCH formats in 6G. Proposes studying DMRS for up to 48 antenna ports, a new flexible and extensible DMRS mapping type differing from Type 1 or Type 2, and time-domain/frequency-domain sparse DMRS mapping with dynamic sparsity adjustment. Supports CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM waveforms as baseline. Proposes frequency-selective precoding to address precoding mismatch and unified precoding structure for diverse terminals including FWA with up to 8Tx. Requires PUCCH repetitions to up to two TRPs and single-scheduling-trigger dual PUSCH for different TRPs.
  • Proposes prioritizing uplink coverage enhancement for 6G at around 7 GHz through coherent transmission, advanced UL codebook design including high-resolution and frequency-selective codebooks, and mandatory increased UE transmit power of 26 dBm or more. Proposes flexible codeword-to-layer mapping with three options to address per-layer SINR disparity exceeding 6 dB in field tests. Requires unified DMRS design with Comb-3 CDM groups and FD-OCC=4 as basic pattern, extending to Comb-6 across double-RB with TD-OCC=2 for up to 48 ports, while deprioritizing SIP and postponing DMRS-free studies. Proposes PUCCH simplification to two formats (sequence-based format A for 1-6 bits, format B for larger payloads with comb-based DMRS). Requires asymmetric DL sTRP/UL mTRP decoupling from day 1.
10.5.2.4 Beam management for downlink and uplink 2 evolved · 3 new
Evolved positions
  • Shifted baseline stance: prior meeting proposed reusing Rel-18/19 inter-cell AI/ML BM framework for D-MIMO; current meeting adopts Rel-17/18 unified TCI framework and QCL rules as baseline without redesign, broadening the foundation. Added new proposal to study streamlined QCL chain design evaluating removal or reduction of UE-specific periodic TRS as QCL source RS, explicitly assessing impacts on tracking robustness, system performance, and overhead—no such QCL-chain critique appeared before. Dropped earlier emphasis on Set A/Set B mechanism reuse for TRP selection and the specific L1-RSRP N=6 or 8 limitation argument for joint transmission scheduling. Added new event-driven UEIBM UL reporting framework proposal eliminating Events 1, 2, 3, 9 as redundant, modifying Event-5 to support mTRP dynamic switching between DPS and CJT modes, and specifying aperiodic UL procedure with conditional network response—substantially more detailed than prior meeting's general temporal beam prediction extension to D-MIMO. Added study of associated ID limitations including potential disclosure of NW proprietary information, not previously discussed.
  • Hardened the mixed antenna architecture proposal: prior meeting described it as supporting one-shot beam acquisition; current meeting states it eliminate[s] beam sweeping procedures'—moving from feasibility framing to definitive capability claim. Refined AI/ML cross-frequency beam prediction by adding architectural specifics: angular-delay domain FR1 channel inputs and Transformer-based architectures, which were absent before. Added a new concrete proposal for UE-initiated beam management: a network confirmation mechanism updating TCI states without RRC reconfiguration or MAC-CE signaling, targeting approximately 30 ms latency reduction—no such mechanism or quantification appeared in prior position. Added specific LLS/SLS simulation parameter proposals prioritizing ~7 GHz and ~30 GHz with beam acquisition latency and overhead as primary metrics. The earlier framing of 5G NR as starting point is dropped from current text.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes new SLS/LLS evaluation methodologies with explicit latency/overhead metrics, evolves unified TCI/QCL from 1:1 to 1:N spatial-context-based indication entities, supports capability-dependent CSI-RS configuration and DMRS-based beam measurement, and proposes UE-initiated event-driven beam management with lightweight uplink indication.
  • Proposes retaining NR's hybrid architecture of analog antennas and digital links as baseline for 6G mmWave and 7-24 GHz, supporting legacy periodic/semi-persistent and UE-initiated beam reporting, studying UE-initiated/event-driven beam reporting for MTRP with enhanced notification information, adopting unified TCI framework from day one extending to communication and sensing, introducing UE-initiated BFR and candidate beam extension, studying unified AI/ML framework integrating RS configuration and measurement configuration for BFD and BFR, and studying frequency-division/time-division beam scanning to reduce initial access latency.
  • Proposes cell-cluster-based beam management as foundational 6G framework with TRP groups of up to 12-20 per cluster for multi-TRP/cell-free Day-1 operation, simplified QCL chains removing or replacing TRS with DMRS, multi-TRP collaborative DNN+attention AI/ML beam prediction, UE antenna port-specific beam reporting under R19 UT antenna model, and unified UE-initiated BM framework covering BFR/UEI beam reporting/beam-TRP-cell switching with UCI-based reporting.
10.5.3.1 Aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition 3 evolved · 2 new
Evolved positions
  • FUTUREWEI refined their structured port-to-RE mapping position by specifying a beam-domain-first transformation with quantified performance claims (1.5-3 dB gain over frequency-interpolation-first at 0 dB SNR for 256 ports at 1/8 RE/RB/port density). They added an entirely new AI/ML-based CSI prediction proposal for sparse CSI-RS, presenting technical case that AI/ML outperforms linear interpolation in low SNR with spatial-domain sparsity—a distinct sub-topic from their prior two-sided AI/ML CSI compression work. Their hybrid antenna architecture position narrowed RF chain count from a range (32-256 TXRUs) to a specific value (128 RF chains), and added a comparison claim that multi-beam codebook sweeping completes full CSI acquisition in 16 OFDM symbols versus 2048 symbols with DFT codebook. Their unified codebook proposal hardened from adopting 5G NR codebooks as baseline to a specific mechanism where the network indicates both the CSI-RS precoding matrix and the CSI reporting basis/dictionary matrix, with existing NR codebooks as special cases. They added interference measurement enhancement proposals (interference statistics reporting and NZP CSI-RS based IMR probing) not present in the prior meeting. They dropped their prior CSI framework simplification proposal (streamlined CSI-ReportConfig/CSI-ResourceConfig) and their position on conventional non-AI/ML baselines for AI/ML evaluations.
  • Nokia hardened their framework-level framing from establishing 5G Rel-20 as baseline to comprehensive restructuring of the 6GR DL CSI acquisition framework with a mandate to address identified shortcomings—moving from baseline-reuse language to explicit restructuring language. They expanded their CSI-RS port target from 128 APs to 256 antenna ports and added concrete design mechanisms: new CDM group sizes, block-pattern and comb-pattern based configurations, and flexible density adaptation in both frequency and spatial domains (previously only frequency domain densities 1/16 and 1/32 were mentioned). Their position on decoupling measurement triggering from reporting is new at this meeting. The CPU framework proposal shifted from open-ended studying flexible CPU framework where processing units scale with the CSI processing window to a specific proposal to simplify the legacy CPU occupation model by evolving the CSI processing framework.' On AI/ML, they dropped their prior observation comparing one-sided vs two-sided JSCM performance and instead added new concrete constraints (constrained QAM modulation symbols for JSCM) and presented initial single-sided JSCM simulation results. The codebook position hardened from proposes unified codebook design that delivers accurate PMI to advocates for a single specified codebook design for PMI compression.'
  • Spreadtrum hardened their opposition to expanding CSI-RS ports beyond 128, now explicitly opposing 256 ports with cited reasoning (UE measurement complexity), where previously they simply supported up to 128 ports without explicit rejection of higher counts. They added a new explicit opposition to L2-based (MAC-CE) CSI reporting as a Day-1 6G priority absent from the prior meeting, presenting a detailed technical case citing MAC PDU construction latency, HARQ retransmission delay, and overhead from MAC sub-headers and CRC compared to L1 UCI. Their unified CSI framework position expanded to explicitly name sTRP, mTRP, and mTRP calibration scenarios, and they hardened their early CSI position from supporting early CSI for candidate cells to preferring to study inclusion of candidate cell early CSI rather than creating separate frameworks.' Their PN sequence with UE-specific seed proposal was dropped from the current position. On AI/ML, their JSCC/JSCM postponement argument shifted from until NR standardization completes to the more specific until NR two-side model work completes, citing unresolved inter-vendor issues,' and the spatial domain generalization concern with ~28% SGCS loss was dropped. Their low-overhead CSI-RS reconstruction results (<5% SGCS loss with 87% frequency and 75% spatial RS overhead reduction) are preserved with identical quantitative claims.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes studying template-based CSI measurement and reporting configurations to replace RRC semi-static configuration with predefined standardized templates enabling batch parameter adjustment and state transition signaling. Supports CSI-RS up to 256 antenna ports with two options: single CSI-RS resource or multi-resource aggregation, requiring larger CDM groups (CDM16) with single-PRB occupancy as baseline. Proposes eliminating periodic CSI-RS resource configurations entirely, supporting only semi-persistent and aperiodic behaviors. Selects Rel-19 Type-I or Rel-16 eType-II as baseline codebooks, requires unified codebook structure across all port counts, proposes downloadable codebook method. Proposes UE-initiated and event-triggered CSI reporting for all CSI quantities, adaptive CSI reporting, and early CSI acquisition for inter-cell mobility/terminal state transitions.
  • Proposes decoupled CSI acquisition framework where measurement and report configurations and triggering are separated to natively support AI/ML-based beam management and spatial-domain CSI-RS overhead reduction. Opposes moving CSI containers to L2 signaling, requiring L1 (UCI) for CSI reports. Proposes unified fixed codebook based on Rel-16 eType-II with layer-specific SD basis selection when L≤2 and layer-common when L>2, supplemented by both Type-I-like and Type-II-like downloadable codebooks. Presents technical case against prioritizing JSCC/JSCM for AI-powered CSI compression, arguing gains diminish to ~2.5% SGCS at typical SINR ranges, and supports SSCC with UE-sided linear matrix and NW-sided AI model. Proposes early CSI acquisition during initial access and inter-cell-cluster handover for mTRP CJT targeting small/medium data packets dominating >90% of real-field traffic. Proposes supporting up to 256 ports in single CSI-RS resource with cross-RB/slot mapping and hybrid high-density plus low-density CSI-RS transmission.
10.5.3.2 Aspects of uplink-based CSI acquisition 0 evolved · 1 new
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes a lean and streamlined 6GR SRS design with dynamic reuse of one SRS resource for multiple usages including UL CSI acquisition, DL CSI acquisition, and beam management. Requires explicit antenna port mapping mechanisms between SRS ports and PUSCH/PUCCH/DL Rx ports. Argues 5G NR nested tree-like frequency hopping is infeasible for wideband CSI acquisition due to phase discontinuity and channel aging, proposing successive frequency hopping. Questions necessity of SRS carrier switching for non-CA single CC operation of DL CBW 400MHz around 7GHz. Presents AI/ML-based SRS with comb-12 achieving comparable performance to legacy comb-4 SRS.
10.5.3.3 Other aspects 1 evolved · 2 new
Evolved positions
  • Nokia hardened its TRS position by proposing a concrete candidate — DM-RS based TRS — as a named alternative, where the prior position only questioned 6GR-specific TRS necessity and proposed aperiodic RS generically. The technical case against periodic CSI-RS-based TRS was refined with additional specificity: the channel characteristic mismatch is now named in terms of delay spread and Doppler spread, and energy consumption is now qualified as constant network/UE energy consumption.' A new proposal was added: studying comb-offset hopping to alleviate inter-cell interference when TRS configurations collide across cells. An entirely new topic was added: joint DL/UL CSI acquisition in TDD using the Rel-19 UE antenna model with candidate antenna locations and orientations, with a functional split where SRS-based acquisition serves cell-center UEs and CSI-RS-based acquisition serves cell-edge UEs. The prior proposal for flexible TRS adaptation mechanisms (including not transmitting TRS or adapting configuration) when TRS usage is retained was dropped.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes studying flexible time-domain behavior for TRS including trigger mechanisms and periodic adaptation, arguing that 5G NR TRS periodic configuration lacks sufficient flexibility for energy saving. For joint DL/UL CSI acquisition in TDD systems, identifies non-reciprocal insertion loss at the UE RF link as a critical factor breaking TDD channel reciprocity and proposes studying the performance impact of SRS insertion loss imbalance on reciprocity. Additionally proposes studying Rx imbalance among different Rx antennas for joint DL and UL CSI acquisition.
  • Proposes studying joint CSI-RS and SRS based CSI acquisition, supporting compressed covariance report for DL CSI acquisition by reconstructing channel covariance matrix from UE-reported indices and quantized values of top-L diagonal elements. Opposes the 512 TXRUs antenna configuration, arguing its feasibility for practical commercial deployment is highly limited due to processing complexity, power consumption, and engineering construction costs. Presents a technical case against IPN reporting, citing redundancy with existing CQI reports that include DL interference and noise information for MCS determination under SRS-based CSI acquisition, and limited benefit of scalar reporting without spatial domain information. For RS tracking, proposes studying DMRS-based tracking schemes (including PDSCH DMRS and DMRS-only) as alternatives to dedicated periodic TRS. Requires that 6GR RS for tracking accommodate one port transmitted from all TRPs in CJT-mTRP scenarios to achieve a ~20% spectrum efficiency gain over 5G-NR TRS at SNR=-7dB.
10.5.4.1 Downlink control channel, scheduling for downlink and uplink transmission 2 evolved · 1 new
Evolved positions
  • Spreadtrum shifted from proposing study of two-stage DCI structures to a unified/modular DCI framework with Case 1 (single-block) and Case 2 (multi-block) containers, explicitly departing from the single-stage-only positions of other contributors. This replaces their prior two-stage DCI study proposal with a structured container-based alternative. The prior meeting's focus on reducing fallback DCI formats to exactly one DL/UL pair with identical size and fixed RNTI-scrambled field requirements is absent, as is the technical case against NR's four-pair structure and the proposal to narrow group common DCI scope to TPC and energy efficiency. Added: reuse of NR's 140-bit maximum DCI payload and existing DCI size budget, and prioritization of PDCCH energy efficiency design.
  • Nokia hardened its DCI structure position from proposes studying two-stage DCI mechanisms to requiring single-stage DCI for common signaling search spaces and demanding RAN1 clarify the problem statement and evaluate two-stage DCI drawbacks before design discussions — a definitive gatekeeping stance absent at the prior meeting. The company added a new prioritization: SSSG switching over PDCCH skipping as the baseline PDCCH monitoring adaptation for UE power saving. PDCCH repetitions are dropped from the current position entirely. The requirements for fallback DCI formats, a single configurable non-fallback DCI format opposing 0_2/1_2, RRC-configured DCI sizes, configured DCI size alignment replacing hard-coded NR rules, and PDCCH detection feedback study within PDSCH HARQ framework are all preserved.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes a single-stage DCI baseline for 6G and explicitly argues that two-stage DCI introduces multi-step dependencies, timing constraints, and additional failure modes. Proposes a fixed-size unified DCI format (40-bit example) separating baseline DCI fields on PDCCH from feature-dependent information moved to PDSCH-embedded signaling and RRC-configured profiles. Proposes hash-conditioned early termination using a Target Identification Field (TIF) mapped to early polar bit positions. Proposes restricting SearchSpaceSets, aggregation levels, and candidate counts as configuration levers for blind decoding complexity, and handling cross-carrier scheduling via SearchSpace-bound carrier context or compact Carrier-Group ID.
10.5.5 Other physical layer signals, channels and procedure 2 evolved · 1 new
Evolved positions
  • Nokia added dynamic TDD and gNB semi-static SBFD as the explicit starting duplexing schemes for CLI handling, which was not stated at RAN1_124. Their L1-over-L3 priority for UE-to-UE CLI is preserved but refined with a new justification citing QCL-TypeD for spatial filter indications. The RSSI extension study proposal is new, going beyond the prior event-triggered reporting study. Three entirely new CLI handling proposals appeared: power control-based schemes leveraging in-band emission properties, resource index reporting for aggressor UE identification, and new BS-to-BS CLI procedures beyond measurement exchange. The RIM position is preserved with nearly identical language on Framework-1 priority, backhaul down-prioritization, and RS configurability reduction, though the explicit 48-vs-96-PRBs bandwidth detail is dropped and the MRSS compatibility anchoring is newly explicit. The Cell DTX/DRX proposal from RAN1_124 (joint optimization with spatial/power domain, relaxation of cell-common signals) is entirely dropped. A new topic area appears: CB-PUSCH L1 aspects with DMRS and scrambling selection, with dedicated SR preserved as baseline — replacing the prior meeting's silence on contention-based UL transmission.
  • Spreadtrum hardened their SR position from proposes to requires that physical uplink control signaling carry scheduling requests combinable with other UCI, and hardened SR+BSR from preferred mechanism to requires support for,' while softening their stance on contention-based UL transmission from arguing CBUL is unsuitable to proposing further study of it. The Rel-17 NR UL power control baseline proposal and the NR-6G MRSS resource coordination proposals are entirely dropped. The unified UE-to-UE CLI measurement concept is expanded: they added SRS-RSRP and CLI-RSSI as explicit candidate resources/quantities, proposed limiting reporting to only one of L1 or L3 with network-controlled periodic and aperiodic mechanisms, and added spatial domain solutions with an FR1 gain caveat plus a caution on power-control-based solutions. Their BS-to-BS CLI position shifted from proposing Rel-19 gNB-to-gNB measurements as a starting point to proposing study of BS-to-BS CLI handling for specific duplex scenarios, and they added a detailed CLI taxonomy covering co-channel intra-subband, co-channel inter-subband, and adjacent-channel categories for both UE-to-UE and BS-to-BS links.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes reusing Rel-19 BS-to-BS and UE-to-UE CLI enhancements as the 6GR baseline and supports studying feasibility of gNB flexibly configuring both L3 and L1 UE-to-UE CLI measurement configuration and reporting, moving toward a potentially unified CLI framework separate from the CSI framework. Requires embedding 6GR-specific information in the RIM set ID and prioritizes RIM Framework-1 over FW-0 and backhaul-based FWs. Proposes studying contention-based multi-bit buffer-status reports (CB-BSR) as an alternative to single-bit scheduling requests, demonstrating via simulations that allocating different DMRS ports or scrambling sequences can avoid excessive BLER. Proposes studying new UE measurements for downlink interference classification to distinguish intra-system, external unintentional, and deliberate jamming interference types.
10.6.1.1 Design of WUS with OFDM-based sequence 3 evolved · 2 new
Evolved positions
  • FUTUREWEI hardened the coverage target from the generic at least PDCCH to specific Broadcast PDCCH with quantified MDR of 1% and FAR of {0.1%, 1%}. They added a concrete technical justification for this target: an expected ~1.13dB coverage gap with 5G NR Broadcast PDCCH, attributed to NF improvement and OFDM detection gains over OOK. The requirement to remove OOK and Manchester encoding, the proposal for direct raw-bit-to-sequence mapping with configurable repetitions, and the call for a new design of candidate OFDM sequence length and number per symbol are preserved with identical proposal text.
  • Nokia softened the residual CFO assumption from 1 ppm to 2 ppm, now referencing a previously agreed 5 ppm baseline that they propose RAN1 revise downward. They hardened the sequence evaluation proposal by specifying auto-correlation peak prominence, cross-correlation, and receiver complexity as explicit KPIs. The coverage target was expanded from an unspecified coverage scope to explicitly require matching paging PDCCH AL8 and AL16 in both RRC IDLE and RRC CONN modes, with the technical justification that more receive chains can be used in connected mode. The dual mapping scheme study (codepoint vs. segmented bitmap) and the requirement for minimum RX chains to depend on RRC state are preserved.
  • Spreadtrum hardened the CP-OFDM waveform preference from proposes studying to prefers,' adding a hardened technical case citing Rel-18 power consumption evaluations and the specific PAPR disadvantage when multiplexed with other CP-OFDM signals at the gNB. The Msg3 coverage starting point was dropped. They added a concrete proposal to reuse TR 38.869 evaluation assumptions with revisions for EE processing state and 6GR frequencies including 7GHz. They consolidated the information provisioning method to a single codepoint mechanism across idle and connected modes. Two new arguments appeared: that latency is not tightly related to DL-WUS design itself, and a proposal to revise FL's proposal to replace NES with network energy consumption. The unified design for all device types and the at-least 5-bit payload requirement are preserved.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes that 6G DL WUS based on OFDM sequences be designed for all RRC states with commonality to reduce complexity. Requires OFDM sequences to be defined in the frequency domain, arguing lower base station complexity and more efficient multiplexing compared to time-domain definition. Proposes missed detection rate less than 10^-2 and false alarm rate around {10^-1, 10^-2} as starting points. Supports configurable WUS duration for different coverage conditions and proposes studying various sequence types with preference for reusing sequences planned for 6G synchronization/reference signals.
  • Proposes a product-code based Vertical-Horizontal Coding (VHC) strategy where input bits are encoded independently in frequency-domain (vertical) and time-domain (horizontal), allowing independent decoding to reduce receiver complexity. Proposes studying increased payload capacity (>8 bits) for enhanced grouping or UE-specific wake-up. Presents simulation results showing ~4dB gain at 1% BLER compared to Rel-19 sequence-based design under TDL-C 30ns with 15-bit payload over 11 PRBs, and demonstrates VHC can achieve similar performance to Rel-19 while consuming roughly 3x fewer resources (168 REs vs 528 REs) at the expense of longer transmission time.
10.6.1.2 WUS operation in RRC states 3 evolved · 1 new
Evolved positions
  • Nokia added a new specification that PDCCH/PDSCH-based paging be supported as the triggered response to DL WUS—no paging response mechanism was specified in the prior contribution. They shifted their connected-mode measurement feasibility argument from a general claim of reduced RRM measurement cost in the 6G EE processing state to a bounded position: EE processing state applicability is limited to SSB-based measurements outside active time, with an explicit technical objection to CSI-RS processing due to computational complexity from multi-port channel matrix estimation and codebook searches. They added residual CFO as a specific risk to EE-based RRM measurement accuracy with a proposal to assume lower residual synchronization error—no CFO concern appeared previously. They dropped prior proposals on early termination of PDCCH skipping and SPS activation/deactivation as WUS-supported features, retaining only ACTIVE times triggering with duration indication and SSSG switching. A new prioritization of RRC IDLE/INACTIVE DL WUS study for IoT appears with no prior counterpart. Their prior specific constraint of one time occasion per paging cycle is preserved within the duty-cycled monitoring stance.
  • Spreadtrum shifted their measurement offloading position from an affirmative requirement (a UE in EE mode can perform serving cell RRM measurements using SSB or LP-SS) to a proposal for serving cell RRM via 6GR sync signal by EE processing while adding an explicit technical case against extending EE processing to neighboring cell RRM measurement, citing negligible energy impact from infrequent main-receiver neighbor measurements and increased implementation complexity and power consumption from EE-based neighbor measurement. They specified that the synchronization signal for RRM is the 6GR sync signal, dropping the prior LP-SS alternative. Their duplication-avoidance argument refined from only one DL-WUS type per RRC state to naming the specific NR duplicated functionalities to avoid: DCP and LP-WUS. A new observation appears that 6GR's coverage target matching PDCCH may eliminate the need for LP-WUS monitoring state transitions, building on their prior NR coverage limitation concern. Their stance on NR mechanisms as starting point and extending payload size for finer subgrouping granularity is preserved, though multi-beam operation via multiple monitoring occasions and Option 1-1/Option 1-2 adoption are not reiterated.
  • FUTUREWEI hardened their unified DL WUS framing: the prior meeting proposed claiming functionality from Rel-17 PEI and Rel-19 LP-WUS; the current meeting states the design shall replace both Rel-17 PEI and Rel-19 LP-WUS for idle/inactive, and replace both Rel-16 DCP and Rel-19 LP-WUS for connected state, adding the explicit requirement to avoid multiple options for the same functionality.' They expanded idle/inactive DL WUS scope with a new proposal to dynamically indicate paging occasion distribution patterns—no prior mention of PO distribution pattern indication exists. Their connected-mode SCell dormancy argument refined from increased wake-up capacity beyond Rel-19 LP-WUS to specifically targeting Rel-19's 32-codepoint limit.' Three new technical elements appear: Broadcast PDCCH as the explicit coverage target (prior meeting mentioned PDCCH as coverage target for energy saving but did not specify Broadcast PDCCH), primary synchronization signal sequence design with time-domain or dual time/frequency-domain characteristics to reduce measurement complexity, and coupling serving cell measurement with DL-WUS monitoring in the EE processing state. Their prior starting-point language referencing Rel-19 Option 1-2 monitoring is dropped.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes a single 6G DL WUS tool for paging indication in Idle/Inactive state and a single WUS feature for PDCCH monitoring indication in Connected state, explicitly requiring the avoidance of overlapping functionalities like PEI and Rel-19 WUS. Argues entry/exit conditions for WUS monitoring are unnecessary in Idle/Inactive states because 6G WUS targets full cell coverage. Presents technical case for offloading serving cell RRM and RLM/BFD measurements, as well as neighboring cell RRM measurements, to EE processing state in RRC connected state, supported by energy saving evaluations showing 60%-90% gain from full offloading. Provides preliminary results indicating EE processing RSRP accuracy of 2dB using 3 SSBs with 160ms periodicity is achievable with 2Rx but may not be achieved with 1Rx under 5ppm CFO, requiring smaller CFO values for the 1Rx case.
10.6.2 Uplink WUS and operation 3 evolved · 1 new
Evolved positions
  • FUTUREWEI dropped the earlier proposal that the light Sync Signal carry LSBs of SFN, now specifying only that it indicate a predefined UL WUS configuration index. They narrowed prioritization to on-demand SIB1 (DS#1b/DS#2) and SIB1 time adaptation (DS#1c/DS#2c), while softening their stance on DS#1a from proposing specific UL WUS occasion definitions to questioning its practical utility and suggesting RAN1 discuss whether it should be supported at all. A new proposal added: studying beam/index identification in the UL WUS request so the BS can limit on-demand response to a subset of beams, which was absent from the prior position. The Rel-19 UL-WUS non-standalone baseline proposal from the prior meeting is absent in the current position.
  • Spreadtrum softened their prior position of delaying on-demand SIB1 and idle-state on-demand SSB discussions by now proposing to study on-demand SIB1 in DS#1b/DS#2b and on-demand SSB/SIB1 in DS#2a, albeit with a new condition of good inter-carrier synchronization for DS#2a. They dropped the specific 5G NR legacy mechanism enumeration (RAR MAC PDU subheader with RAPID, Msg3 carrying system information request, RRC signaling) in favor of a shorter reference to PRACH as the starting point for unified design. The on-demand SSB for SCell proposal shifted from citing Rel-19 to citing Rel-17, both maintaining NW-triggered, no-UL-WUS operation. A new proposal to merge DS#2c into DS#1c was added. The earlier reference to successful 5G commercialization is absent. Multi-TRP UL WUS delay is a new item.
  • Nokia hardened their opposition to a dedicated low-power BS receiver module from opposes to a definitive statement that none is foreseen for 6G BS hardware.' They refined the UL WUS signal reuse requirement by enumerating specific signals per RRC state: PRACH preamble for Idle/Inactive, and SRS, UL DMRS, SR, PUCCH, PUSCH for Connected—specificity absent from the prior position. A new technical case against DS#1a was added, citing the unresolved issue of UL WUS transmit power determination without DL pathloss estimation from PSS/SSS and the need for spectrum regulation confirmation on UE transmission without DL sync signals. Two new study proposals were added: conditional reuse of stored system information to avoid redundant MIB/SIB1 acquisition, and on-demand reference signals triggered by UL WUS for SCell operations and cell switch mobility. The earlier argument to postpone the study due to duplication with PRACH/RACH is dropped.
New contributors this meeting
  • Questions necessity of UL WUS, opposing DS#1a and DS#2a citing inability to achieve time-frequency synchronization, lack of WUS configuration and transmission parameters, inability to identify cell or determine UL transmit power, and violation of network resource allocation principle. Proposes DS#1b be redirected to agenda item 10.5.1 for on-demand SIB1 study. De-prioritizes DS#2b due to marginal NES gain of ~4% with 160 ms SSB periodicity. Opposes DS#1c and DS#2c, arguing UE could exploit UL WUS for additional sync signals, increasing network energy consumption.
10.7.1 NTN specific requirements and design for GNSS based operation 2 evolved · 3 new
Evolved positions
  • FUTUREWEI dropped the prior meeting's focus on GNSS fix time intervals, satellite elevation angles for PRACH design, and closed-loop frequency control in RRC connected mode. They added a new, quantitatively-grounded proposal on satellite beam footprint coverage ratio, presenting a technical case that with 160 ms SSB periodicity and one SSB/PBCH block per half radio frame, only 1024 of 2134 beams are covered (48%), and proposing 100% coverage ratio be agreed before proceeding with mismatch studies. They expanded beam hopping study scope to include static and dynamic patterns, specifically identifying the SSB index/PRACH preamble collision problem in adjacent beams. Their synchronization position narrowed: they now propose adopting Rel-19 NR NTN GNSS-based pre-compensation as baseline to avoid duplicating Rel-20 GNSS resilient NR-NTN work.
  • Nokia hardened the pre-compensation requirement from all 6G devices support GNSS to all 6GR NTN capable devices support accurate pre-compensation (GNSS-based or via detailed prior geo-location),' broadening qualifying mechanisms. They added a concrete signaling proposal: integrate k_offset_UE into the UL scheduling grant via the TDRA table to replace MAC-CE based adjustment, citing latency, reliability, and signaling overhead drawbacks. On HARQ stalling, they refined the extended PDSCH/PUSCH duration proposal to explicitly avoid increasing soft buffer memory. They added a new opposition to simultaneous multi-satellite UE connections for CA or multi-orbit operation, citing timeline and frequency offset complexity. The FDD-only position is preserved, with the same 14-31% TDD resource loss calculation cited for 600-1200 km LEO orbits. Maximum TN similarity and concurrent SIB scheduling positions are maintained.
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes studying LOS MIMO techniques for NTN leveraging LHCP/RHCP polarization orthogonality to create parallel channels in strong LOS. Proposes studying ephemeris information compression and prediction for 6G NTN, arguing legacy uncompressed SIB broadcast is unsustainable for VLEO due to prolonged broadcast times, high update frequencies, and energy-saving conflicts. Presents VLEO (100-400 km) as requiring ultra-rapid handovers under 5-minute visibility, with intense signaling and complex uplink synchronization from larger Doppler and variable delays.
  • Proposes studying negative TA command values in RAR when UE pre-compensation exceeds RTD, leaving over-pre-compensation detection to gNB implementation. Suggests new frequency adjustment command for closed-loop frequency control in NTN. Suggests new measurement configuration including beam azimuth, elevation, beamwidth for high-altitude scenarios. Supports Option 2 for scheduling offsets incorporating RTT into K1/K2, proposes extending dl-DataToUL-ACK range. Proposes studying efficient TDD frame structure for NTN.
  • Requires NTN considerations from the outset of 6G radio design to avoid retrofitting non-optimizations. Proposes studying concatenated BCH outer code with LDPC inner code (BCH t ≈ 8-10, LDPC block size 16896 bits / 44 columns) for QEF performance and HARQ elimination in long-RTT NTN links. Identifies TR 38.811 K-factor parameterization as physically inconsistent and proposes revisiting. Requires support for all orbit types VLEO (300 km) through GSO (35,786 km) with earth-fixed steerable beams limited to 250 km footprint, all payload types including regenerative with functional BS split, and all duplex modes with GNSS-independent positioning.
10.8.2 Aspects of integration with communication 0 evolved · 3 new
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes studying all six sensing modes (TRP-TRP bistatic, TRP monostatic, TRP-UE bistatic, UE-TRP bistatic, UE-UE bistatic, UE monostatic) plus multi-static sensing for comprehensive integration requirement analysis. For reference signal design, proposes reusing PRS and SRS with enhancements including expanded symbol counts to values of 1 or 8 and new comb sizes {1,3,8} as a starting point, and includes DMRS as a sensing signal option citing its dense allocation, Doppler robustness, and multi-antenna support for high-mobility use cases like V2X, UAV tracking, and high-speed rail monitoring. Proposes TDM-based resource allocation via a dedicated sensing resource pool analogous to sidelink resource pool design within UL communication resources. For mono-static sensing, proposes a gap design after the sensing signal where gap length and sensing symbol length are determined by the maximum sensing range of the sensing node. Identifies that ISAC path loss must be calculated on a per-path or per-path-group basis associated with the sensing target/object, distinguishing valid echo paths reflected by the target from invalid environment reflections, and proposes a new sensing-specific PHR procedure fused with the existing communication PHR.
  • Proposes TDM-based sensing RS as the baseline candidate for 6G sensing integration, with FDM-based approaches identified for further study without precluding coexistence with the baseline. Recommends CSI-RS or SRS as the basis for sensing RS design, explicitly rejecting NR PRS due to its single-port limitation. Proposes studying enhancements to legacy RS resource element mappings to support non-contiguous, evenly-spaced OFDM symbols across multiple contiguous slots (time-domain comb structures). For measurement reporting, considers NR Rel-20 ISAC data levels A/B/C/D as the baseline framework and supports TRP-based reporting as the baseline. Highlights that bistatic sensing may incur large overhead from beam sweeping at both STX and SRX, and proposes studying mechanisms to avoid this excessive overhead.
  • Proposes studying the feasibility of reusing existing 6G DL and UL reference signals (CSI-RS, PRS, DMRS, PTRS, SRS) for sensing, while identifying major challenges including low unambiguous range/velocity and unknown precoding matrices in bistatic scenarios. Proposes studying the necessity of dedicated DL/UL sensing reference signals, considering either complete new designs or incremental enhancements to existing signals like increasing CSI-RS density or reconfiguring PTRS/DMRS. Proposes reusing the Rel-20 agreement on measurement report content (Level A through D) as the 6G sensing starting point and studying feasibility and overhead of air-interface reporting for each level. Requires sensing reference signals and measurements/reports to support periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic configurations. Proposes studying sensing processing timeline/unit (SPU) parameters including channel estimation time and sensing algorithm execution time.
10.8.3 Waveform and frame structure 0 evolved · 4 new
New contributors this meeting
  • Proposes a staged evaluation approach for ISAC waveforms and frame structures. Specifies NR CP-OFDM and slot-based frame structure as the evaluation baseline. Recommends AFDM and OTFS as primary new waveform candidates for study. Contains 4 proposals covering baseline assumptions and a two-step evaluation methodology.
  • Proposes adopting conventional OFDM-based waveforms (CP-OFDM, DFT-S-OFDM) as the baseline sensing waveform, requiring balanced performance and forward compatibility with existing 3GPP communication frameworks. Proposes studying OFDM-based longer cyclic prefix (CP) schemes to support long-range sensing, noting that NCP and ECP fail to meet multi-kilometer coverage requirements, and requires the CP length design of sensing symbols to be associated with the number of sensing symbols within a slot. Prioritizes studying TDM-based multiplexing between sensing and communication resources over FDM and SDM, citing independent signal generation and maximized resource efficiency, and proposes studying at least symbol-level allocation based on TDD pattern configuration. Proposes the study scope include both Continuous Waveform (CW) and Pulse Waveform (PW) transmission schemes. Proposes studying OTFS-based waveform transmission for high-mobility scenarios due to its delay-Doppler domain robustness. Proposes studying dynamic waveform switching between candidate waveforms adaptively based on application, mobility conditions, and sensing accuracy requirements.
  • Proposes reusing 5G NR baseline OFDM waveforms (CP-OFDM for DL, DFT-s-OFDM and CP-OFDM for UL) directly for 6G sensing, asserting that RAN1-#122 agreements on baseline waveforms for 6G communications apply to sensing. Proposes studying enhancements atop these baseline waveforms, including pulse waveforms such as FMCW framed as dedicated sensing bursts within the CP-OFDM frame structure. Proposes studying the impact of CP length, time/frequency granularity of the sensing reference signal, and CPI on sensing performance metrics (PFA, Pmiss, range estimation, Doppler estimation), as well as studying the feasibility of sensing within 6G frame structure and duplexing schemes (TDD, FDD, dynamic TDD, SBFD). Presents preliminary simulation results showing CP-OFDM outperforming OTFS and DFT-s-OFDM in Pmiss-vs-SNR detection performance, while all three perform equally well in RMSE of range and radial velocity estimation. Proposes agreeing on evaluation assumptions using Table 2 parameters as the starting point and on KPIs for waveform comparisons.
  • Proposes CP-OFDM as the DL sensing waveform basis and both CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM as UL sensing waveform bases, consistent with 5G NR communication waveform agreements. Proposes studying OFDM-based waveform enhancements specifically targeting sensing coverage performance, including extended CP length, extended OFDM symbol duration, and larger/smaller SCS configurations, explicitly noting the inherent trade-off between SCS, range resolution, and velocity resolution. Proposes studying the necessity and feasibility of pulse waveforms as an alternative for coverage enhancement, recommending OFDM-compatible generation methods to minimize specification impact, while arguing pulse waveforms are more naturally suited to monostatic sensing due to relaxed self-interference cancellation requirements. Recommends a structured waveform characterization template for comparative analysis, specifying ambiguity function, PAPR, and OOBE/ACLR as key sensing performance metrics for evaluation, with contributions of waveform structure and sequence design to be separately analyzed.

Sub-topics

20 agenda items · grouped by 3GPP agenda numbering
10.3.1 Channel coding 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses channel coding design for 6G, spanning data channel LDPC extension, control channel coding for payloads beyond NR range, and small block length coding. Companies are debating whether to reuse or evolve 5G NR LDPC and Polar code structures, with specific proposals on base graph design parameters, decoding schedules, and segmentation strategies. Additional proposals introduce outer code concatenation for error floor mitigation and a DMRS-less product-code scheme for small UCI payloads.

Company positions
  • EURECOM — Presents a technical case against the 5G NR Reed-Muller (RM) code baseline for small UCI payloads, arguing its performance is far from optimal and that significant room for improvement exists. Proposes studying novel DMRS-less transmission schemes using a vertical and horizontal coding (VHC) product-code strategy, claiming up to 3dB SNR gain and 6.6dB PAPR reduction at 1% outage compared to legacy PUCCH Format 3. Argues that DMRS overhead (up to 28% in PUCCH Format 3) introduces significant sub-optimality for short block lengths, and that the proposed VHC scheme achieves low receiver complexity by separating detection in time and frequency domains.
  • Nokia — Proposes reusing NR LDPC BG1 with an optimized puncturing pattern (puncturing columns 0 and 26 instead of the first two systematic columns) for faster convergence at low maximum iterations, showing 0.2-0.44 dB gain. Requires that any new BG design keep the same dual-diagonal QC-LDPC structure as 5G, limit max code block size to 8448, set minimum code rate to approximately 2/3, use single-edge design, and puncture only one column. Opposes relying solely on reverse decoding order for BG1 evaluation comparisons, citing up to 0.65 dB degradation at high code rates, and advocates for near-optimal or top-down schedules instead. Proposes defining the boundary between NR range and beyond-NR range using maximum TBS supported in 5G NR Rel-15 per carrier. Questions the necessity of UCI and DCI payloads beyond NR range without further input from other agenda items, and proposes keeping NR RM block codes unchanged for small payloads given their optimized minimum distance and FHT-based ML decoding efficiency.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes retaining the maximum LDPC code block size of 8448 and 22 information columns in the base graph for extension beyond NR range, arguing this configuration fully preserves the NR LDPC structure and enables maximum reuse of existing implementations. Presents a technical case against increasing the number of information columns to 33 or 44, citing increased scheduling complexity, more fragmented memory access, and reduced parallel processing efficiency, especially with reduced lifting sizes such as 192 or 256. For Polar code design for DCI with payload size larger than NR range, proposes prioritizing code block segmentation (Option 1) and interleaver removal (Option 2) as the options offering the highest degree of compatibility with the existing design architecture, while acknowledging seven other candidate options including Mid-Block Termination-Assisted Polar Codes, zero-embedding, and PAC codes with zero-padding but not preferring them.
  • Thales — Proposes studying a concatenated BCH outer code with extended LDPC to mitigate the error floor in high-reliability scenarios. Observes that as LDPC code block sizes increase to 16896 bits, the impact of the inherent error floor can become more pronounced in high-throughput scenarios or sensitive NTN links. Proposes that RAN1 evaluate this BCH+LDPC scheme using a short BCH outer code (t≈8–10) focusing on post-decoding BER/BLER in the error-floor region, impact on HARQ retransmissions and latency for NTN, and implementation complexity overhead relative to pure LDPC, drawing technical justification from DVB-S2/S2X standards (ETSI EN 302 307) where this two-layer error correction strategy achieves QEF performance.
Open issues
  • Definition of the boundary between NR range and beyond-NR range for data rates and control payload sizes remains unresolved, with Nokia proposing the Rel-15 maximum TBS per carrier and questioning the necessity of beyond-NR UCI/DCI payloads without further input.
  • Whether to extend the LDPC base graph by increasing information columns (33 or 44) or retain the NR structure with 22 information columns is contested, with Spreadtrum opposing expansion on complexity grounds and Nokia setting constraints if new BGs are studied.
  • The baseline coding scheme for small block lengths is disputed, with Nokia proposing to keep NR RM codes unchanged and EURECOM presenting a technical case against them and proposing DMRS-less VHC alternatives.
10.5.0 General aspects and frameworks 4 contributions

This sub-topic covers 6G radio general aspects and frameworks, including spectrum aggregation (carrier aggregation and 'Gothia cell' concepts), channel bandwidth scalability, duplexing schemes, frame structure, MRSS coexistence with NR, and coverage requirements. Companies are presenting competing frameworks for wideband operation: Ericsson proposes enhanced CA as the primary tool, while Futurewei, Nokia, and Spreadtrum/UNISOC propose studying a 'Gothia cell' virtual carrier concept for aggregating physical carriers, with differing views on UE bandwidth options, duplexing study prioritization, and smallest maximum UE bandwidth for low-tier devices.

Company positions
  • Ericsson — Proposes enhanced carrier aggregation (CA) as the primary 6G spectrum aggregation tool, requiring fast/instant activation, same-configuration indications, multi-carrier single-DCI scheduling, and removal of tight time-synchronous dependencies like DAI. Defines a virtual carrier ('Gothia cell') only if it solves problems not addressable by CA enhancements. For duplexing, requires deprioritizing gNB dynamic SBFD, gNB FD, and UE SBFD in the study, proposes removal of SFI-based (DCI 2_0) operation for dynamic TDD, and introduces new 'Mixed DL/UL' and 'None' frame resource types. For MRSS/IoT coexistence, proposes aligning 5G/6G RB boundaries and enabling dynamic CORESET sharing. Proposes specific coverage requirement values of 1 Mbps DL / 30 kbps UL at MaxCL 143 dB, and strives for time-asynchronous UCI reporting with L2-based MAC CE transmission and multi-bit contention-based scheduling requests.
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes studying intra-cell carrier aggregation using Method 1 ('Gothia cell') with multiple contiguous/non-contiguous physical carriers up to 400 MHz logical bandwidth, and inter-cell carrier aggregation including FR1+FR2 non-collocated scenarios with possible DC-like realization. Requires prioritization of Option 1 as the clean reference for contiguous wideband operation, with Option 2 or Option 3 as practical implementation candidates subject to RAN4 feasibility. Proposes that the smallest maximum supported RF and BB UE bandwidth for lowest-tier devices is 20MHz, arguing that 5MHz HD-FDD devices cannot meet RAN peak data rate requirements and that overall device complexity is driven by economies of scale. Proposes studying a common initial-access framework where DL and UL IA bandwidth share center frequencies and are contained in the same carrier, supporting transition to post-IA wideband operation under both aggregation frameworks.
  • Nokia — Makes 38 proposals and 30 observations across multiple physical-layer design areas including SCS/CP numerology, maximum channel bandwidths, frame structure, duplexing, spectrum aggregation, and coverage. Rules out the 60 kHz SCS option from the Around 15 GHz scenario and supports only normal CP for 6G. Addresses spectrum aggregation through both 'Gothia cell' and CA concepts. Provides detailed analysis of maximum channel bandwidths and frame structure design aspects. The document covers coverage requirements and duplexing study directions, though specific proposal details beyond SCS/CP are truncated in the provided summary.
  • Spreadtrum — Requires a 20MHz smallest maximum UE bandwidth (Alt 1) for lower-tier 6GR devices, arguing that 20MHz offers an optimal balance between complexity reduction (35-70%) and system performance compared to 5MHz. Proposes Option 2 (double 200MHz RF with single 400MHz BB) as the preferred starting point for enabling UE support of 400MHz downlink CBW, balancing performance and implementation complexity over the more stringent Option 1 or CA-limited Option 3. Introduces and proposes studying the 'Gothia cell' concept for aggregating multiple physical carriers into a single virtual cell to simplify cell management and reduce latency compared to traditional CA, with three DCI scheduling options for cross-carrier data transmission. Opposes support for gNB dynamic SBFD, UE SBFD, and gNB full duplex in 6GR Day 1, citing unproven gains and interference challenges, but proposes studying a native SBFD symbol type within the 6GR frame structure alongside reserved resources for forward compatibility. Addresses NR-6GR MRSS by proposing a unified design with co-located TRPs as a baseline, aligned numerology and waveform, and a requirement for no impact on legacy NR UE behavior.
Open issues
  • Whether enhanced CA or 'Gothia cell' virtual carrier concept should be the primary spectrum aggregation framework for 6G
  • Appropriate smallest maximum UE bandwidth for lowest-tier devices (5MHz vs 20MHz)
  • Whether to deprioritize or oppose gNB dynamic SBFD, UE SBFD, and gNB full duplex in 6G Day 1 versus studying native SBFD support in the frame structure
  • UE 400MHz DL support implementation approach (Option 1 single wideband RF vs Option 2 double 200MHz RF vs Option 3 CA-limited)
  • Whether to remove SFI-based (DCI 2_0) operation for dynamic TDD and introduce new frame resource types
10.5.1.1 Synchronization acquisition and beam measurement 4 contributions

Companies are discussing the design of 6G synchronization signals and beam measurement procedures, focusing on SSB bandwidth/latency tradeoffs, sequences for PSS/SSS to reduce UE complexity, extended SSB periodicity with clustered transmission patterns for network energy saving, on-demand synchronization signal mechanisms for standalone and multi-cell deployments, and AI/ML-based beam prediction for initial access. Key tensions include whether to baseline a unified NR-like SSB structure or explore lighter sync signals, how far to extend default SSB periodicity (40ms vs 80ms/160ms), and whether to adopt single or multiple PSS sequences.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes supporting a basic 6G SSB design with bandwidth larger than 3MHz at 15kHz SCS, explicitly rejecting the ≤3MHz option as degrading PBCH detection performance and coverage compared to NR's 3.6MHz SSB bandwidth. Proposes defining a light sync signal structure consisting of at least PSS with lightweight sequence indication and optionally SSS to compensate for longer default SSB periodicity while maintaining cell search complexity. Proposes on-demand Sync signal/SIB1 request in standalone cells using sequence-based indication of UL-WUS configuration, beam/Sync Signal index, and/or LSBs of SFN, with UL WUS design limited to a small number of OFDM sequences and listening occasions enabling low-power BS receiver operation. Proposes clustered provisioning of cell-common signaling with frequency domain multiplexing of paging frames aligned with cell DTX/DRX and UE DRX, combined with DL-WUS grouping/subgrouping indication. Requires adoption from day one of DL WUS of OFDM-based sequence replacing Rel-17 PEI functionality and supporting dynamic POs as baseline UE energy saving mechanisms, citing achievable coverage comparable to 6G PDCCH when considering standalone DL WUS not reliant on OOK waveform.
  • NEC — Proposes studying two concrete SSB bandwidth options (20 PRBs and 12 PRBs) to address 3MHz minimum spectrum allocation while managing sync raster sparsity and cell search complexity. Proposes SSB periodicity extension to 80ms/160ms as a starting point with mandatory support for SSB repetition in clusters using either consecutive or interleaved intra-cluster patterns. Requires PSS placement at the very beginning of the SSB block with SSS evenly distributed among PBCHs at a certain distance from PSS, maintaining NR's frequency offset estimation logic. Proposes extending Rel-19 NES on-demand common signaling from SCell to PCell/isolated cell for utilizing on-demand SSB transmissions to enhance RLM, BFD, and Layer 3 mobility/handover measurements during extended periodicity gaps. Supports non-transparent multi-TRP schemes for early CSI acquisition and proposes studying AI/ML-based SSB prediction with RO selection using both UE-sided model inference (predicting ROs not associated with measured SSBs) and NW-sided model inference (via Msg1 repetition or Msg3 reporting).
  • Nokia — Proposes reducing UE initial cell selection complexity by limiting PSS sequences to one, studying m-sequence and Zadoff-Chu based designs, and presents evaluation results showing Zadoff-Chu with u=1/2 achieves lowest complexity while 1/3rd m-sequence with 5 hypotheses and Zadoff-Chu with u=1 have similar complexity. Proposes using PSS bandwidth instead of SSB bandwidth for sync raster definition (Option 4) to make the raster sparser without impacting PBCH/SSB performance or channel allocation flexibility. Proposes studying relaxed SS/PBCH periodicity up to 160ms in clustered transmission patterns, on-demand SIB1 delivery extended from Rel-19 to standalone scenarios, and paging-conditional additional synchronization signals for network energy saving. Proposes SSS-based measurements across all RRC states to ensure consistent cell coverage, with NZP-CSI-RS studied for CONNECTED mode, and argues L3 CSI-RS are not used in practice in NR.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes that 6GR initial access design inherit NR's fundamental procedures, SSB structure (20 PRBs, 4 OFDM symbols), and PSS/SSS/PBCH architecture as the baseline, with a default SSB periodicity of 40ms to balance UE experience and network energy saving—citing that extending to 80ms yields only 6% additional energy-saving gain under zero load. Requires a single unified SSB structure applicable across all deployment scenarios (single/multi-cell, multi-TRP, TN/NTN, all frequency ranges) and opposes introducing different SCS for SSB versus other channels/signals for a given band across all frequency ranges. Proposes studying SSB repetition within one SSB period via three options (within burst set, burst set repetition, or combination) and requires that at least two SSBs be mappable to one slot of 14 symbols. Proposes further identifying valid scenarios for both network-triggered and UE-triggered on-demand sync signal mechanisms under standalone and multi-cell/carrier deployments, while supporting on-demand SSB for SCell in Day1 and sync signal-less operation for SCell using NR solutions. Proposes studying AI-based beam prediction for initial access leveraging NR BM-case 1 experience for both SSB spatial prediction and beam refinement prediction, and proposes studying enhanced cell DTX/DRX operation in both RRC connected and idle states.
Open issues
  • Whether to baseline a single PSS sequence (Nokia) or support multiple PSS sequences for lightweight indication (FUTUREWEI) to balance UE complexity against cell search performance under extended periodicity
  • Whether default SSB periodicity should be 40ms (Spreadtrum) or extended to 80ms/160ms (NEC, Nokia) given the marginal energy-saving gain cited by Spreadtrum
  • Whether to adopt a unified SSB structure identical to NR across all deployments (Spreadtrum) or explore options like 12 PRB bandwidth (NEC) and light sync signals (FUTUREWEI)
  • How to define the sync raster—whether using PSS bandwidth only (Nokia's Option 4) or SSB bandwidth as in NR—and the implications for channel allocation flexibility
10.5.1.2 PRACH and RACH procedure 3 contributions

This sub-topic addresses the design of PRACH and RACH procedures for 6G radio, using NR as a baseline while targeting enhancements in capacity, signaling efficiency, energy efficiency, coverage, and support for diverse deployment scenarios including non-terrestrial networks and SBFD. Companies present positions on preamble sequences (converging on Zadoff-Chu as baseline), PRACH configuration mechanisms (ranging from parametrized to table-based), 4-step RACH as the baseline procedure, preamble capacity expansion methods, and the integration of AI/ML-based beam prediction into initial access.

Company positions
  • NEC — Proposes Zadoff-Chu (ZC) based sequences as the baseline for 6G PRACH preamble and considers both long and short NR PRACH preamble formats as starting points. Proposes studying configuration of multiple PRACH formats per cell/carrier and increasing PRACH capacity from 64 to 128 candidate sequences. Questions whether PRACH configuration should remain under the BWP framework and proposes studying a simplified SSB-RO mapping mechanism or separate PRACH resource allocation per SSB. Requires 4-step RACH procedure as baseline and prioritized, while proposing studies on reducing Msg2 payload size and introducing group common Msg4 to handle increased preamble numbers. For energy efficiency, proposes a reference time (SSB or SIB1 transmission time) for clustered PRACH transmission with two options: relative configuration or default availability of only the first resource set(s). Proposes studying PRACH resource adaptation with granularities including association period, PRACH periodicity, and SSB index. For coverage, proposes native support of Msg1/2/3/4/5 repetition with joint repetition scheme to avoid resource fragmentation, and separate RSRP threshold configuration per SSB index for PRACH repetition.
  • Nokia — Proposes retaining Zadoff-Chu as the PRACH sequence due to its CAZAC properties and robustness against frequency offset, while opposing sequences that lack these characteristics. For PRACH configuration, recommends studying parametrized PRACH format configuration against static format definitions and supports reduced table-based PRACH configurations with separately configurable parameters to enable RO clustering and time adaptation. Requires a unified design for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks where feasible, and proposes that SBFD RA support should not increase complexity of basic TDD RA operation. For RACH procedure, proposes 4-step RACH as the sole baseline, requiring Msg3-based identification as the default and restricting Msg1-based identification to coverage extension and OD-SIB1 use cases. For AI/ML beam prediction, proposes reusing Rel-18/19 BM-Case1 (Spatial-Domain Beam Prediction) and BM-Case2 (Temporal-Domain Beam Prediction), prioritizing spatial beam prediction over temporal, and presents simulation results showing 64-65% relative reduction in MSG1 failures using spatial beam prediction compared to classical methods.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes that all necessary PRACH features be integrated into a unified random access framework from 6GR Day-1, citing limited commercial deployment of post-Rel-16 NR features as justification. Proposes studying PRACH capacity increases via RO configuration and SBFD rather than increasing the number of preambles per RO beyond 64. For preamble sequences, prefers reusing NR ZC sequences and requires a structured gap analysis process before considering any new sequence designs. Proposes a joint configuration for coverage level determination across all random-access-related channels and a joint coverage request from the UE. Supports native integration of SBFD into the random access procedure to avoid separate configurations, power control, and RO-to-SSB mapping for SBFD and non-SBFD ROs.
Open issues
  • Whether to increase preamble capacity per RO by expanding the number of candidate sequences from 64 to 128 (as proposed by NEC) or via RO configuration and SBFD without exceeding 64 preambles per RO (as proposed by Spreadtrum).
  • Whether PRACH configuration should use parametrized format configuration with reduced table-based approaches (Nokia) versus studying configuration of multiple PRACH formats per cell/carrier (NEC).
  • Whether Msg1-based identification should be broadly applied or restricted to coverage extension and OD-SIB1 use cases (Nokia requires restriction, while NEC's proposals on reduced Msg2 payload and group common Msg4 imply broader Msg1-based handling).
  • Whether PRACH configuration should remain under the BWP framework (questioned by NEC) and whether a simplified SSB-RO mapping mechanism is needed.
10.5.1.3 Bandwidth operation 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses the framework for bandwidth operation in 6G Radio (6GR), focusing on how a UE's operating bandwidth is determined, configured, and adapted across initial access and connected modes. Companies are debating the extent to which the 5G NR Bandwidth Part (BWP) concept should be reused, redefined, or simplified, with key technical themes including support for non-contiguous resource allocations across multiple carriers, decoupling DL and UL BWP center frequencies in TDD, improving BWP switching reliability and latency, and reducing RRC configuration overhead. The discussion also covers initial access procedures, including the definition of initial DL/UL BWPs and the handling of multi-carrier operation under a potential Single Cell Multiple Carrier (SCMC) framework.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Presents a technical case against specific 5G NR BWP design disadvantages including excessive RRC configuration parameters, long switching delays causing service interruptions, DCI-based switching reliability issues, and fragmentation from redundant BWP types. Proposes studying two distinct post-initial-access framework options: Option A with a single active logical contiguous virtual resource across multiple carriers, and Option B with multiple independent contiguous physical frequency resources each active within one carrier. Requires studying initial DL BW and initial UL BW as contiguous PRB regions supporting synchronization, system information, paging, and random access, and requires co-location and center-frequency alignment for TDD to simplify initial access. Proposes studying HARQ process continuity during BW switching and studying two TB transmission schemes for intra-cell carrier aggregation: single TB over separated allocations with a single HARQ process versus separate TBs per allocation with independent HARQ processes.
  • NEC — Proposes studying the introduction of the BWP concept in 6GR for both DL and UL, driven by mismatched UE/NW bandwidth capabilities and UE power consumption issues. Proposes redefining BWP in 6GR to support non-continuous PRBs across multiple carriers and to decouple DL and UL BWP frequency locations/bandwidths, enabled by consistent SCS per band and the potential SCMC framework. Proposes relaxing the NR restriction that confines DL bandwidth to CORESET#0 during initial access and studying two alternatives for initial BWP operation: a single common pair or multiple pairs with UE selection. Proposes studying multiple BWP switching schemes including low-power signal and timer-based triggers, enhancing BWP switching reliability, and relaxing common message scheduling restrictions tied to CORESET#0 RB numbers. Proposes studying carrier assignment for common signaling under the SCMC framework and the relationship between initial BWPs and carriers for multi-carrier operation.
  • Nokia — Presents a technical case that NR BWP operation suffers from unnecessary flexibility resulting in excessive complexity, non-robust switching, suboptimal UL coverage, and problematic TDD coupling between UL and DL BWPs sharing the same center frequency. Proposes a lean 6GR BWP configuration reducing BWP-specific parameters in favor of cell-specific parameters, limiting to two non-initial BWPs per link direction (wideband and narrowband), and decoupling DL and UL BWP center frequencies in TDD assuming separate UE local oscillators for Rx and Tx. Requires a proactive DCI-based BWP switching framework with implicit acknowledgement via PUSCH, explicitly opposing timer-based BW adaptation. Proposes minimizing the switching gap by splitting total switching delay into processing time and switching time components, and making gap presence conditional on link direction and whether the switch is baseband-only (Type 0) or involves RF retuning (Type 1).
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes reusing NR's mechanism for determining CORESET-0 via MIB and the concept of initial DL/UL BWP as a starting point for 6GR. Requires that SIB1, Msg2, Msg4, and scheduling PDCCH bandwidths be confined within CORESET-0, while Msg1, Msg3, and PUCCH for Msg4 be confined within the initial uplink BWP. Proposes studying discontinuous frequency resources for 6GR initial BWP to address operator spectrum fragmentation, and studying central frequency misalignment between DL and UL initial BWP for TDD, citing the SCMC scenario and agreed asymmetric CBW. Identifies specific NR BWP lessons including BB/RF parameter bloat, complicated SCS switching, redundant BWP types, contiguous-only resource restriction, and DCI-based switching reliability gaps in non-overlapped BWP scenarios, and insists on early RAN4 involvement to avoid sub-optimal design.
Open issues
  • Whether 6GR BWP should support non-contiguous PRB allocations across multiple carriers (NEC, Option A/B from Futurewei) or be confined to contiguous resources within a single carrier (Nokia, Spreadtrum reusing NR concept).
  • Whether DL and UL BWP center frequencies should be decoupled in TDD (NEC, Nokia, Spreadtrum) or remain co-located and aligned to simplify initial access (Futurewei).
  • Whether a single common initial BWP pair or multiple pairs with UE selection should be adopted for initial access operation.
  • Whether BWP switching should be solely DCI-based with implicit acknowledgement (Nokia requires, explicitly opposes timer-based) or include additional triggers such as low-power signals and timers (NEC proposes studying).
  • How to handle HARQ process continuity during BWP switching and whether intra-cell carrier aggregation should use a single TB with a single HARQ process across separated allocations or separate TBs with independent HARQ processes (Futurewei).
10.5.2.1 Downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink control channels 3 contributions

Companies discuss the 6G downlink control channel (PDCCH) design, with a strong consensus on reusing the NR framework—including CORESET, CCE, REG, search spaces, and DMRS—as the baseline, while proposing targeted enhancements. Key technical themes include support for longer CORESET durations beyond the NR 3-symbol limit for coverage and capacity, flexible UE monitoring with reduced complexity, QPSK modulation requirements for robustness, and transparent DMRS-based precoding for MU-MIMO. Multi-RAT spectrum sharing (MRSS) between 5G and 6G through PDSCH rate matching, coordinated resource allocation, or non-overlapping BWPs is a central cross-company concern.

Company positions
  • Nokia — Proposes reusing NR's PDCCH structure (CORESET, CCE, REG, search spaces) as the baseline for 6GR, arguing this provides sufficient flexibility and enables smooth MRSS with 5G through aligned PDSCH rate matching and per-CCE CORESET/SS sharing. Requires QPSK modulation and transparent DM-RS based precoding with configurable scrambling ID for MU-MIMO, and proposes studying DM-RS design changes to maximize coexistence between CORESET#0 and dedicated CORESETs. Proposes enhanced UE monitoring as mandatory Day-1 features, including flexible CORESET placement beyond the first 3 symbols and support for more than one CORESET in addition to CORESET#0. Proposes simplifications to the 5G monitoring capabilities framework by reviewing whether limits on maximum DCI sizes and CCEs are still needed, and suggests that baseline blind decoding limits from 5G could be increased given evolved UE processing capabilities.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes largely inheriting the NR PDCCH structure (CORESET, CCE, REG, REG bundles, hash functions) as the baseline for 6GR, requiring REG to consist of one RB in one OFDM symbol to avoid resource fragmentation. Requires supporting only QPSK modulation for 1-stage DCI due to robustness and BD complexity concerns, while proposing further study of higher-order modulations only for 2nd-stage DCI in a 2-stage DCI structure. Proposes studying longer CORESET durations beyond NR's 3-symbol limit to address capacity and coverage for IoT devices with narrow bandwidths, and supports time-first REG indexing within CORESETs. Requires defining upper limits on monitored PDCCH candidates and non-overlapped CCEs per slot applied to all device types, and supports only slot-based monitoring capability while opposing span-based and slot-group-based monitoring to reduce implementation complexity. Proposes transparent MU-MIMO transmission via overlapping CORESET resources with different DMRS scrambling IDs, and requires studying PDCCH repetition for reliability enhancement as well as transparent or non-transparent time-frequency resource sharing between 5G and 6G CORESETs for MRSS coexistence.
  • TCL — Proposes preserving NR PDCCH flexibility through Search Space and CORESET concepts for 6G, with harmonized CCE and REG definitions across 5G and 6G to simplify multi-RAT spectrum sharing and PDSCH rate matching. Proposes three specific coverage enhancement directions: flexible time domain repetition for PDCCH, larger CCE aggregation levels (e.g. AL32 or higher), and extending CORESET duration beyond the NR limit of three OFDM symbols—particularly targeting ~7GHz deployments with ~10dB additional path loss relative to 3.5GHz and narrowband 3-5MHz BWPs where NR aggregation limits are infeasible. Requires supporting the SFN-based M-TRP PDCCH mechanism for spatial diversity and reliability. Requires 6G PDCCH DMRS design to use 5G NR as baseline (ZC sequence, single port, comb structure with 3 REs per REG), with any enhanced design needing sufficient justification. Proposes RAN1 study five MRSS options: 5G DTx-aware coordination, central multi-RAT node TDM/FDM sharing, unified SSB, common initial DL BWP, and RAT-specific non-overlapping BWPs.
Open issues
  • Whether CORESET duration should be extended beyond the NR 3-symbol limit, and if so by how much, given divergent proposals targeting different use cases (IoT coverage, ~7GHz path loss, narrowband BWPs).
  • Whether span-based and slot-group-based monitoring should be supported or rejected in favor of slot-based monitoring only, balancing UE implementation complexity against monitoring flexibility.
  • Whether higher-order modulations beyond QPSK should be supported for PDCCH, and if so whether they apply only to 2nd-stage DCI in a 2-stage DCI structure or also to 1-stage DCI.
  • Which MRSS mechanism(s) between 5G and 6G should be adopted, with options ranging from dynamic coordination and centralized scheduling to static non-overlapping BWP partitioning.
10.5.2.2 Downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink shared channels 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses 6G downlink shared channel transmission schemes, covering DMRS design (port counts up to 32 or 48, comb patterns, scalable designs), codeword-to-layer mapping flexibility, multi-TRP operation, hybrid antenna architectures, frequency-selective precoding, and AI/ML-based enhancements such as sparse DMRS, DMRS-free transmissions, and superimposed pilots. Companies present divergent positions on prioritization: ZTE and Nokia emphasize multi-TRP and unified DMRS frameworks with higher port counts, while Spreadtrum argues for simplification and maintaining 5G NR baselines, and Futurewei focuses on UE-centric DMRS adaptation, per-subcarrier precoding, and cooperative MIMO via SRS probing. AI/ML receiver study and superimposed pilot (SIP) feasibility are actively debated, with ZTE, Spreadtrum, and Futurewei presenting technical cases against or deprioritizing SIP, while Nokia proposes end-to-end training for AI receivers and supports studying sparse/DMRS-free transmissions within a unified framework.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes a UE-centric DMRS adaptation framework where UE reports minimum DMRS density requirements (D_F, D_T, D_J) rather than selecting preferred patterns, claiming over 70% reporting overhead reduction versus direct pattern index reporting. For hybrid antenna architectures in UMB, proposes distinguishing two MU-MIMO cases: when full CSI is available, adjust both analog beams (phase-only constraints) and digital precoders; when only analog-beam-specific CSI is available, adjust only digital precoders. Presents a technical case for per-subcarrier matched-filter precoding that collapses effective channel impulse response to one dominant zero-lag tap, enabling simultaneous finest precoding granularity and wideband channel estimation. For TDD cooperative MIMO, proposes DL interference probing via aperiodic SRS where network configures UEs with SRS parameters tied to associated PDSCH transmissions (PRB allocation, port allocation), enabling distributed inter-cell interference nulling without inter-gNB information exchange. Covers QCL/TCI enhancements and EVM assumptions as additional areas.
  • Nokia — Proposes maintaining 6GR PDSCH resource allocation compatibility with 5G NR to facilitate MRSS, with slot-contained PDSCH TDRA supporting flexible S and L, and defers DM-RS mapping type decisions pending 6G DM-RS design clarity. Proposes raising the maximum number of orthogonal DMRS ports to 48, selecting a single DM-RS type with a scalable comb pattern, and specifically supports Comb-2 DMRS RE pattern based on presented LLS results showing robustness in frequency-selective channels, using Rel-18 e-type 1 DMRS (UL) as baseline. Requires revisiting codeword-to-layer mapping to enable a second codeword from rank 2 and requires revisiting MCS table design to decouple higher modulation orders from higher code rates as layer imbalance mitigation. For AI/ML, proposes studying sparse DMRS and DMRS-free transmissions within a unified 6G DMRS framework, proposes using end-to-end training with known transmitted sequences for all AI receiver options, and proposes specific modular splits (non-AI channel estimation/equalization with AI-based demodulation) for receiver complexity reduction.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes maintaining 5G NR layer limits (max 8 layers, 2 codewords) and a baseline layer mapping rule where the first half layers map to CW0 and remaining to CW1, with a single MCS per codeword. Requires a single PDSCH mapping type to reduce receiver complexity and opposes multiple transmission schemes for the same scenario, arguing that only Rel-15 schemes achieved good commercialization while later enhanced schemes were not implemented. Proposes defining a single DMRS type for DL and supporting up to 32 ports via increased CDM groups or longer FD-OCC. Presents technical case against superimposed pilot (SIP) by deprioritizing its study due to insufficient demonstrated gains and increased AI model complexity requiring 1.48M parameters and 80M FLOPs. For MRSS, opposes signals/channels sharing between NR and 6G as well as SDM between the two RATs, and proposes semi-static FDM/TDM and rate matching of 6GR PDSCH around NR signals/channels.
  • ZTE — Proposes that 6GR downlink MIMO framework study prioritize multi-TRP operation from initial access, with CJT and sDCI-based mTRP prioritized for day 1 deployment to address coverage, UPT, and peak data rate. Requires a unified DMRS design based on Comb-3 CDM groups with FD-OCC length=4 per RB per symbol, supporting up to 48 orthogonal DMRS ports plus non-orthogonal DMRS via different sequences, and explicitly deprioritizes interleaved VRB-to-PRB mapping over the entire bandwidth part. Proposes studying three flexible codeword-to-layer mapping options even for up to 4 layers, with particular emphasis on Option 2 (single CW with individual modulation order per layer) showing 36% SE gain. Presents technical case against AI-based receiver for DMRS-based channel estimation, arguing the performance gain is trivial (0.5-1.5 dB) and may be eliminated by AI/ML model flaws, and deprioritizes SIP study due to suboptimal performance compared to AI-based LD-DMRS with far higher computation complexity (31G vs 1.3G FLOPs).
Open issues
  • Maximum number of orthogonal DMRS ports: whether to support 32 or 48 ports, and corresponding DMRS type/pattern selection (Comb-2, Comb-3, or scalable comb)
  • Whether to study superimposed pilot (SIP) for 6G, given divergent positions on demonstrated gains, model complexity tradeoffs, and computation requirements versus AI-based LD-DMRS alternatives
  • Role and timing of AI/ML receiver study (DMRS-based channel estimation, sparse/DMRS-free transmissions, end-to-end training) within the 6G DMRS framework
  • Codeword-to-layer mapping flexibility: whether to maintain 5G NR baselines (2 codewords, fixed mapping) or adopt more flexible options including single CW with individual modulation order per layer
  • Multi-TRP prioritization for day 1 deployment versus deferring study pending foundational decisions
10.5.2.3 Uplink transmission scheme(s) for uplink channels 6 contributions

Companies are defining 6G uplink transmission schemes by proposing simplifications to legacy NR structures (PUCCH formats, power control, DMRS patterns) and introducing new capabilities including AI/ML-based DMRS overhead reduction, frequency-selective precoding, multi-TRP support, and UE antenna port expansions up to 48 ports. Key debates center on whether to adopt a PUCCH-less architecture relying on PUSCH for UCI delivery, how to design unified codebook and precoding frameworks across diverse UE types, and the baseline DMRS pattern (Comb-3 vs other comb-based designs) with AI/ML-driven sparse DMRS as a Day 1 or study item.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes AI/ML-based DMRS configuration optimization for UL DMRS enhancement, citing experimental NMSE improvements using lower-density DMRS configurations with LS-based preliminary estimation as input to AI/ML models across SNR ranges of 10-30dB. Proposes studying per-subcarrier matched-filter based frequency-selective precoding for UL PUSCH that achieves finest precoding granularity while enabling a single wideband channel estimation, claiming the effective channel impulse response collapses to one dominant zero-lag tap. Requires supporting SRS as QCL source RS for DL TCI states to enable fast beam acquisition with mixed antenna architectures. Proposes reusing and simplifying the 5G NR UL power control framework by consolidating four components (UL transmission, reference transmission, open-loop PC parameters, closed-loop TPC parameters) within a unified TCI framework. Proposes eliminating switching-back overhead in UL carrier switching by moving all ongoing transmissions to the target carrier and maintaining a single set of signal/channel configurations across n carriers.
  • Kyocera Corporation — Proposes a PUCCH-less uplink control architecture as a baseline study direction for 6GR, combining Option 2 (UCI carried on PUSCH) and Option 3 (other methods) to avoid permanent PUCCH configuration and persistent resource allocation. Proposes that UCI (HARQ feedback, CSI reporting, and SR) be conveyed via MAC CE on PUSCH whenever uplink resources are available to the UE, unifying control with data and access signaling. For cases without scheduled uplink resources, proposes studying two SR-replacement mechanisms: CB-PUSCH-SR as the primary, low-latency mechanism for synchronized UEs using contention-based PUSCH-like common resource pools with open-loop power control and rapid retry, and minimized 2-step PRACH-SR as a robust fallback for unsynchronized or coverage-limited UEs using PRACH-based power control and preamble detection. Requires that CB-PUSCH-SR and PRACH-SR operate in non-overlapping regimes based on uplink synchronization status, with implicit SR acknowledgement via MsgB reception or uplink grant within a configured response window.
  • Nokia — Proposes a streamlined 6G uplink control channel design by limiting CSI reporting to PUSCH and using PUCCH slot-level UCI multiplexing to avoid NR's complex iterative UCI arbitration. Proposes SRS-based codebook-based PUSCH as the baseline for the data channel, with studies on a unified precoding framework supporting per-port amplitude scaling and dynamic coherency conditions, while deprioritizing non-transparent open-loop and multi-TRP PUSCH schemes due to limited 5G adoption and implementation complexity. Provides evidence that multi-codeword transmission from rank 2 with SIC receivers can achieve up to ~30% throughput gain over single-codeword mapping under layer imbalance. Requires a single DMRS type (comb-based pattern) supporting up to 48 orthogonal ports, proposes multi-slot PUSCH TDRA exceeding 14 symbols, and advocates for contiguous-only FDRA Type 1, while emphasizing the need for fairness in AI/ML receiver evaluations using sparse DMRS.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes limiting 6G Day 1 PUSCH antenna ports to {1,2,4}, with 8-port studied only for CPE/FWA, arguing 8-port UEs have not been commercially used despite NR spec support. Proposes a simplified unified uplink codebook supporting coherent type consumption, full power transmission, and symmetric/asymmetric UL panels, and study of frequency selective precoding for PUSCH. For multi-TRP, requires using NR schemes as baseline while avoiding multiple transmission schemes for similar scenarios, and proposes studying L1 UE aggregation and remote shared uplink panels for performance enhancement. Proposes a single DMRS type for UL supporting up to 32 ports with FDM/TDM/CDM multiplexing, and presents simulation results showing AI channel estimation with 2-symbol DMRS achieves similar BLER to non-AI with 3-symbol DMRS, supporting DMRS overhead reduction sub-case A for Day 1 AI/ML. Takes a cautious stance on superimposed pilot, requiring sufficient evaluation of multi-user interference and standardization impact before selection as priority use case.
  • TCL — Observes that the five PUCCH formats in 5G significantly increase UCI multiplexing difficulty, resource configuration overhead, and implementation complexity, and proposes limiting the number of PUCCH formats in 6G. For PUSCH DMRS, proposes studying support for up to 48 antenna ports, a new flexible and extensible DMRS mapping type differing from Type 1 or Type 2, and time-domain/frequency-domain sparse DMRS mapping with dynamic sparsity adjustment based on channel conditions. Supports both CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM waveforms as baseline for 6G PUSCH and suggests one low PAPR sequence type is sufficient for DFT-s-OFDM DMRS, with Type 2 refinement or a new design. Requires PUCCH repetitions to up to two TRPs as a baseline and single-scheduling-trigger dual PUSCH for different TRPs to be supported. Proposes frequency-selective precoding to address precoding mismatch in frequency-selective channels and requires a unified precoding structure applicable across diverse terminal types including FWA terminals with up to 8Tx configurations.
  • ZTE — Proposes prioritizing uplink coverage enhancement for 6G at around 7 GHz through coherent transmission, advanced UL codebook design including high-resolution and frequency-selective codebooks, and mandatory increased UE transmit power of 26 dBm or more. Proposes studying flexible codeword-to-layer mapping with three options (CW per layer, single CW with individual modulation order, two CWs with {1,1}/{1,2}/{2,2} mappings) to address observed per-layer SINR disparity exceeding 6 dB in field tests and simulations under the Rel-19 handheld UT model. Requires a unified and streamlined DMRS design with Comb-3 CDM groups and FD-OCC=4 as the basic pattern, extending to Comb-6 across double-RB with TD-OCC=2 for up to 48 orthogonal ports, while proposing to deprioritize SIP and postpone DMRS-free studies until channel modulation outcomes are reached. Proposes PUCCH simplification to two formats (sequence-based format A for 1-6 bits, format B for larger payloads with comb-based DMRS), and requires support for asymmetric DL sTRP/UL mTRP decoupling from day 1 with multi-TRP operation from initial access.
Open issues
  • Whether 6G should adopt a PUCCH-less uplink control architecture relying on PUSCH MAC CE for UCI delivery versus a simplified PUCCH with reduced format count (e.g., two formats).
  • What constitutes the baseline DMRS pattern — Comb-3 with FD-OCC=4 (ZTE) versus a single comb-based type with flexible mapping (Nokia, TCL) versus DMRS overhead reduction via AI/ML as a Day 1 capability.
  • Maximum number of PUSCH antenna ports for Day 1: 4 ports for general UEs with 8-port study limited to CPE/FWA (Spreadtrum) versus support for up to 48 ports (Nokia, TCL) versus mandatory 8Tx support for FWA (TCL).
  • Whether to deprioritize or support multi-TRP PUSCH schemes — Nokia deprioritizes based on limited 5G adoption, while ZTE requires asymmetric DL sTRP/UL mTRP from Day 1 and TCL requires PUCCH repetitions to two TRPs as baseline.
  • Whether frequency-selective precoding for PUSCH should be studied as an enhancement (Futurewei proposes per-subcarrier matched-filter, Spreadtrum proposes study, TCL proposes adoption) versus prioritizing coherent transmission with high-resolution codebooks (ZTE).
  • Superimposed pilot (SIP) priority — ZTE proposes deprioritizing SIP, Spreadtrum requires evaluation before prioritization, while other companies have not explicitly addressed it.
10.5.2.4 Beam management for downlink and uplink 7 contributions

This sub-topic addresses 6G beam management enhancements across the QCL/TCI framework, beam measurement/reporting, beam indication, and UE-initiated procedures. Companies converge on adopting NR Rel-17/18 unified TCI as a baseline while proposing studies to simplify QCL chains (notably reducing or removing reliance on periodic TRS), extend AI/ML beam prediction to inter-cell/multi-TRP/cross-frequency scenarios, and define UE-initiated/event-driven beam management frameworks with reduced latency. Divergence exists on whether to redesign the TCI framework toward spatial-context-based indication (BeammWave) or evolve NR's framework with targeted enhancements, and on the specific mechanisms for UE-initiated reporting ranging from lightweight uplink indications to UCI-based frameworks with conditional network response.

Company positions
  • BeammWave AB — Proposes defining new SLS and LLS evaluation methodologies with explicit metrics—beam acquisition latency (SSB detection to stable beam), beam application time (beam report to actual PDSCH/PUSCH usage), beam recovery time, and control signaling overhead ratio—arguing conventional throughput and BLER-based assessments fail to capture deployment pain points. Proposes evolving the unified TCI/QCL framework from 1:1 per-beam TCI states to spatial-context-based indication entities capable of 1:N associations with multiple reference signals, enabling UE-side beam selection within network-indicated spatial groups. Supports capability-dependent CSI-RS configuration that adapts resource mapping based on UE beamforming capability, favors studying DMRS-based beam measurement alongside CSI-RS for reduced application time during active data transmission, and proposes studying UE-initiated and event-driven beam management with lightweight uplink indication mechanisms to avoid multi-step MAC-CE/DCI signaling delays.
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes a mixed antenna architecture combining a low-resolution all-digital receiver array for one-shot beam acquisition with an analog/hybrid array for data transmission to eliminate beam sweeping procedures. Requires enabling UL signals (e.g., SRS) as QCL source RS for DL TCI states, departing from 5G NR's restriction to only DL signals. For UE-initiated beam management, proposes a network confirmation mechanism that updates TCI states and activates new beams without RRC reconfiguration or MAC-CE signaling, targeting approximately 30 ms latency reduction. Supports AI/ML cross-frequency beam prediction using angular-delay domain FR1 channel inputs to predict mmWave beams, demonstrating feasibility for co-located scenarios with Transformer-based architectures, and proposes specific LLS/SLS simulation parameters prioritizing around 7 GHz and 30 GHz with beam acquisition latency and overhead as primary performance metrics.
  • Kyocera Corporation — Proposes adopting the Rel-17/18 unified TCI framework and existing QCL rules as the baseline for 6GR beam indication without redesign. Proposes studying a streamlined QCL property/chain design that evaluates removing or reducing reliance on UE-specific periodic TRS as a QCL source RS, explicitly assessing impacts on tracking/channel estimation robustness, system performance, and overhead/energy consumption. Proposes studying low-latency beam indication mechanisms including prediction-assisted methods realizable with AI/ML and non-AI approaches to reduce beam update latency in high-mobility and dense mTRP deployments. For AI/ML beam management, proposes studying methods to address associated ID limitations including potential disclosure of NW proprietary information across sTRP and mTRP scenarios. For UE-initiated beam management, proposes eliminating Events 1, 2, 3, and 9 as redundant, modifying Event-5 to support mTRP dynamic switching between DPS and CJT modes where the UE reports a group of M TRPs meeting quality conditions, and studying and specifying an event-driven UEIBM UL reporting framework with aperiodic UL procedure and conditional network response only when beneficial.
  • Nokia — Proposes a unified 6GR beam management framework based on 5G NR Rel-17 unified TCI principles while studying enhancements to address identified limitations. Proposes studying a more flexible QCL parameterization that allows per-RS configuration of channel properties instead of fixed QCL types, and reducing reliance on periodic TRS as the main QCL source to improve energy efficiency. For AI/ML beam prediction, positions 5G NR Rel-19 spatial domain (BM-case1) and temporal domain (BM-case2) DL Tx beam prediction as the starting point and proposes direct extensions for inter-cell/multi-TRP and cross-frequency beam prediction, providing simulation results showing inter-cell beam prediction achieving over 90% Top-1 beam ID accuracy and cross-frequency beam prediction achieving 2-3 dB mean RSRP error for UEs below -80 dBm. Proposes studying UE-initiated beam reporting based on 5G NR Rel-19 Event-2 and Event-7, and studying BFR-type signaling as a fallback mechanism, with CBRA-based BFR using MAC CE signaling as the baseline.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes adopting hybrid beamforming as the fundamental 6G architecture and using NR beam measurement procedures (P1/P2/P3, U1/U2/U3) and the NR unified TCI framework as the baseline for 6G design. Proposes studying a unified beam management framework that integrates NW-initiated and UE-initiated procedures, single-TRP and multi-TRP, and intra-cell and inter-cell scenarios to avoid the fragmented spec effort seen in NR. For beam reporting, proposes designing a unified and flexible format accommodating inter-cell, multi-TRP, and UL beam selection, jointly considering AI and non-AI content. Proposes extending AI/ML beam prediction (BM-Case1 and BM-Case2) to inter-cell/multi-TRP scenarios and cross-frequency prediction, while also studying collaborative beam measurement via UE aggregation to reduce overhead.
  • TCL — Proposes retaining NR's hybrid architecture of analog antennas and digital links as a baseline for 6G millimeter wave and 7-24 GHz bands, evolving NR beam management with targeted enhancements. Proposes that legacy periodic/semi-persistent beam reporting and UE-initiated beam reporting should both be supported as baseline mechanisms, and proposes studying UE-initiated/event-driven beam reporting specifically in MTRP scenarios with notification information enhanced to carry more event details beyond SR-like reuse. Proposes adopting the unified TCI framework from day one while ensuring flexibility and scalability and reducing signaling overhead and latency, and proposes extending the framework to serve both communication and sensing. Proposes introducing UE-initiated beam failure recovery mechanisms and UE-initiated candidate beam extension to reduce latency and increase flexibility compared to network-controlled configurations. Proposes studying a unified AI/ML-based framework that integrates RS configuration and measurement configuration for both BFD and BFR, with spatial domain beam prediction across inter-port, inter-TRP, and inter-cell levels to reduce RS overhead and enable proactive beam switching. Proposes studying frequency-division and time-division beam scanning to reduce initial access latency as beam counts scale, and proposes completing early beam refinement before early CSI acquisition with msg2-related and msg4-related channel repetition.
  • ZTE — Proposes adopting cell-cluster-based beam management as the foundational 6GR framework, defining TRP groups of up to 12-20 within a cluster for multi-TRP/cell-free Day-1 operation. Observes that 5G's overly complicated QCL-chain design including TRS proves commercially impractical and wastes time-frequency resources, proposing simplified QCL chains that remove TRS or replace it with DMRS. Requires studying both AI/ML and non-AI compressed-sensing based beam prediction methods, presenting simulation results showing multi-TRP collaborative DNN+attention models achieve higher spatial domain prediction accuracy than single-TRP models. Proposes studying UE antenna port-specific beam reporting under the R19 UT antenna model, noting RSRP differences between ports reach approximately 30 dB versus 10 dB in legacy modeling, making port-selection-based transmission preferable for handheld UTs. Proposes a unified UE-initiated BM framework covering BFR, UEI beam reporting, and beam/TRP/cell switching, preferring UCI-based reporting with flexible payload size and optional association between UL transmission and NW response.
Open issues
  • Whether to redesign the TCI/QCL framework toward spatial-context-based 1:N indication entities (BeammWave) or evolve NR's unified TCI framework with targeted enhancements (Kyocera, Nokia, Spreadtrum, TCL, ZTE).
  • Whether to remove TRS from QCL chains entirely or merely reduce reliance on periodic TRS, and whether DMRS can serve as a sufficient replacement as QCL source RS.
  • Whether UE-initiated beam management should use lightweight uplink indication mechanisms (BeammWave), UCI-based reporting with flexible payload (ZTE), SR-like notification enhanced with event details (TCL), aperiodic UL procedure with conditional network response (Kyocera), or MAC-CE-free network confirmation mechanisms targeting ~30 ms latency reduction (Futurewei).
  • Whether to eliminate specific NR event types (Events 1, 2, 3, 9) as redundant in 6G (Kyocera) or build upon Rel-19 Event-2 and Event-7 as baseline (Nokia).
  • Whether cell-cluster-based beam management with TRP groups of up to 12-20 (ZTE) should be the foundational framework versus a more incremental extension of single-TRP/multi-TRP procedures.
  • How to address AI/ML beam management associated ID limitations including potential disclosure of NW proprietary information across sTRP and mTRP scenarios (Kyocera).
10.5.3.1 Aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition 5 contributions

Companies discuss evolution of the 6G downlink CSI acquisition framework spanning CSI-RS design for large antenna arrays (up to 256 ports), overhead reduction via structured port-to-RE mapping and AI/ML-based prediction, codebook design including unified fixed codebooks and downloadable codebooks, AI/ML-based CSI compression with debate on prioritizing single-sided vs. joint source-channel coding, UE-initiated and event-based reporting, a decoupled measurement-reporting framework, early CSI acquisition for mobility, and interference measurement enhancements. Key points of disagreement include maximum supported CSI-RS ports (128 vs. 256), whether to postpone JSCC/JSCM standardization, use of L1 UCI vs. L2 MAC-CE for CSI reporting, and eliminating vs. retaining periodic CSI-RS configurations.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes studying structured mapping between CSI-RS ports and REs in spatial, frequency, and time domains for overhead reduction, demonstrating beam-domain-first transformation achieves 1.5–3 dB better performance than frequency-interpolation-first at 0 dB SNR for 256 ports at 1/8 RE/RB/port density. Proposes AI/ML-based CSI prediction from sparse CSI-RS, presenting results showing AI/ML consistently outperforms linear interpolation in low SNR regimes with gains more significant under spatial-domain sparsity. For hybrid antenna architectures at UMB, proposes simultaneous multi-beam codebook designs enabling fast full CSI acquisition, arguing 2048 elements with 128 RF chains completes full CSI port sweeping in 16 OFDM symbols versus 2048 symbols with DFT codebook. Proposes a unified codebook design where the network indicates the CSI-RS precoding matrix and CSI reporting basis/dictionary matrix to the UE, incorporating existing 5G NR codebooks as special cases. Proposes interference measurement enhancements including reporting interference statistics (standard deviation/variance, maximum, minimum, percentile values) and prospective DL interference probing based on NZP CSI-RS based IMR measurements.
  • Nokia — Proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the 6GR DL CSI acquisition framework with 5G NR as baseline but mandating studies to address identified shortcomings. Proposes studying CSI-RS designs supporting up to 256 antenna ports through new CDM group sizes, block-pattern and comb-pattern based configurations, and flexible density adaptation in frequency and spatial domains. Questions the necessity of periodic CSI reporting and proposes studying PUSCH-only CSI reporting to simplify UCI handling, supporting decoupling CSI measurement triggering from reporting to alleviate PUSCH scheduling restrictions. Proposes adopting UE-initiated/event-based CSI reporting where reporting occurs only upon an associated event or the UE selects a reporting configuration, and presents arguments for simplifying the legacy CPU occupation model by evolving the CSI processing framework. Advocates for a single specified codebook design for PMI compression and proposes studying AI/ML-based CSI compression under practical constraints including constrained QAM modulation symbols for JSCM, while presenting initial simulation results on single-sided JSCM performance.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes a unified CSI acquisition framework spanning sTRP, mTRP, mTRP calibration, and early CSI scenarios, preferring to study inclusion of candidate cell early CSI rather than creating separate frameworks. Opposes L2-based (MAC-CE) CSI reporting as a Day-1 6G priority, arguing it introduces substantial latency from MAC PDU construction and HARQ retransmission and incurs significant overhead from MAC sub-headers and CRC compared to L1 UCI. Supports CSI-RS up to 128 ports as a starting point, opposing 256 ports due to UE measurement complexity, and requires using a single CSI-RS resource to contain all ports rather than resource aggregation. Proposes sparse frequency/spatial domain density combined with component RE pattern aggregation for overhead reduction. Presents a case for postponing JSCC/JSCM standardization until NR two-side model work completes, citing unresolved inter-vendor issues, while prioritizing low-overhead CSI-RS reconstruction as the Day-1 6G AI use case with simulation results showing less than 5% SGCS loss with 87% frequency domain and 75% spatial domain RS overhead reduction.
  • TCL — Proposes studying template-based CSI measurement and reporting configurations to replace RRC semi-static configuration with predefined standardized templates enabling batch parameter adjustment and state transition signaling, targeting reduced RRC reconfiguration delay and air interface signaling overhead. Supports CSI-RS up to 256 antenna ports in the first 6G release with two options for study—single CSI-RS resource carrying all ports or multi-resource aggregation—and requires prioritizing larger CDM groups (e.g., CDM16) with single-PRB occupancy as the baseline design approach. Proposes eliminating periodic CSI-RS resource configurations entirely in 6GR, supporting only semi-persistent and aperiodic behaviors, with semi-persistent configurations refined to achieve periodic-equivalent functionality for UE energy savings. For codebook design, selects Rel-19 Type-I or Rel-16 eType-II as baseline codebooks, requires a unified codebook structure across all antenna ports to avoid Rel-15's bifurcated design for different port counts, and proposes a downloadable method where gNB transmits partial or full precoding matrix information to reduce UE-side CSI calculation complexity and reporting overhead. Proposes studying UE-initiated and event-triggered CSI reporting for all CSI quantities, adaptive CSI reporting including dynamic adaptation of reporting periodicity and overhead, and early CSI acquisition for inter-cell mobility/terminal state transitions.
  • ZTE — Proposes a decoupled CSI acquisition framework where measurement and report configurations, as well as their triggering, are separated to natively support AI/ML-based beam management and spatial-domain CSI-RS overhead reduction, and opposes moving CSI containers to L2 signaling, requiring L1 (UCI) to carry CSI reports due to latency, reliability, and overhead concerns. Proposes a unified fixed codebook based on Rel-16 eType-II structure with layer-specific SD basis selection when L ≤ 2 and layer-common SD basis selection when L > 2, supplemented by both Type-I-like and Type-II-like downloadable codebooks to cover broader scenarios like multi-panel UEs and near-field. Presents a technical case against prioritizing JSCC/JSCCM for AI-powered CSI compression, arguing performance gains diminish to ~2.5% SGCS at typical SINR ranges and requiring further justification on NW-side complexity, reliability, PAPR, generality, and scalability, while supporting SSCC with a UE-sided linear matrix and NW-sided AI model. Proposes early CSI acquisition during initial access and inter-cell-cluster handover to enable mTRP CJT for small/medium-sized data packets that dominate >90% of real-field traffic, with early CSI reports transmittable before or after handover command reception. Proposes supporting up to 256 ports in a single CSI-RS resource with cross-RB/slot mapping and a hybrid high-density plus low-density CSI-RS transmission approach for overhead reduction.
Open issues
  • Whether to support up to 128 or up to 256 CSI-RS ports as a starting point in the first 6G release
  • Whether to postpone JSCC/JSCM standardization until NR two-side model work completes or to study it under practical constraints now
  • Whether to eliminate periodic CSI-RS resource configurations entirely in 6GR or retain them in some form
  • Whether CSI reporting should use L1 UCI exclusively or whether L2 MAC-CE based reporting should be studied
  • Whether a single CSI-RS resource should carry all ports or whether multi-resource aggregation should be allowed
  • Whether to adopt a unified codebook structure across all antenna port counts or allow separate designs for different configurations
10.5.3.2 Aspects of uplink-based CSI acquisition 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses uplink-based CSI acquisition for 6G, focusing on SRS design enhancements beyond 5G NR baselines. Companies discuss antenna architectures (hybrid beamforming, port counts), SRS capacity and coverage (TD-OCC, frequency hopping patterns), interference probing for cooperative MIMO, AI/ML-based overhead reduction, and integration of SRS with other reference signals. Key tensions include the extent of support for SRS antenna ports beyond 8 and the necessity of SRS carrier switching for single-CC operation around 7GHz.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes that hybrid antenna architectures combining adjustable analog beamforming with digital precoding be a key focus for upper midband base stations, and proposes studying simultaneous multi-beam codebooks enabling multiple orthogonal beams per OFDM symbol to reduce full CSI acquisition latency—for example, 128 RF chains driving 2048 elements acquiring full CSI in 16 OFDM symbols instead of 2048. Presents quantitative results for cooperative MIMO via downlink interference probing (BiT), showing capacity improvements in both Dense Urban and Urban Macro scenarios with XR traffic, and proposes SRS trigger enhancements that associate SRS transmission parameters with PRB/port allocation of corresponding PDSCH. Proposes extending 5G SRS carrier-based switching into a general UL switching framework that eliminates switching-back by moving all transmissions to the switching-to carrier. Additionally proposes enabling UL signals as QCL source RS for DL TCI states.
  • Nokia — Proposes reusing the existing 5G UL SRS design framework, basic SRS resource definition, and Zadoff-Chu sequences as foundational building blocks for 6GR. Proposes studying enhancements to TD-OCC upon SRS repetition for multiplexing capacity and co-scheduling of PUSCH with UL SRS without impacting channel estimation. For FWA devices specifically, proposes studying support for SRS APs greater than 8 and new antenna-switching configurations. Proposes studying the use of DMRS associated with PUSCH transmissions as a complementary or alternative CSI acquisition mechanism to SRS, citing discrepancies in power and interference between SRS and PUSCH. Strives for streamlining through unified SRS configurations across aperiodic, semi-persistent, and periodic types, as well as unified frequency hopping.
  • Spreadtrum — Recommends focusing 6GR Day 1 SRS design on {1,2,3,4} antenna ports rather than >8 ports, citing lack of commercial 8-port device deployment despite NR Rel-18 support. Proposes reusing NR baselines including Zadoff-Chu sequences, periodic/semi-persistent/aperiodic time-domain behavior, and the antenna switching/codebook/non-codebook/beam management usage set. Presents technical case for studying TD-OCC for capacity enhancement, ZP SRS for CJT interference mitigation via reserved non-transmitted REs in PUSCH, and unified uplink RS design for integrated communication and sensing. On AI/ML, argues AI-based SRS antenna switching is purely NW implementation with no spec impact, while AI-based SRS frequency hopping overhead reduction shows 7.5–17.9% SGCS gain and requires only minor SRS configuration changes.
  • ZTE — Proposes a lean and streamlined 6GR SRS design where one SRS resource or transmission can be dynamically reused for multiple usages, including UL CSI acquisition, DL CSI acquisition, and beam management, to avoid the inefficiency of separate configurations per usage in 5G NR. Requires explicit antenna port mapping mechanisms between SRS ports and PUSCH, PUCCH, and DL Rx ports to ensure UL Tx coherency, port selection, and accurate DL CSI acquisition. Argues that the 5G NR nested tree-like frequency hopping pattern is infeasible for wideband CSI acquisition due to phase discontinuity and channel aging, and proposes introducing a successive frequency hopping pattern as a supplement, supported by BLER and SE simulation gains. Questions the necessity of SRS carrier switching in 6G and requires that SRS carrier switching mechanisms not be considered for the non-CA single CC operation of DL CBW 400MHz around 7GHz. Presents simulation results showing AI/ML-based SRS with comb-12 achieves comparable performance to legacy comb-4 SRS but proposes a feasibility study focusing on labeled data construction, model scalability/generalization, and computational complexity.
Open issues
  • Whether SRS antenna port configurations beyond 8 ports (e.g., for FWA devices) should be studied, or whether Day 1 focus should remain on {1,2,3,4} ports given lack of commercial 8-port deployment.
  • Whether SRS carrier switching mechanisms are needed for non-CA single CC operation of DL CBW 400MHz around 7GHz, or whether a general UL switching framework eliminating switching-back should be developed.
  • Whether the 5G NR nested tree-like frequency hopping pattern should be supplemented or replaced by a successive frequency hopping pattern for wideband CSI acquisition.
  • Whether DMRS associated with PUSCH should be studied as a complementary or alternative CSI acquisition mechanism to SRS, given power and interference discrepancies between SRS and PUSCH.
  • What spec impact, if any, AI/ML-based SRS enhancements (antenna switching, frequency hopping overhead reduction) should have, ranging from purely NW implementation to minor configuration changes.
10.5.3.3 Other aspects 5 contributions

This sub-topic covers enhancements to tracking reference signal (TRS) design and joint DL/UL CSI acquisition for 6G. Companies are discussing alternatives to periodic CSI-RS-based TRS including multi-port TRS, DMRS-based tracking, and flexible aperiodic schemes for energy saving, overhead reduction, and better channel matching. For CSI acquisition, discussion focuses on joint SRS/CSI-RS based schemes, compressed covariance reporting, TDD reciprocity impairments from UE RF imbalance, and AI/ML-based fusion approaches.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes studying multi-port TRS as a QCL source, where the UE applies a precoding vector to form an effective 1-port TRS matching the target signal's precoding, to address precoding mismatch between single-port TRS and dynamically precoded DMRS/CSI-RS in massive MIMO systems. Argues that precoding discrepancy grows with array size, leading to channel estimation performance degradation, SINR loss, and lower throughput in upper midband deployments. Requires early/on-demand tracking acquisition to be a mandatory feature for fast SCell/SCC activation with aperiodic TRS transmission following the activation command. Frames early CSI acquisition before CONNECTED mode as an optional advanced feature for capable UEs.
  • Nokia — Proposes studying DM-RS based TRS as a candidate for time/frequency tracking, presenting a technical case that periodic CSI-RS-based TRS suffers from high overhead, constant network/UE energy consumption, and mismatch between wide-beam TRS and narrow-beam PDSCH channel characteristics (delay spread, Doppler spread). Requires aperiodic RS design associated with downlink transmissions that shares the same radio channel characteristics as PDSCH DMRS. Proposes studying techniques like comb-offset hopping to alleviate inter-cell interference when TRS configurations collide across cells. For joint DL/UL CSI acquisition in TDD, proposes studying joint DL and UL based DL CSI acquisition using the new Rel-19 UE antenna model with candidate antenna locations and orientations, noting that SRS-based acquisition serves cell-center UEs while CSI-RS-based acquisition serves cell-edge UEs.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes introducing a dedicated PT-RS design specifically tailored for phase noise estimation, arguing that existing 6GR reference signals (CSI-RS, DMRS, SRS) are insufficient due to their distinct design principles. Proposes reusing the 5G NR PT-RS sequence and RE pattern as a mature baseline, noting its stability from Rel-15 through Rel-20, while remaining open to discussing enhancements during the study phase. For TRS design, proposes reusing the CSI-RS design with dedicated configuration for fine time/frequency tracking, enabling a unified framework for channel measurements with configurable RE density in time and frequency domains. Requires studying whether NR requirements for time/frequency tracking are sufficient before evaluating potential TRS enhancements, establishing this assessment as a prerequisite for determining the 6GR path forward.
  • TCL — Proposes studying flexible time-domain behavior for TRS including trigger mechanisms and periodic adaptation, arguing that 5G NR TRS periodic configuration lacks sufficient flexibility for energy saving. For joint DL/UL CSI acquisition in TDD systems, identifies non-reciprocal insertion loss at the UE RF link as a critical factor breaking TDD channel reciprocity and proposes studying the performance impact of SRS insertion loss imbalance on reciprocity. Additionally proposes studying Rx imbalance among different Rx antennas for joint DL and UL CSI acquisition.
  • ZTE — Proposes studying joint CSI-RS and SRS based CSI acquisition, supporting compressed covariance report for DL CSI acquisition by reconstructing channel covariance matrix from UE-reported indices and quantized values of top-L diagonal elements. Opposes the 512 TXRUs antenna configuration, arguing its feasibility for practical commercial deployment is highly limited due to processing complexity, power consumption, and engineering construction costs. Presents a technical case against IPN reporting, citing redundancy with existing CQI reports that include DL interference and noise information for MCS determination under SRS-based CSI acquisition, and limited benefit of scalar reporting without spatial domain information. For RS tracking, proposes studying DMRS-based tracking schemes (including PDSCH DMRS and DMRS-only) as alternatives to dedicated periodic TRS. Requires that 6GR RS for tracking accommodate one port transmitted from all TRPs in CJT-mTRP scenarios to achieve a ~20% spectrum efficiency gain over 5G-NR TRS at SNR=-7dB.
Open issues
  • Whether 6G TRS should be based on CSI-RS with dedicated configuration, multi-port TRS with UE-side precoding, or DMRS-based schemes sharing PDSCH channel characteristics
  • Whether existing NR time/frequency tracking requirements are sufficient as a baseline for 6GR or require enhancement before new designs are evaluated
  • How to handle TRS for CJT-mTRP scenarios, including whether one port should be transmitted from all TRPs
  • Whether IPN reporting should be supported in 6GR given arguments of redundancy with CQI reports
  • What impairment factors (SRS insertion loss imbalance, UE Rx imbalance) must be addressed for TDD reciprocity-based joint DL/UL CSI acquisition to be viable
10.5.4.1 Downlink control channel, scheduling for downlink and uplink transmission 3 contributions

This sub-topic covers downlink control channel design for 6G, focusing on DCI format structure, blind decoding complexity reduction, and energy efficiency. The three contributions debate single-stage versus two-stage DCI architectures, with Kyocera and Nokia favoring evolution of NR's single-stage baseline while Spreadtrum proposes a unified DCI framework supporting both single-block and multi-block containers. Key technical themes include fixed versus configurable DCI sizes, mechanisms for early PDCCH decoding termination, moving feature-dependent fields off PDCCH, and PDCCH monitoring adaptation for UE power saving.

Company positions
  • Kyocera Corporation — Proposes a single-stage DCI baseline for 6G and explicitly argues that two-stage DCI introduces multi-step dependencies, timing constraints, and additional failure modes which increase latency and implementation complexity. Proposes a fixed-size unified DCI format (40-bit example) for both DL and UL scheduling that separates baseline DCI fields on PDCCH from feature-dependent information, moving the latter to PDSCH-embedded signaling for DL and RRC-configured profile-based completion for UL. Proposes hash-conditioned early termination using a Target Identification Field (TIF) mapped to early polar bit positions, allowing non-target UEs to abort decoding after partial polar processing. Proposes restricting SearchSpaceSets, aggregation levels, and candidate counts as intentional configuration levers to bound blind decoding complexity, and proposes handling cross-carrier scheduling either via SearchSpace-bound carrier context or a compact Carrier-Group ID (1–2 bits) without increasing DCI size hypotheses.
  • Nokia — Requires single-stage DCI for common signaling search spaces and proposes RAN1 clarify the problem statement and evaluate drawbacks of two-stage DCI before design discussions. Requires fallback DCI formats and only a single configurable non-fallback DCI format for single-cell PUSCH/PDSCH scheduling, opposing the need for 'compact' DCI formats 0_2/1_2. Proposes studying RRC-configured DCI sizes to prevent BWP-related size ambiguities and configured DCI size alignment instead of hard-coded NR rules. Proposes prioritizing SSSG switching over PDCCH skipping as the baseline PDCCH monitoring adaptation for UE power saving. Proposes studying PDCCH detection feedback techniques as part of the PDSCH HARQ feedback framework to improve DL control reliability.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes reusing NR's 140-bit maximum DCI payload and existing DCI size budget. Supports a unified/modular DCI framework with Case 1 (single-block) and Case 2 (multi-block) containers for 6G scheduling, departing from the single-stage-only positions of other contributors. Prioritizes PDCCH energy efficiency design and addresses L1 signaling for both DL and UL scheduling within the unified DCI framework.
Open issues
  • Whether 6G should baseline a single-stage DCI architecture or support a unified framework with both single-block and multi-block DCI containers (Case 1 / Case 2)
  • Whether two-stage DCI introduces unacceptable latency, timing constraints, and additional failure modes that outweigh its potential benefits
  • Whether DCI sizes should be fixed (e.g., 40-bit unified format) or RRC-configured to prevent BWP-related size ambiguities
  • Whether compact DCI formats (analogous to NR formats 0_2/1_2) are needed in 6G
  • Whether PDCCH monitoring adaptation should prioritize SSSG switching or PDCCH skipping as the baseline mechanism for UE power saving
  • How to handle cross-carrier scheduling without increasing DCI size hypotheses (SearchSpace-bound carrier context vs. Carrier-Group ID vs. other approaches)
  • Whether and how to incorporate PDCCH detection feedback into the PDSCH HARQ feedback framework for improved DL control reliability
10.5.5 Other physical layer signals, channels and procedure 3 contributions

This sub-topic covers 6GR physical layer signals, channels, and procedures for cross-link interference (CLI) handling, remote interference management (RIM), scheduling request mechanisms, and NR-6GR coexistence. Companies are discussing measurement frameworks (L1 vs L3) for UE-to-UE and BS-to-BS CLI, RIM framework prioritization (Framework-1 vs Framework-0 vs backhaul-based frameworks), contention-based uplink transmission designs (multi-bit SR/CB-PUSCH), and interference classification measurements.

Company positions
  • Ericsson — Proposes reusing Rel-19 BS-to-BS and UE-to-UE CLI enhancements as the 6GR baseline and supports studying feasibility of gNB flexibly configuring both L3 (MeasObjectCLI) and L1 (CSI-ResourceConfig) UE-to-UE CLI measurement configuration and reporting, moving toward a potentially unified CLI framework separate from the CSI framework. Requires embedding 6GR-specific information in the RIM set ID to enable differentiation of remote interference scenarios across 5G and 6G networks, and prioritizes RIM Framework-1 over FW-0 and backhaul-based FWs 2.1/2.2 to simplify design and interoperability. Proposes studying contention-based multi-bit buffer-status reports (CB-BSR) as an alternative to single-bit scheduling requests, demonstrating via simulations that allocating different DMRS ports or scrambling sequences can avoid excessive BLER when multiple UEs select the same contention resource. Proposes studying new UE measurements and related procedures for downlink interference classification to distinguish intra-system, external unintentional, and deliberate jamming interference types.
  • Nokia — Proposes using dynamic TDD and gNB semi-static SBFD as the starting duplexing schemes for CLI handling in 6GR. Requires prioritizing layer-1 measurements over layer-3 measurements for UE-to-UE CLI, citing faster tracking of interference conditions and spatial filter indications via QCL-TypeD, while preserving SRS-RSRP and CLI-RSSI as baseline reporting quantities and proposing study of RSSI extension to general interference measurement. Proposes studying additional CLI handling schemes including power control-based schemes leveraging in-band emission properties and resource index reporting for aggressor UE identification without exact CLI level. For BS-to-BS CLI, supports 5G NR UL resource muting with comb-2 pattern as baseline while proposing new procedures beyond measurement exchange for gNB-to-gNB CLI mitigation. On RIM, requires basing the 6GR solution on 5G NR RIM design for MRSS compatibility but proposes simplifications including prioritizing RIM Framework-1 over Framework-0, down-prioritizing backhaul-signaling-dependent frameworks (2.1, 2.2) due to one-to-many aggressor-victim relationships, and reducing RIM RS configurability. For scheduling request, proposes studying CB-PUSCH L1 aspects including DMRS and scrambling selection on shared time-frequency resources while considering dedicated SR mechanism as baseline for predictable latency.
  • Spreadtrum — Requires that 6GR physical uplink control signaling carry scheduling requests combinable with other UCI, and requires support for the SR+BSR mechanism while proposing further study of contention-based UL transmission. Proposes studying UE-to-UE and BS-to-BS CLI handling specifically for gNB semi-static SBFD and dynamic TDD deployment scenarios, and proposes a detailed taxonomy of CLI types including co-channel intra-subband, co-channel inter-subband, and adjacent-channel categories for both UE-to-UE and BS-to-BS links. Recommends SRS-RSRP and CLI-RSSI as candidate measurement resources/quantities for unified UE-to-UE CLI measurement and reporting across multiple duplex types, and proposes limiting reporting to only one of L1 or L3 CLI reporting with network-controlled periodic and aperiodic mechanisms. Proposes spatial domain solutions for UE-to-UE CLI handling but notes potential limited gain in FR1 due to small UE antenna size, and argues that power control based solutions should be applied carefully to avoid degrading UL performance or DL throughput.
Open issues
  • Whether to unify L1 and L3 UE-to-UE CLI measurement frameworks or prioritize one over the other (Ericsson proposes studying flexible L1/L3 configuration toward unification; Nokia requires prioritizing L1 over L3; Spreadtrum proposes limiting reporting to only one of L1 or L3).
  • Scope and design of contention-based uplink transmission mechanisms (Ericsson proposes CB-BSR with DMRS port/scrambling differentiation; Nokia proposes studying CB-PUSCH L1 aspects with dedicated SR as baseline; Spreadtrum requires SR+BSR support and proposes further study of contention-based UL transmission).
  • Applicability and gain of power control-based CLI handling schemes (Nokia proposes studying power control-based schemes leveraging in-band emission properties; Spreadtrum argues such solutions should be applied carefully to avoid degrading UL performance or DL throughput).
10.6.1.1 Design of WUS with OFDM-based sequence 5 contributions

This sub-topic addresses the design of a 6G downlink Wake-Up Signal (WUS) using OFDM-based sequences, focusing on waveform choice, sequence family selection, information mapping, coverage targets, and UE complexity reduction. Companies propose various sequence types (ZC, m-sequence, Gold), discuss target missed detection and false alarm rates, and debate design simplifications such as removing OOK-based underlying signals or adopting product-code structures for improved performance and lower complexity.

Company positions
  • Ericsson — Proposes that the 6G DL WUS based on OFDM sequences be designed for all RRC states with commonality to reduce complexity. Requires OFDM sequences to be defined in the frequency domain, arguing this provides lower base station complexity and more efficient multiplexing compared to time-domain definition. Proposes a missed detection rate of less than 10^-2 and a false alarm rate target around {10^-1, 10^-2} as starting points, while requiring that overall paging/PDCCH misdetection performance not be significantly impacted. Supports a configurable WUS duration to address different coverage conditions for 1-Rx/2-Rx UEs and extended coverage scenarios, and proposes studying various sequence types like ZC, M, and Gold sequences, with a preference for reusing sequences planned for 6G synchronization/reference signals.
  • EURECOM — Proposes a product-code based Vertical-Horizontal Coding (VHC) strategy where input bits are encoded independently in frequency-domain (vertical) and time-domain (horizontal), allowing the two components to be decoded independently to reduce receiver complexity. Proposes studying increased payload capacity (>8 bits) for 6G WUS to enable enhanced grouping or UE-specific wake-up functionality. Presents simulation results showing the proposed VHC scheme achieves approximately 4dB performance gain at 1% BLER compared to the Rel-19 sequence-based design under TDL-C 30ns channel with 15-bit payload over 11 PRBs, and demonstrates that VHC can achieve similar performance to Rel-19 while consuming roughly 3 times fewer resources (168 REs vs 528 REs) at the expense of longer transmission time.
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes reusing Rel-19 LP-WUS design aspects, specifically Zadoff-Chu OFDM sequences defined before DFT processing, as a starting point for 6G DL WUS but requires removing the underlying OOK signal and Manchester encoding. Proposes targeting Broadcast PDCCH coverage with an MDR of 1% and FAR of {0.1%, 1%}, citing an expected ~1.13dB coverage gap with 5G NR Broadcast PDCCH based on NF improvement and OFDM detection gains over OOK. Proposes that the DL WUS of OFDM-based sequence can replace Rel-16 DCP and Rel-17 PEI functionalities for a unified energy-saving solution, and calls for a new design of candidate OFDM sequence length and number per symbol to achieve the PDCCH coverage target without depending on OOK-based power boosting. Proposes direct mapping of raw information bits to OFDM sequences with configurable repetitions for simplified, energy-efficient UE processing.
  • Nokia — Proposes that RAN1 should assume a residual CFO of 2 ppm for the EE processing state rather than the previously agreed 5 ppm, arguing this benefits WUS signal design. Requires RAN1 to explore sequence families beyond Zadoff-Chu, specifically m-sequence and Gold sequence, and evaluate them using auto-correlation peak prominence, cross-correlation, and receiver complexity as KPIs. Proposes studying both subgroup-specific sequence mapping and segmented bitmap mapping schemes, with the design controlled by the number of segments to mimic either approach. Requires that WUS match paging PDCCH coverage (AL8 and AL16) in RRC IDLE mode and extend the same target to RRC CONN mode, citing the ability to use more receive chains.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes a unified DL WUS design for all device types to avoid market fragmentation. Prefers CP-OFDM waveform over DFT-S-OFDM based on Rel-18 power consumption evaluations showing marginal UE-side difference and cites loss of PAPR advantage when frequency-division multiplexed with other CP-OFDM signals at the gNB. Proposes reusing TR 38.869 evaluation assumptions with revisions reflecting EE processing state agreements and 6GR frequencies including 7GHz. Requires at least 5-bit payload for DL WUS information and supports a single information provisioning method (codepoint mechanism) across idle and connected modes. Argues latency is not tightly related to DL-WUS design itself but rather to ramp-up time and SSB processing time, and proposes revising FL's proposal to replace NES with network energy consumption.
Open issues
  • Target missed detection rate (MDR) and false alarm rate (FAR) values: Ericsson proposes MDR < 10^-2 and FAR around {10^-1, 10^-2}, while Futurewei proposes MDR of 1% and FAR of {0.1%, 1%}.
  • Sequence family selection: Zadoff-Chu sequences (preferred by Ericsson for reuse from 6G synch/RS, and by Futurewei as Rel-19 starting point) versus m-sequence and Gold sequence families (required for evaluation by Nokia).
  • Removal of underlying OOK signal: Futurewei requires removing OOK and Manchester encoding, while other contributions do not explicitly address this or propose alternative structures such as product-code VHC (EURECOM).
  • Coverage target alignment: Nokia requires matching paging PDCCH coverage (AL8/AL16) in both RRC IDLE and CONN modes, Futurewei proposes Broadcast PDCCH coverage, and Ericsson supports configurable WUS duration for different coverage conditions.
  • Waveform choice: Spreadtrum prefers CP-OFDM, while Ericsson requires frequency-domain definition of OFDM sequences but does not explicitly rule on DFT-S-OFDM versus CP-OFDM waveform.
  • Residual CFO assumption for EE processing state: Nokia proposes 2 ppm, departing from the previously agreed 5 ppm, with potential impact on sequence design.
10.6.1.2 WUS operation in RRC states 4 contributions

Companies discuss 6G DL WUS operation across RRC Idle/Inactive and Connected states, focusing on unifying WUS functionalities to avoid Rel-17/18/19 overlaps, defining monitoring configurations, and offloading RRM/RLM/BFD measurements to a new energy-efficient (EE) processing state. Key technical debates include whether to extend EE processing to neighbor cell RRM measurements, the achievable RSRP accuracy under constrained receiver conditions and residual CFO, and the necessity of conditional entry/exit conditions for WUS monitoring given expanded coverage targets.

Company positions
  • Ericsson — Proposes a single 6G DL WUS tool for paging indication in Idle/Inactive state and a single WUS feature for PDCCH monitoring indication in Connected state, explicitly requiring the avoidance of overlapping functionalities like PEI and Rel-19 WUS. Argues entry/exit conditions for WUS monitoring are unnecessary in Idle/Inactive states because 6G WUS targets full cell coverage. Presents technical case for offloading serving cell RRM and RLM/BFD measurements, as well as neighboring cell RRM measurements, to EE processing state in RRC connected state, supported by energy saving evaluations showing 60%-90% gain from full offloading. Provides preliminary results indicating EE processing RSRP accuracy of 2dB using 3 SSBs with 160ms periodicity is achievable with 2Rx but may not be achieved with 1Rx under 5ppm CFO, requiring smaller CFO values for the 1Rx case.
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes a unified 6G DL WUS design based on OFDM sequences to replace both Rel-17 PEI and Rel-19 LP-WUS for idle/inactive paging, and both Rel-16 DCP and Rel-19 LP-WUS for connected state energy saving, avoiding multiple options for the same functionality. Proposes extending coverage target to Broadcast PDCCH based on the 6G EE processing power state, which has no NF degradation and falls within Rel-18/19 LP-WUR ON-state relative power, thereby eliminating the Rel-19 LP-WUS conditional entry/exit condition based on serving cell measurements. Proposes adopting Rel-19 LP-WUS codepoint-based wake-up indication with at least 31 subgroups per PO associated with up to 4 POs, and further proposes using DL WUS to dynamically indicate paging occasion distribution patterns and support SCell dormancy indication with increased capacity beyond Rel-19's 32-codepoint limit. Recommends sequence design with good time domain or dual time/frequency domain characteristics for the primary synchronization signal to reduce measurement complexity and targets coupling serving cell measurement with DL-WUS monitoring in the EE processing state.
  • Nokia — Proposes that 6GR DL WUS monitoring be duty-cycled with predefined time occasions and that PDCCH/PDSCH-based paging be supported as the triggered response. Argues that using EE processing state for serving and neighbor cell RRM measurements is feasible and significantly increases power saving gains, but identifies large residual CFO as a risk to measurement accuracy and proposes assuming lower residual synchronization error. For connected mode, proposes limiting EE processing state applicability to at least SSB-based measurements outside active time, while questioning its use for CSI-RS processing due to computational complexity from multi-port channel matrix estimation and codebook searches. Requires a streamlined 6G PDCCH monitoring adaptation feature suite that avoids functional overlaps seen in 5G and proposes studying WUS for triggering ACTIVE times with duration indication and SSSG switching. Prioritizes RRC IDLE/INACTIVE mode DL WUS study for IoT.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes that NR LP-WUS mechanisms serve as the starting point for 6GR DL WUS occasion configuration, wake-up delay definition, and connected-mode operation, requiring only one type of DL-WUS in connected mode to avoid duplicated functionalities between DCP and LP-WUS as occurred in NR. Proposes serving cell RRM measurement based on 6GR sync signal by EE processing to offload measurements from the main receiver, but questions the necessity and gain of extending EE processing to neighboring cell RRM measurement, arguing infrequent neighbor measurements via main receiver have negligible energy impact and EE-based neighbor measurement would increase implementation complexity and power consumption. Observes that NR's DL-WUS coverage limitation constrains LP-WUR operation scenarios and notes that 6GR's coverage target matching PDCCH may eliminate the need for LP-WUS monitoring state transitions.
Open issues
  • Whether EE processing should be extended to neighbor cell RRM measurements or limited to serving cell measurements only, given trade-offs between energy gain and implementation complexity.
  • Whether 1Rx EE processing can achieve required RSRP accuracy targets under typical residual CFO values, or whether smaller CFO assumptions or 2Rx are necessary prerequisites.
  • Whether conditional entry/exit conditions based on serving cell measurements are needed for 6G WUS monitoring in Idle/Inactive states if coverage is extended to match PDCCH.
  • Applicability of EE processing to CSI-RS-based measurements in connected mode given computational complexity concerns.
10.6.2 Uplink WUS and operation 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses the feasibility, design, and deployment scenarios for an uplink wake-up signal (UL WUS) in 6G to enable on-demand SS/PBCH, SIB1, and SIBx transmissions. Companies discuss six deployment scenarios (DS#1a-c, DS#2a-c) with divergent positions on priority, ranging from arguments that UL WUS is largely unnecessary and infeasible to proposals for studying specific scenarios and reusing existing signal structures like PRACH as a starting point.

Company positions
  • Ericsson — Questions the necessity of UL WUS discussions, arguing that on-demand sync signals and on-demand SIB1 are already covered in other agenda items and NES power models are treated elsewhere. Opposes DS#1a and DS#2a on fundamental grounds, citing inability to achieve time-frequency synchronization, lack of WUS configuration and transmission parameters, inability to identify the cell or determine UL transmit power, and violation of the principle that the network is responsible for resource allocation. Proposes that DS#1b be redirected to agenda item 10.5.1 for study in the context of on-demand SIB1, identifying the main challenge as providing UL WUS configuration—potentially hundreds of bits—prior to SIB1 reception. De-prioritizes DS#2b due to marginal NES gain of around 4% with 160 ms SSB periodicity and proposes that any 6G evaluations use a baseline with longer SSB periodicity and clustered SI/common transmissions. Opposes DS#1c and DS#2c, arguing that any UE with poor implementation could exploit UL WUS for additional sync signal transmissions, which is not resource efficient and significantly increases network energy consumption.
  • FUTUREWEI — Frames UL WUS primarily as an operational enabler for on-demand SS/PBCH/SIB1 rather than a standalone waveform design topic. Proposes prioritizing the study of on-demand SIB1 using UL WUS in DS#1b and DS#2, and studying SIB1 time adaptation in DS#1c and DS#2c. Questions the practical utility of DS#1a and proposes RAN1 discuss whether it should be supported at all, deeming DS#1b/1c and DS#2 as the practical priority. For standalone deployment scenarios, proposes studying UL WUS configuration acquisition via light synchronization signaling with sequence-based structure that can indicate a predefined UL WUS configuration index, while also studying beam/index identification in the UL WUS request to allow the BS to limit on-demand response to a subset of beams.
  • Nokia — Proposes that the UL WUS signal type should reuse existing uplink signals: PRACH preamble for RRC Idle/Inactive UEs and existing uplink signals/channels (SRS, UL DMRS, SR, PUCCH, PUSCH) for RRC Connected UEs. Argues against a dedicated low-power BS receiver module for UL WUS, stating none is foreseen for 6G BS hardware, and requires that the UL WUS signal utilize the common radio modem to minimize operational cost. Questions the feasibility of DS#1a due to the unresolved issue of UL WUS transmit power determination without DL pathloss estimation from PSS/SSS, and requires confirmation from spectrum regulations on whether a UE can transmit without first receiving DL synchronization signals. Proposes studying a UL WUS framework that allows UEs to conditionally reuse stored system information to avoid redundant MIB/SIB1 acquisition, and supports studying on-demand reference signals triggered by UL WUS for SCell operations and cell switch mobility.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes studying UL WUS for on-demand SIB1 in DS#1b and DS#2b, on-demand SIBx in DS#1c, and on-demand SSB/SIB1 in DS#2a under the assumption of good inter-carrier synchronization. Argues DS#1a is infeasible due to lack of UE discovery and measurement signals, and proposes DS#2c be merged into DS#1c as it is not a valid separate multi-cell scenario. Supports a unified UL WUS design with PRACH as the starting point for its robustness against CTO/CFO and coverage. Suggests importing the Rel-17 on-demand SSB for SCell (NW-triggered, no UL WUS) into 6G Day 1, and proposes delaying multi-TRP UL WUS discussion.
Open issues
  • Whether DS#1a (standalone, initial access without prior DL sync) is feasible given inability to determine UL WUS transmit power and lack of time-frequency synchronization without PSS/SSS reception.
  • Whether a dedicated low-power BS receiver module for UL WUS should be specified for 6G BS hardware, or whether the UL WUS signal must utilize the common radio modem.
  • How to provide UL WUS configuration (potentially hundreds of bits) to UEs prior to SIB1 reception in DS#1b.
  • Whether UL WUS design should reuse existing uplink signals (PRACH, SRS, etc.) or define a new dedicated signal structure.
  • What baseline SSB periodicity and SI/common transmission scheduling should be assumed for 6G NES evaluations when assessing marginal gains from UL WUS.
10.7.1 NTN specific requirements and design for GNSS based operation 6 contributions

This sub-topic addresses NTN-specific requirements and design for GNSS-based operation in 6G radio, focusing on synchronization, beam management, scheduling offsets, and duplex modes. Companies are debating the degree of harmonization between terrestrial and non-terrestrial designs, with Nokia and Spreadtrum advocating maximum reuse of TN frameworks while Thales and Futurewei push for NTN-specific solutions integrated from the outset. Key technical disagreements include whether to support TDD duplex mode in NTN, how to handle scheduling offsets (k_offset reuse vs. TDRA integration), and the feasibility of satellite beam footprint coverage during initial access.

Company positions
  • FUTUREWEI — Proposes that RAN1 agree on a 100% satellite beam footprint coverage ratio before proceeding with studies on beam footprint versus active beam mismatch, presenting a technical case showing that with current assumptions (160 ms SSB periodicity, one SSB/PBCH block per half radio frame) only 1024 out of 2134 beams can be covered, yielding 48% coverage—insufficient for full footprint coverage. Proposes studying the impact of both static and dynamic beam hopping patterns on UE performance in idle and connected modes, specifically identifying the SSB index / PRACH preamble collision problem in adjacent beams as a performance-affecting factor. Indicates that 6GR NTN uplink time-frequency synchronization should follow the Rel-19 NR NTN GNSS-based pre-compensation methodology as baseline, allowing RAN1 to focus on 6GR NTN-specific issues rather than duplicating Rel-20 GNSS resilient NR-NTN study work. Suggests that simultaneous active beams may be as low as 1.5% of total beams per satellite across all frequency bands.
  • NEC — Proposes studying LOS MIMO techniques for NTN that specifically leverage the polarization domain, arguing that LHCP/RHCP orthogonally polarized signals can be separated even in strong LOS environments to create parallel channels independent of multipath scattering. Proposes studying ephemeris information compression and prediction techniques for 6G NTN, contending that legacy uncompressed satellite ephemeris broadcast in SIBs is unsustainable for VLEO constellations due to prolonged broadcast times, impractically high update frequencies, and conflict with network energy-saving goals. Presents VLEO (100–400 km altitudes) as requiring ultra-rapid handovers with less than 5 minute visibility, intense signaling demands, and more complex uplink synchronization due to larger Doppler shifts and shorter variable propagation delays.
  • Nokia — Requires that all 6GR NTN capable devices support accurate pre-compensation (GNSS-based or via detailed prior geo-location), and that the 6GR system supports NTN from day one with maximum similarity to TN design. Proposes integrating the k_offset_UE component into the UL scheduling grant via the TDRA table to replace MAC-CE based adjustment, citing latency, reliability, and signaling overhead drawbacks of the current approach. Recommends studying extended PDSCH/PUSCH transmission duration to address HARQ stalling without increasing soft buffer memory, and proposes concurrent scheduling of SIB1 and NTN access essential SIB information to reduce initial access latency. Argues that NTN studies for 6GR should focus exclusively on FDD duplex mode, presenting technical analysis showing 14-31% resource loss for TDD operation at LEO orbits of 600-1200 km. Opposes simultaneous multi-satellite UE connections for CA or multi-orbit operation due to timeline and frequency offset complexity.
  • SageRAN — Proposes studying the possibility of negative TA command values in RAR for NTN random access when UE pre-compensation exceeds RTD, while leaving PRACH detection for over pre-compensation advance to gNB implementation and suggesting consideration of PRACH format with multi sequences. Suggests introducing a new frequency adjustment command to support closed-loop frequency control for NTN, analogous to timing advance control. Suggests introducing a new measurement configuration including beam properties (azimuth, elevation, beamwidth) because the existing location format without altitude information cannot meet high-altitude scenario requirements. Suggests Option 2 for scheduling offset in 6GR, where large scheduling delays to accommodate RTT are incorporated into scheduling offsets like K1/K2 in NR, and proposes studying extension of dl-DataToUL-ACK to accommodate greater delay range. Proposes studying an efficient frame structure for TDD in NTN.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes reusing 5G NTN solutions extensively, with GNSS-based operation as the baseline mechanism for UL time-frequency synchronization and 5GA NR NTN GNSS resilience outcomes as the starting point for GNSS-degraded and GNSS-free/GNSS-less operation. Prefers Option 1 for scheduling offsets, reusing the k_offset concept from NR. Proposes studying longer SSB periodicity up to 160ms or larger values for initial access, and cell DTX/DRX mechanisms for beam hopping. Emphasizes unified TN/NTN designs for cell search procedure, maximum SSB index count (Lmax), and energy-saving technologies, with the latter to be studied in TN first then adapted to NTN. Opposes TDD for NTN, supporting only FDD and HD-FDD in 6GR day-1 due to large and variable guard times in satellite scenarios.
  • Thales — Requires that NTN-related technical considerations be addressed from the outset of 6G radio design to avoid the non-optimized adaptations that occurred when NTN was retrofitted into 5G NR. Proposes studying a concatenated BCH outer code with LDPC inner code (BCH t ≈ 8–10, LDPC block size 16896 bits / 44 columns) to achieve Quasi-Error-Free performance and eliminate HARQ retransmissions in long-RTT NTN links where LDPC error floors become problematic at extended block sizes. Identifies the current TR 38.811 K-factor parameterization as physically inconsistent across environment types and frequency bands, and proposes revisiting this modeling. Requires support for all orbit types from Very LEO (300 km) through GSO (35,786 km) with earth-fixed steerable beams limited to 250 km maximum footprint diameter, all payload types from transparent through regenerative with functional BS split, and all duplex modes (FDD, HD-FDD, TDD) with GNSS-independent positioning and physical layer operation.
Open issues
  • Whether to support TDD duplex mode for 6G NTN, with Nokia and Spreadtrum opposing TDD due to large and variable guard times and resource loss, while Thales and SageRAN propose studying TDD frame structures
  • How to handle the scheduling offset mechanism, with Option 1 (k_offset reuse, supported by Spreadtrum) and Option 2 (integration into K1/K2-like offsets, supported by SageRAN) both proposed, and Nokia proposing k_offset_UE integration into TDRA table via UL scheduling grant as an alternative
  • Whether satellite beam footprint coverage should reach 100% during initial access, with Futurewei presenting technical analysis showing only 48% coverage under current assumptions and proposing agreement on 100% before proceeding, while other companies have not taken explicit positions
  • How to address HARQ stalling in long-RTT NTN links, with Thales proposing concatenated BCH+LDPC coding to eliminate HARQ retransmissions entirely, while Nokia proposes studying extended PDSCH/PUSCH transmission duration without increasing soft buffer memory
  • Whether and how to compress or predict ephemeris information for VLEO constellations, with NEC proposing study of compression and prediction techniques while other companies have not addressed this specific issue
10.8.2 Aspects of integration with communication 3 contributions

This sub-topic addresses physical layer integration of sensing and communication for 6G, focusing on reference signal design, resource allocation, measurement frameworks, and sensing mode support. Companies discuss reusing and enhancing existing NR reference signals (CSI-RS, SRS, PRS, DMRS) versus introducing dedicated sensing signals, with positions diverging on which signals are suitable baselines and which require modification. The discussion also covers multiplexing strategies (TDM as baseline, FDM for further study), sensing measurement report content based on Rel-20 data levels, and handling of bistatic/monostatic sensing overhead and path loss calculation.

Company positions
  • NEC — Proposes studying all six sensing modes (TRP-TRP bistatic, TRP monostatic, TRP-UE bistatic, UE-TRP bistatic, UE-UE bistatic, UE monostatic) plus multi-static sensing for comprehensive integration requirement analysis. For reference signal design, proposes reusing PRS and SRS with enhancements including expanded symbol counts to values of 1 or 8 and new comb sizes {1,3,8} as a starting point, and includes DMRS as a sensing signal option citing its dense allocation, Doppler robustness, and multi-antenna support for high-mobility use cases like V2X, UAV tracking, and high-speed rail monitoring. Proposes TDM-based resource allocation via a dedicated sensing resource pool analogous to sidelink resource pool design within UL communication resources. For mono-static sensing, proposes a gap design after the sensing signal where gap length and sensing symbol length are determined by the maximum sensing range of the sensing node. Identifies that ISAC path loss must be calculated on a per-path or per-path-group basis associated with the sensing target/object, distinguishing valid echo paths reflected by the target from invalid environment reflections, and proposes a new sensing-specific PHR procedure fused with the existing communication PHR.
  • Nokia — Proposes TDM-based sensing RS as the baseline candidate for 6G sensing integration, with FDM-based approaches identified for further study without precluding coexistence with the baseline. Recommends CSI-RS or SRS as the basis for sensing RS design, explicitly rejecting NR PRS due to its single-port limitation. Proposes studying enhancements to legacy RS resource element mappings to support non-contiguous, evenly-spaced OFDM symbols across multiple contiguous slots (time-domain comb structures). For measurement reporting, considers NR Rel-20 ISAC data levels A/B/C/D as the baseline framework and supports TRP-based reporting as the baseline. Highlights that bistatic sensing may incur large overhead from beam sweeping at both STX and SRX, and proposes studying mechanisms to avoid this excessive overhead.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes studying the feasibility of reusing existing 6G DL and UL reference signals (CSI-RS, PRS, DMRS, PTRS, SRS) for sensing, while identifying major challenges including low unambiguous range/velocity and unknown precoding matrices in bistatic scenarios. Proposes studying the necessity of dedicated DL/UL sensing reference signals, considering either complete new designs or incremental enhancements to existing signals like increasing CSI-RS density or reconfiguring PTRS/DMRS. Proposes reusing the Rel-20 agreement on measurement report content (Level A through D) as the 6G sensing starting point and studying feasibility and overhead of air-interface reporting for each level. Requires sensing reference signals and measurements/reports to support periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic configurations. Proposes studying sensing processing timeline/unit (SPU) parameters including channel estimation time and sensing algorithm execution time.
Open issues
  • Whether to base sensing RS on CSI-RS/SRS (Nokia) or PRS/SRS with DMRS as an additional option (NEC), and whether NR PRS single-port limitation is disqualifying or can be overcome through enhancements.
  • Whether existing reference signals with incremental enhancements are sufficient for sensing (NEC, Nokia) or whether dedicated DL/UL sensing reference signals with completely new designs are necessary (Spreadtrum).
  • How to handle bistatic sensing beam sweeping overhead at both STX and SRX, and what mechanisms can avoid excessive overhead.
10.8.3 Waveform and frame structure 4 contributions

This sub-topic addresses waveform and frame structure design for 6G Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). Companies are discussing whether NR CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM serve as baselines, and evaluating new waveform candidates such as OTFS and AFDM for high-mobility or coverage scenarios, enhancements like longer CP and pulse waveforms, and multiplexing strategies between sensing and communication resources.

Company positions
  • Lekha Wireless Solutions — Proposes a staged evaluation approach for ISAC waveforms and frame structures. Specifies NR CP-OFDM and slot-based frame structure as the evaluation baseline. Recommends AFDM and OTFS as primary new waveform candidates for study. Contains 4 proposals covering baseline assumptions and a two-step evaluation methodology.
  • NEC — Proposes adopting conventional OFDM-based waveforms (CP-OFDM, DFT-S-OFDM) as the baseline sensing waveform, requiring balanced performance and forward compatibility with existing 3GPP communication frameworks. Proposes studying OFDM-based longer cyclic prefix (CP) schemes to support long-range sensing, noting that NCP and ECP fail to meet multi-kilometer coverage requirements, and requires the CP length design of sensing symbols to be associated with the number of sensing symbols within a slot. Prioritizes studying TDM-based multiplexing between sensing and communication resources over FDM and SDM, citing independent signal generation and maximized resource efficiency, and proposes studying at least symbol-level allocation based on TDD pattern configuration. Proposes the study scope include both Continuous Waveform (CW) and Pulse Waveform (PW) transmission schemes. Proposes studying OTFS-based waveform transmission for high-mobility scenarios due to its delay-Doppler domain robustness. Proposes studying dynamic waveform switching between candidate waveforms adaptively based on application, mobility conditions, and sensing accuracy requirements.
  • Nokia — Proposes reusing 5G NR baseline OFDM waveforms (CP-OFDM for DL, DFT-s-OFDM and CP-OFDM for UL) directly for 6G sensing, asserting that RAN1-#122 agreements on baseline waveforms for 6G communications apply to sensing. Proposes studying enhancements atop these baseline waveforms, including pulse waveforms such as FMCW framed as dedicated sensing bursts within the CP-OFDM frame structure. Proposes studying the impact of CP length, time/frequency granularity of the sensing reference signal, and CPI on sensing performance metrics (PFA, Pmiss, range estimation, Doppler estimation), as well as studying the feasibility of sensing within 6G frame structure and duplexing schemes (TDD, FDD, dynamic TDD, SBFD). Presents preliminary simulation results showing CP-OFDM outperforming OTFS and DFT-s-OFDM in Pmiss-vs-SNR detection performance, while all three perform equally well in RMSE of range and radial velocity estimation. Proposes agreeing on evaluation assumptions using Table 2 parameters as the starting point and on KPIs for waveform comparisons.
  • Spreadtrum — Proposes CP-OFDM as the DL sensing waveform basis and both CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM as UL sensing waveform bases, consistent with 5G NR communication waveform agreements. Proposes studying OFDM-based waveform enhancements specifically targeting sensing coverage performance, including extended CP length, extended OFDM symbol duration, and larger/smaller SCS configurations, explicitly noting the inherent trade-off between SCS, range resolution, and velocity resolution. Proposes studying the necessity and feasibility of pulse waveforms as an alternative for coverage enhancement, recommending OFDM-compatible generation methods to minimize specification impact, while arguing pulse waveforms are more naturally suited to monostatic sensing due to relaxed self-interference cancellation requirements. Recommends a structured waveform characterization template for comparative analysis, specifying ambiguity function, PAPR, and OOBE/ACLR as key sensing performance metrics for evaluation, with contributions of waveform structure and sequence design to be separately analyzed.
Open issues
  • Whether NR CP-OFDM/DFT-s-OFDM alone suffices as the baseline sensing waveform or whether new waveforms (OTFS, AFDM, pulse/FMCW) should be prioritized for study in specific scenarios such as high mobility or long-range coverage.
  • What CP length design and OFDM numerology enhancements are required to support multi-kilometer sensing coverage, and how the CP length of sensing symbols should be associated with the number of sensing symbols within a slot.
  • Whether TDM-based multiplexing between sensing and communication should be prioritized over FDM and SDM approaches, and at what time-domain granularity (e.g., symbol-level, slot-level) sensing resources should be allocated.

Contributions

R1-2601766 Apple LS in treated 5
LS on sync signal and associated periodicity
This liaison statement from RAN WG4 (Apple) to RAN WG1 requests early feedback on the design of 6G synchronization signal and associated periodicity. It identifies multiple RRM work areas that depend on this design and notes that RAN4 plans to start assessment from Q2 2026 to meet the 6G Radio SI interim assessment…
Apple (as RAN WG4 contact) requests RAN1 to provide early progress feedback on synchronization signal and associated periodicity design to enable RAN4's RRM requirement impact assessment starting Q2 2026. They identify specific RRM work areas dependent on this design:…
R1-2601918 BeammWave AB discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Discussion on beam management for 6GR downlink and uplink
This document from BeammWave AB identifies key limitations in 5G-NR beam management based on deployment experience and provides 12 proposals for 6GR enhancements. The proposals focus on defining new SLS/LLS evaluation methodologies with latency and overhead metrics, evolving the TCI/QCL framework toward…
BeammWave proposes defining new SLS and LLS evaluation methodologies with explicit metrics—beam acquisition latency (SSB detection to stable beam), beam application time (beam report to actual PDSCH/PUSCH usage), beam recovery time, and control signaling overhead ratio—arguing…
R1-2601876 Ericsson discussion not treated 10.5.0
6G general aspects and frameworks
Ericsson's Tdoc R1-2601876 provides 31 proposals and 8 observations across 8 main sections, covering spectrum aggregation, MRSS/IoT coexistence, channel bandwidth, duplexing, coverage, and UCI transmission for 6G. The document emphasizes lessons learned from 5G NR to reduce complexity.
Ericsson proposes enhanced carrier aggregation (CA) as the primary 6G spectrum aggregation tool, requiring means for fast/instant activation, same-configuration indications, multi-carrier single-DCI scheduling, and removing tight time-synchronous dependencies like DAI. They…
R1-2601900 Ericsson discussion not treated 10.5.5
Other physical layer signals, channels and procedure
Ericsson presents 6 proposals and 5 observations across 6G physical layer topics: cross-link interference (CLI) reuse from Rel-19 with potential L1/L3 unification, remote interference management (RIM) prioritizing Framework-1 with 6G-specific set ID embedding, contention-based multi-bit scheduling requests (CB-BSR)…
Ericsson proposes reusing Rel-19 BS-to-BS and UE-to-UE CLI enhancements as the 6GR baseline and supports studying feasibility of BS flexibly configuring both L3 (MeasObjectCLI) and L1 (CSI-ResourceConfig) UE-to-UE CLI measurement configuration and reporting, moving toward a…
R1-2601902 Ericsson discussion not treated 10.6.1.1
Design of WUS with OFDM based sequence
This Ericsson Tdoc for 6G discusses the design of a Downlink Wake-up Signal (WUS) using OFDM-based sequences, covering general principles, multiplexing, synchronization, coverage, sequence design, and evaluation methodology. It presents 16 specific proposals and 13 observations, emphasizing UE power saving benefits…
Ericsson proposes that the 6G DL WUS based on OFDM sequences be designed for all RRC states with commonality to reduce complexity. They require OFDM sequences to be defined in the frequency domain, arguing this provides lower base station complexity and more efficient…
R1-2601903 Ericsson discussion not treated 10.6.1.2
WUS operation in RRC states
Ericsson presents 7 proposals and 7 observations on 6G WUS operation across RRC states, focusing on UE energy saving via a single WUS tool per state, full cell coverage for idle mode, and offloading RRM/RLM/BFD measurements to energy-efficient (EE) processing. They support studying EE processing measurement accuracy…
Ericsson proposes studying a single 6G DL WUS tool for paging indication in Idle/Inactive state and a single WUS feature for PDCCH monitoring indication in Connected state, explicitly requiring the avoidance of overlapping functionalities like PEI and Rel-19 WUS. They argue…
R1-2601904 Ericsson discussion not treated 10.6.2
Uplink WUS and operation
Ericsson presents 11 Observations and 8 Proposals arguing that uplink WUS (Wake-Up Signal) is largely unnecessary and infeasible for most deployment scenarios, recommending that only Deployment Scenario #1b be further studied in the context of on-demand SIB1 under agenda item 10.5.1.
Ericsson questions the necessity of UL WUS discussions in agenda item 10.6.2 by arguing that on-demand sync signals and on-demand SIB1 are already covered in other agenda items (AI 10.5.1.1, 10.5.1.2) and NES power models are treated in AI 10.4. They oppose DS#1a and DS#2a on…
R1-2601919 EURECOM discussion not treated 10.3.1
Discussion on Channel Coding for Small Block Lengths
EURECOM argues that 5G NR Reed-Muller (RM) codes are suboptimal for small UCI payloads and proposes studying novel DMRS-less transmission schemes using vertical-horizontal coding (VHC) for superior coverage, performance, and PAPR. The document presents 6 observations and 1 proposal, showing up to 3dB SNR gain and…
EURECOM presents a technical case against the 5G NR Reed-Muller (RM) code baseline for small block lengths, arguing its performance is far from optimal and that significant room for improvement exists. They propose studying novel encoding/modulation schemes, specifically…
R1-2601920 EURECOM discussion not treated 10.6.1.1
Discussion on design of WUS with OFDM based sequence
EURECOM proposes a Vertical-Horizontal Coding (VHC) product-code scheme for 6G Wake-Up Signal (WUS) design that separates frequency and time domain encoding to reduce receiver complexity. The document makes 2 Observations and 2 Proposals, demonstrating that the proposed VHC WUS design achieves 4dB gain at 1% BLER over…
EURECOM proposes a product-code based Vertical-Horizontal Coding (VHC) strategy where input bits are encoded independently in frequency-domain (vertical) and time-domain (horizontal), allowing the two components to be decoded independently to reduce receiver complexity. They…
R1-2601780 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.0
6G General Aspects and Frameworks
Futurewei presents 7 proposals and 9 observations on 6G Radio frameworks, covering maximum bandwidth interpretations, UE 400MHz DL support options, intra-cell and inter-cell carrier aggregation, smallest maximum UE bandwidth for low-tier devices, and initial access design criteria for a unified 6GR framework spanning…
Futurewei proposes studying intra-cell carrier aggregation (Method 1 'Gothia cell') using multiple contiguous/non-contiguous physical carriers up to 400 MHz logical bandwidth, and inter-cell carrier aggregation including FR1+FR2 non-collocated scenarios with possible DC-like…
R1-2601781 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.1.1
6G Synchronization Acquisition and Beam Measurement
This document presents 7 proposals and 15 observations covering synchronization/system information and paging transmission/monitoring for 6G Radio. It advocates for longer default SSB/SIB1 periodicity combined with light sync signals and on-demand mechanisms for network energy saving, along with paging frame…
Futurewei proposes supporting basic 6GR SSB design with bandwidth larger than 3MHz at 15KHz SCS, rejecting the ≤3MHz option as degrading PBCH detection performance and coverage compared to 5G NR's 3.6MHz SSB bandwidth. They propose defining a light sync signal structure…
R1-2601783 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.1.3
6G Bandwidth Operation
This Futurewei contribution on 6G Bandwidth Operation contains 10 proposals and 2 observations. It advocates for a simplified 6GR bandwidth operation framework that addresses lessons learned from 5G NR BWP, focusing on energy efficiency, reduced complexity, and improved spectrum utilization for diverse device types…
Futurewei proposes that 6GR bandwidth operation study focus on BW determination and adaptation optimizing energy efficiency and spectrum utilization for diverse device types. They identify specific 5G NR BWP design disadvantages—excessive RRC configuration parameters, long…
R1-2601784 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.6.1.1
Discussion on 6G Design of WUS with OFDM based Sequence
This Futurewei contribution discusses the design of 6G downlink Wake-Up Signal (WUS) using OFDM-based sequences, building on Rel-19 LP-WUS. It presents 6 observations and 5 proposals, arguing for extending coverage to the PDCCH target and proposing design simplifications by removing the underlying OOK signal.
Futurewei proposes reusing Rel-19 LP-WUS design aspects, specifically Zadoff-Chu OFDM sequences defined before DFT processing, as a starting point for 6G DL WUS but requires removing the underlying OOK signal and Manchester encoding. They propose targeting Broadcast PDCCH…
R1-2601785 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.6.1.2
Discussion on 6G WUS Operation in RRC States
This Futurewei contribution discusses the design of 6G Downlink Wake-Up Signal (WUS) based on OFDM sequences, analyzing coverage, RRC IDLE/INACTIVE, and RRC CONNECTED operations based on Rel-19 LP-WUS. The document presents 15 observations and 4 proposals aimed at unifying paging indication and energy-saving…
Futurewei proposes a unified 6G DL WUS design based on OFDM sequences to replace both Rel-17 PEI and Rel-19 LP-WUS for idle/inactive paging, and both Rel-16 DCP and Rel-19 LP-WUS for connected state energy saving — avoiding multiple options for the same functionality. They…
R1-2601786 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.6.2
Discussion on 6G Uplink WUS and Operation
Futurewei's contribution discusses UL WUS as an enabler for on-demand SS/PBCH/SIB1 operation in 6G, analyzing six deployment scenarios (DS#1a-c, DS#2a-c) and making 5 proposals and 11 observations regarding feasibility, configuration acquisition, and design aspects.
Futurewei frames UL WUS primarily as an operational enabler for on-demand SS/PBCH/SIB1 rather than a standalone waveform design topic. They propose prioritizing the study of on-demand SIB1 using UL WUS in DS#1b and DS#2, and studying SIB1 time adaptation in DS#1c and DS#2c. They…
R1-2601787 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.7.1
Discussion on 6G NTN
This Futurewei contribution addresses 6G NTN open issues from RAN1#124, containing 2 formal proposals and 3 observations. It focuses on the satellite beam footprint coverage ratio during initial access and the impact of beam hopping patterns on UE performance.
Futurewei proposes that RAN1 agree on a 100% satellite beam footprint coverage ratio before proceeding with studies on beam footprint versus active beam mismatch, and suggests that simultaneous active beams may be as low as 1.5% of total beams per satellite across all frequency…
R1-2601788 FUTUREWEI discussion revised 10.5.2.2
Discussion on downlink transmission schemes for downlink shared channels for 6GR air interface
This Futurewei contribution to the 3GPP RAN1 #124bis meeting on FS_6G_Radio presents 8 Observations and 12 Proposals covering downlink transmission schemes for 6G shared channels, addressing DMRS adaptation, AI/ML-based DMRS enhancement, MU-MIMO for hybrid antenna architectures, frequency-selective precoding,…
Futurewei proposes a UE-centric DMRS adaptation framework where the UE reports minimum DMRS density requirements (D_F, D_T, D_J) rather than selecting preferred patterns, achieving over 70% reporting overhead reduction compared to direct pattern index reporting. For hybrid…
R1-2601789 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
Uplink transmission scheme(s) for uplink channels
Futurewei's Tdoc R1-2601789 presents eight proposals and one observation for 6G uplink transmission schemes, covering AI/ML-based DMRS optimization, frequency-selective precoding, QCL/TCI enhancements, and unified frameworks for power control, timing advance, and carrier switching.
Futurewei proposes including AI/ML-based DMRS configuration optimization for UL DMRS enhancement, citing experimental NMSE improvements using lower-density DMRS configurations with LS-based preliminary estimation as input to AI/ML models across SNR ranges of 10-30dB. They…
R1-2601790 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Discussion on beam management for downlink and uplink for 6GR air interface
Futurewei presents 3 Observations and 7 Proposals on 6G beam management, covering one-shot beam acquisition, QCL/TCI enhancements using UL signals, UE-initiated beam management latency reduction, AI/ML cross-frequency beam prediction, and simulation assumptions.
Futurewei proposes a mixed antenna architecture combining a low-resolution all-digital receiver array for one-shot beam acquisition with an analog/hybrid array for data transmission to eliminate beam sweeping procedures. They require enabling UL signals (e.g., SRS) as QCL source…
R1-2601791 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
Discussion on aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition for 6GR air interface
Futurewei presents 12 proposals and 5 observations on 6G downlink-based CSI acquisition, covering CSI-RS overhead reduction via structured port-to-RE mapping and AI/ML-based prediction, AI/ML-based CSI compression and feedback with JSCC and downloadable codebooks, CSI acquisition for hybrid antenna architectures…
Futurewei proposes studying structured mapping between CSI-RS ports and REs in spatial, frequency, and time domains to facilitate CSI-RS overhead reduction, demonstrating that a beam-domain-first transformation approach achieves approximately 1.5–3 dB better performance at 0 dB…
R1-2601792 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
Aspects of uplink-based CSI acquisition
This Futurewei contribution proposes 10 specific proposals and 2 observations focused on uplink-based CSI acquisition for 6G, covering hybrid antenna architectures for upper midband, enhanced SRS-based cooperative MIMO with downlink interference probing, and QCL/TCI enhancements. The document emphasizes using 5G NR…
Futurewei proposes that hybrid antenna architectures with large antenna element counts and moderate TXRU counts be a key focus for UMB base stations, specifically defining hybrid beamforming as a combination of adjustable analog beamforming (via phase shifters) and digital…
R1-2601793 FUTUREWEI discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
Other Aspects for CSI acquisition
This document from Futurewei contains 2 main proposals addressing enhancements for CSI acquisition in 6G. It focuses on introducing multi-port TRS to improve QCL parameter derivation for massive MIMO and supporting early/on-demand tracking acquisition for fast SCell activation and CSI acquisition before CONNECTED mode.
Futurewei proposes studying multi-port TRS as a QCL source to address precoding mismatch between single-port TRS and dynamically precoded DMRS/CSI-RS in massive MIMO systems, suggesting the UE applies a precoding vector to the multi-port TRS to form an effective 1-port TRS…
R1-2601767 Huawei LS in treated 5
Reply LS on PA models in 6GR waveform evaluations
This LS from RAN4 to RAN1 communicates RAN4's agreements on PA model usage and waveform evaluation assumptions for 6G low PAPR waveform studies. It includes 11 proposals and 4 observations, covering general evaluation alignment, detailed PA model calibration and usage guidance, and a request for RAN1 to consider these…
RAN4 agrees to conduct individual assessments on PAPR-reduction techniques for 6G waveform evaluations, focusing on Tx power gain while taking RF requirements into consideration. RAN4 provides specific PA model calibration guidance distinguishing between models that include…
R1-2601768 Huawei LS in treated 5
LS on 6GR system parameters
This liaison statement from RAN WG4 to RAN WG1 communicates the progress made on 6G system parameters to support the 6G Radio Study Item interim assessment timeline. It provides three attachments of agreed working agreements and WF documents covering waveform evaluations, channel bandwidth, and related parameters for…
RAN WG4 requests that RAN WG1 take into consideration the agreed RAN4 progress on 6G system parameters for their ongoing study. The progress covers waveform evaluations with specific PA models, FFT sizes, and numerology designs, alongside definitions for maximum and minimum…
R1-2601877 Kyocera Corporation discussion not treated 10.5.4.1
Considerations for the downlink control channel, scheduling for downlink and uplink transmissions
Kyocera presents 5 Observations and 4 Proposals arguing for a single-stage DCI design with a fixed-size unified format for 6G, moving feature-dependent fields from PDCCH to PDSCH or RRC to limit blind decoding hypotheses and candidates, thereby reducing UE energy consumption without a two-stage DCI architecture.
Kyocera proposes a single-stage DCI baseline for 6G, explicitly arguing that two-stage DCI introduces multi-step dependencies, timing constraints, and additional failure modes which increase latency and implementation complexity. They propose a fixed-size unified DCI structure…
R1-2601878 Kyocera Corporation discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
PUCCH-less 6GR
Kyocera proposes a PUCCH-less uplink control architecture as a baseline for 6GR, where UCI (HARQ, CSI, SR) is conveyed via MAC CE on PUSCH when resources are available, and a minimized SR-replacement mechanism is used otherwise. Three proposals are made: adopting the PUCCH-less architecture, using PUSCH for UCI…
Kyocera proposes a PUCCH-less uplink control architecture as a baseline study direction for 6GR, combining Option 2 (UCI carried on PUSCH) and Option 3 (other methods) to avoid permanent PUCCH configuration and persistent resource allocation. They propose that UCI (HARQ…
R1-2601879 Kyocera Corporation discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Beam management for downlink and uplink
Kyocera's R1-2601879 contribution for 6GR beam management presents 11 proposals and 8 observations covering simulation assumptions, QCL/beam indication, beam measurement/report, and UE-initiated beam management (UEIBM), advocating for a unified TCI/QCL framework baseline, simplified QCL chains, enhanced mTRP and…
Kyocera proposes adopting the Rel-17/18 unified TCI framework and existing QCL rules as the baseline for 6GR beam indication without redesign. They propose studying a streamlined QCL property/chain design that evaluates removing or reducing reliance on UE-specific periodic TRS…
R1-2601894 Lekha Wireless Solutions discussion not treated 10.8.3
Waveform and Frame Structure Considerations for ISAC
{ "summary": "This document from Lekha Wireless Solutions proposes a staged evaluation approach for ISAC waveforms and frame structures in 3GPP RAN1, establishing NR CP-OFDM and slot-based frame structure as baselines and recommending AFDM and OTFS as primary new waveform candidates. The document contains 4…
R1-2601895 Lekha Wireless Solutions discussion not treated 10.2.1
Discussions on 6G Waveforms
This document from Lekha Wireless Solutions presents 10 proposals on 6G waveform enhancements for both downlink and uplink. It focuses on DFT-s-OFDM adoption for downlink power efficiency in specific use cases, evaluation methodologies using realistic PA models with Net Gain metrics, and uplink PAPR reduction…
Lekha Wireless Solutions proposes supporting DFT-s-OFDM for downlink in coverage-limited cells and small-cell base stations for power-efficient transmission, while CP-OFDM remains preferred for general DL due to multi-carrier capabilities. They propose evaluating transmit power…
R1-2601857 NEC discussion not treated 10.5.1.1
Discussion on synchronization acquisition and beam measurement during initial access
NEC's contribution proposes 20 specific study items for 6G Radio synchronization and initial access, focusing on SSB structure/periodicity, clustered common signaling, diverse device support, multi-TRP operation, and AI/ML-based beam management. The document provides detailed technical options across four main…
NEC proposes studying two concrete SSB bandwidth options (20 PRBs and 12 PRBs) to address 3MHz minimum spectrum allocation while managing sync raster sparsity and cell search complexity. They propose SSB periodicity extension to 80ms/160ms as a starting point, with mandatory…
R1-2601858 NEC discussion not treated 10.5.1.2
Discussion on PRACH and RACH procedure for 6GR
NEC presents 19 proposals across 8 technical sections covering PRACH and RACH procedure design for 6G radio, using NR as baseline while proposing studies for increased capacity, simplified signaling, energy efficiency, coverage enhancement, diverse device support, and NTN polarization.
NEC proposes Zadoff-Chu (ZC) based sequences as the baseline for 6GR PRACH preamble and considers both long and short NR PRACH preamble formats as starting points. They propose studying configuration of multiple PRACH formats per cell/carrier and increasing PRACH capacity from…
R1-2601859 NEC discussion not treated 10.5.1.3
Discussion on bandwidth operation for 6GR
This 3GPP RAN1 contribution from NEC (Tdoc R1-2601859) discusses bandwidth part (BWP) and multi-carrier operation for 6G radio (6GR), presenting 2 observations and 10 proposals. The document addresses the necessity, definition, initial access, and post-initial access operations of BWP, and also covers multi-carrier…
NEC proposes studying the introduction of BWP concept in 6GR for both DL and UL (Proposal 1), driven by the continued existence of mismatched UE/NW bandwidth capabilities and UE power consumption issues (Observation 1). They propose redefining BWP in 6GR to support…
R1-2601862 NEC discussion not treated 10.7.1
Discussion on NTN specific requirements and design for GNSS based operation
This NEC contribution contains 2 Observations and 2 Proposals across sections on NTN LOS MIMO and Mobility/Ephemeris Optimization. It argues for leveraging polarization diversity as a viable MIMO technique in strong LOS satellite channels and proposes studying ephemeris compression to address VLEO constellation…
NEC proposes studying LOS MIMO techniques for NTN that specifically leverage the polarization domain, arguing that LHCP/RHCP orthogonally polarized signals can be separated even in strong LOS environments to create parallel channels independent of multipath scattering. They…
R1-2601863 NEC discussion not treated 10.8.2
Aspects of integration with communication
This NEC contribution to the 6G Study Item on Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) provides 16 proposals and 16 observations across four areas: sensing-communication integration requirements, reference signal design, and PHY procedures/measurements. The document systematically addresses sensing modes, resource…
NEC proposes studying all six sensing modes (TRP-TRP bistatic, TRP monostatic, TRP-UE bistatic, UE-TRP bistatic, UE-UE bistatic, UE monostatic) plus multi-static sensing for comprehensive integration requirement analysis. They propose reusing PRS and SRS with enhancements…
R1-2601864 NEC discussion not treated 10.8.3
Waveform and frame structure for 6GR sensing
NEC presents 13 Observations and 9 Proposals on 6G RAN ISAC waveform and frame structure, advocating for an evolution from existing 3GPP OFDM-based waveforms with targeted enhancements for longer CP, OTFS for high mobility, and TDM-based sensing resource allocation.
NEC proposes adopting conventional OFDM-based waveforms (CP-OFDM, DFT-S-OFDM) as the baseline sensing waveform, requiring balanced performance and forward compatibility with existing 3GPP communication frameworks. They propose studying OFDM-based longer cyclic prefix (CP)…
R1-2601827 Nokia discussion not treated 10.2.1
On remaining aspects of waveform for 6GR
This document from Nokia presents 16 proposals and 11 observations on 6G waveform design, arguing for CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM as baseline 6G waveforms based on 5G NR definitions. Nokia strongly opposes Zak-OTFS as a new waveform, advocates for Frequency Domain Spectrum Shaping with Spectral Extension (FDSS-SE) for low…
Nokia proposes that CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM waveforms as defined in 5G NR are supported as the baseline communication waveforms for 6G downlink and uplink respectively, with enhancements studied only as additions rather than replacements. They present a technical case against…
R1-2601828 Nokia discussion not treated 10.3.1
On remaining aspects of channel coding in 6GR
Nokia presents 8 proposals and 6 observations on 6G channel coding, covering LDPC extension for data channels, Polar codes for control channels, and block codes for small payloads. The document argues for reusing NR designs where possible, proposes specific design constraints if new base graphs are studied, and…
Nokia proposes defining the boundary between NR range and beyond-NR range for data rates using the maximum TBS supported in 5G NR Rel-15 per carrier. They propose reusing BG1 with an optimized puncturing pattern (e.g., puncturing columns 0 and 26 instead of the first two…
R1-2601829 Nokia discussion not treated 10.3.2
On remaining aspects of modulation in 6GR
Nokia presents 9 proposals and 5 observations on 6G modulation, advocating for 5G NR equal probability uniform QAM as the baseline while cautiously addressing potential enhancements like higher-order QAM, constellation shaping (geometric and probabilistic), and MCS table optimization. The document emphasizes…
Nokia proposes that 5G NR equal probability uniform QAM constellations be explicitly adopted as the supported baseline modulation scheme for 6G (not merely 'as basis for study'), while allowing separate discussion of enhancements. They propose supporting uniform 1024QAM in…
R1-2601830 Nokia discussion not treated 10.4
On remaining aspects of energy efficiency evaluations
This Nokia Tdoc presents 17 proposals and 16 observations on 6G energy efficiency evaluation assumptions across BS power consumption models (CAT 2.1 parameters, SBFD modeling, antenna adaptation), UE power consumption model updates (scaling bounds for micro/light sleep, channel-specific scaling factors), and WUS power…
Nokia proposes that single baseband components can handle Set 4's 256 Tx/Rx RUs in practice, supporting CAT 2.1 transition times identical to Sets 1-3 (2s deep sleep, 100ms light sleep) with higher transition energies (6300/210). They require the 6G BS CAT 2.1 and 5G BS CAT 2 to…
R1-2601831 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.0
On overall aspects of the 6GR multi-antenna system
{ "summary": "Nokia's Tdoc R1-2601831 provides an extensive analysis of multiple physical-layer design aspects for 6G radio (FS_6G_Radio), making 38 proposals and 30 observations. The document covers SCS/CP numerology, maximum channel bandwidths, frame structure, duplexing, spectrum aggregation ('Gothia cell' and…
R1-2601832 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.1.1
On  synchronization acquisition and beam measurement
This Nokia 3GPP RAN1 contribution (R1-2601832) on 6G initial access, synchronization, and broadcast signaling presents 38 proposals and 55 observations. It covers sync raster design, SS/PBCH structure with a focus on UE complexity reduction via single PSS sequences, on-demand SIB1/paging delivery for network energy…
Nokia proposes reducing UE initial cell selection complexity by limiting PSS sequences to one (studying m-sequence and Zadoff-Chu based designs) and by using PSS bandwidth instead of SSB bandwidth for sync raster definition (Option 4) to make the raster sparser without impacting…
R1-2601833 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.1.2
On PRACH and RACH procedure
Nokia's contribution to 3GPP RAN1 #124bis on 6G PRACH and RACH procedure provides a comprehensive design framework with 27 proposals and 15 observations. The document covers PRACH sequence selection, preamble formats (especially for 7 GHz), configuration mechanisms (including parameterized formats and reduced…
Nokia proposes retaining Zadoff-Chu as the PRACH sequence due to its CAZAC properties and robustness against frequency offset, while opposing sequences that lack these characteristics. For PRACH configuration, they recommend studying parametrized PRACH format configuration…
R1-2601834 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.1.3
On aspects of bandwidth operation in 6GR
This Nokia Tdoc analyzes 5G NR BWP shortcomings and proposes a simplified, robust bandwidth adaptation framework for 6G Radio (FS_6G_Radio), containing 14 numbered proposals and 9 observations across initial BWP, non-initial BWP, BWP switching, and network carrier configuration.
Nokia presents a technical case that NR BWP operation suffers from unnecessary flexibility resulting in excessive complexity, non-robust switching, suboptimal UL coverage, and problematic TDD coupling between UL and DL BWPs sharing the same center frequency. They propose a lean…
R1-2601835 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.2.1
On downlink transmission schemes for downlink control channels in 6GR
Nokia presents 23 proposals and 5 observations on the 6GR downlink control channel (PDCCH) design, advocating for reusing and evolving the NR PDCCH framework—including CORESET, CCE, REG, search spaces, blind decoding, and DMRS—as the baseline for 6G, with targeted enhancements for MRSS, UE monitoring flexibility, and…
Nokia proposes reusing NR's PDCCH structure (CORESET, CCE, REG, search spaces) as the baseline for 6GR, arguing this provides sufficient flexibility and enables smooth MRSS with 5G through aligned PDSCH rate matching and per-CCE CORESET/SS sharing. They require QPSK modulation…
R1-2601836 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.2.2
On downlink transmission schemes for downlink shared channels in 6GR
This Nokia contribution to 3GPP RAN1 #124-bis (FS_6G_Radio, Rel-20) provides a comprehensive technical stance on 6G downlink shared channels, covering PDSCH transmission schemes, resource allocation, DM-RS design, and AI/ML use cases. The document contains 21 Observations and 39 Proposals.
Nokia proposes maintaining 6GR PDSCH resource allocation compatibility with 5G NR to facilitate MRSS, supporting slot-contained PDSCH TDRA with flexible S and L, and deferring DM-RS mapping type decisions pending 6G DM-RS design clarity. Nokia proposes raising the maximum number…
R1-2601837 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
On transmission schemes for uplink channels in 6GR
This 3GPP Tdoc from Nokia for the FS_6G_Radio work item provides a comprehensive analysis and set of 21 observations and 40+ proposals on uplink physical channel design for 6G Radio. It covers PUCCH simplification, PUSCH transmission schemes (codebook/non-codebook, full-power, multi-TRP), codeword-to-layer mapping for…
Nokia proposes a streamlined 6G uplink control channel design by limiting CSI reporting to PUSCH and using PUCCH slot-level UCI multiplexing to avoid NR's complex iterative UCI arbitration. For the data channel, Nokia proposes SRS-based codebook-based PUSCH as the baseline, with…
R1-2601838 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
On beam management for downlink and uplink in 6GR
Nokia's Tdoc R1-2601838 proposes a comprehensive study for 6G Radio Layer 1 beam management, presenting 21 proposals and 16 observations. The document addresses the QCL/TCI framework, downlink and uplink beam measurement/reporting with AI/ML enhancements, beam indication, beam failure recovery, and evaluation…
Nokia proposes a unified 6GR beam management framework based on 5G NR Rel-17 unified TCI principles, while studying enhancements to address identified limitations. They propose studying a more flexible QCL parameterization that allows per-RS configuration of channel properties…
R1-2601839 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
On downlink-based CSI acquisition in 6GR
This Nokia Tdoc discusses the evolution of the downlink CSI acquisition framework for 6GR, presenting 40 proposals and 29 observations aimed at enhancing flexibility, scalability, and energy efficiency. Key themes include CSI-RS design for large antenna arrays (up to 256 ports), a streamlined CSI framework addressing…
Nokia proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the 6GR DL CSI acquisition framework, using the 5G NR framework as a baseline but mandating studies to address its identified shortcomings. The company proposes studying CSI-RS designs supporting up to 256 antenna ports through new…
R1-2601840 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
On uplink-based CSI acquisition in 6GR
This Nokia contribution (R1-2601840) presents 10 observations and 24 proposals focused on UL-based CSI acquisition for 6GR, emphasizing reuse of the 5G SRS design framework while identifying specific enhancements needed for capacity, coverage, latency, and new device types.
Nokia proposes reusing the existing 5G UL SRS design framework, basic SRS resource definition, and Zadoff-Chu sequences as foundational building blocks for 6GR. They propose studying enhancements to TD-OCC upon SRS repetition for multiplexing capacity and co-scheduling of PUSCH…
R1-2601841 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
Other aspects of 6GR physical layer operation
This 3GPP RAN1 contribution from Nokia presents 6 observations and 6 proposals regarding 6G physical layer operation, focusing on time/frequency tracking reference signal (TRS) design and joint DL/UL CSI acquisition. Nokia argues that 6G should prioritize aperiodic, on-demand DM-RS-based tracking over periodic…
Nokia proposes studying DM-RS based TRS as a candidate for time/frequency tracking in 6G, presenting a technical case that periodic CSI-RS-based TRS suffers from high overhead, constant network/UE energy consumption, and mismatch between wide-beam TRS and narrow-beam PDSCH…
R1-2601842 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.4.1
On downlink control channel, scheduling for downlink and uplink transmission
Nokia's contribution addresses downlink control channel design for 6G, presenting 14 proposals and 13 observations across areas including single-stage vs. two-stage DCI, DCI format types, PDCCH monitoring adaptation, and downlink control reliability. The document strongly favors evolving NR's single-stage DCI baseline…
Nokia requires single-stage DCI for common signaling search spaces and proposes RAN1 clarify the problem statement and evaluate drawbacks of two-stage DCI before design discussions. They require fallback DCI formats and only a single configurable non-fallback DCI format for…
R1-2601843 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.4.3
Views on HARQ related aspects in 6GR
Nokia's contribution discusses HARQ operation for 6GR, presenting 9 proposals and 9 observations focused on reducing UL/DL scheduling coordination, mitigating missed DL assignments, defining HARQ-ACK payload sizes, studying L1/L2 feedback signaling, analyzing NACK-to-ACK error impact, exploring finer granularity…
Nokia proposes studying HARQ enhancements that decouple UL and DL scheduling to reduce tight coordination requirements present in NR, specifically by removing the link between HARQ-ACK feedback transmission timing and DL assignment timing and decoupling DL scheduling information…
R1-2601844 Nokia discussion not treated 10.5.5
On other physical layer signals, channels and procedures in 6GR
Nokia's 6GR contribution presents 19 proposals and 5 observations across four technical areas: cross-link interference (CLI) handling for advanced duplexing, remote interference management (RIM), scheduling request (SR), and MRSS coexistence, with particular emphasis on CLI measurement frameworks and RIM…
Nokia proposes using dynamic TDD and gNB semi-static SBFD as the starting duplexing schemes for CLI handling in 6GR. For UE-to-UE CLI, Nokia requires prioritizing layer-1 measurements over layer-3 measurements, citing faster tracking of interference conditions and spatial filter…
R1-2601845 Nokia discussion not treated 10.6.1.1
On the design of WUS with OFDM based sequence
Nokia presents 19 observations and 9 proposals for the design of a 6G OFDM-based Wake-Up Signal (WUS) in Release 20, focusing on CFO assumptions, sequence selection, information mapping, and coverage targets to enable energy-efficient UE operation.
Nokia proposes that RAN1 should assume a residual CFO of 2 ppm for the EE processing state rather than the previously agreed 5 ppm, arguing this benefits WUS signal design. They require RAN1 to explore sequence families beyond Zadoff-Chu, specifically m-sequence and Gold…
R1-2601846 Nokia discussion not treated 10.6.1.2
On WUS operation in different RRC states
This 3GPP RAN1 document from Nokia presents 16 proposals and 10 observations concerning 6G DL WUS operation across RRC Idle/Inactive and Connected modes, with extensions to IoT. The contribution covers WUS monitoring configuration, EE processing state impacts on measurements, and PDCCH monitoring adaptation features,…
Nokia proposes that 6GR DL WUS monitoring be duty-cycled with predefined time occasions and that PDCCH/PDSCH-based paging be supported as the triggered response. They argue that using EE processing state for serving and neighbor cell RRM measurements is feasible and…
R1-2601847 Nokia discussion not treated 10.6.2
On Uplink WUS and corresponding operation
This Nokia Tdoc addresses the design, feasibility, and deployment scenarios for Uplink Wake-up Signal (UL WUS) in 6G. It provides 18 proposals and 8 observations, covering signal design for different RRC states, BS receiver feasibility, and detailed operational analysis across standalone and multi-cell/carrier…
Nokia proposes that the UL WUS signal type should reuse existing uplink signals: PRACH preamble for RRC Idle/Inactive UEs and existing uplink signals/channels (SRS, UL DMRS, SR, PUCCH, PUSCH) for RRC Connected UEs. They argue against a dedicated low-power BS receiver module for…
R1-2601848 Nokia discussion not treated 10.7.1
On NTN specific requirements and design for GNSS based operation in 6GR
Nokia's contribution to the 3GPP RAN1 #124bis meeting on 6G NTN discusses GNSS-based operation requirements, proposing 21 specific technical recommendations and 2 observations. The document argues for maximum harmonization between terrestrial (TN) and non-terrestrial (NTN) 6G designs, with NTN-specific features…
Nokia requires that all 6GR NTN capable devices support accurate pre-compensation (GNSS-based or via detailed prior geo-location), and that the 6GR system supports NTN from day one with maximum similarity to TN design. They propose that network-verified UE location features be…
R1-2601850 Nokia discussion not treated 10.8.1
On sensing evaluations in 6GR
This Nokia contribution for the 3GPP RAN1 #124bis meeting outlines 23 proposals and 2 observations for structuring the 6G sensing study within the FS_6G_Radio work item. It recommends prioritizing aNB-based monostatic and bistatic sensing modes, reusing Rel-19/20 ISAC channel models and evaluation methodologies as a…
Nokia proposes prioritizing aNB-based monostatic and aNB-aNB bistatic sensing modes for the 6G study, arguing UE-based sensing capability is limited due to fewer antenna elements and inability to support simultaneous transmission and reception. They require inter-cell and…
R1-2601851 Nokia discussion not treated 10.8.2
On integration of sensing and communications in 6GR
This Nokia contribution on 6G sensing integration contains 12 proposals and 2 observations, covering sensing RS design, multiplexing, measurement/reporting frameworks, beam management, and sensing-assisted communications. The document establishes TDM-based sensing RS as a baseline, proposes basing sensing RS on…
Nokia proposes TDM-based sensing RS as the baseline candidate for 6G sensing integration, with FDM-based approaches identified for further study without precluding coexistence with the baseline. They recommend CSI-RS or SRS as the basis for sensing RS design—explicitly rejecting…
R1-2601852 Nokia discussion not treated 10.8.3
On waveform for sensing in 6GR
This Nokia contribution to the 6G sensing study proposes reusing 5G NR baseline OFDM waveforms (CP-OFDM for DL, DFT-s-OFDM and CP-OFDM for UL) for sensing, with studies on enhancements including pulse waveforms like FMCW. It presents preliminary evaluation results showing CP-OFDM outperforms OTFS and DFT-s-OFDM in…
Nokia proposes that the RAN1-#122 agreements on baseline waveforms for 6G communications (CP-OFDM for DL, CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM for UL) apply directly to 6G sensing, reusing CP-OFDM as the DL basis waveform and both CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM as UL basis waveforms for sensing. They…
R1-2601765 Qualcomm LS in treated 5
LS on early indication via RACH partitioning
RAN2 has identified excessive RACH resource partitioning in 5G NR due to early indication of features via Msg1, leading to inefficiency and complex configurations. They request RAN1 to consider studying which RACH features truly need Msg1 indication versus those that can wait for Msg3 or later in 6G design, proposing…
Qualcomm (as RAN2 source) identifies excessive partitioning of RACH resources in 5G NR due to early indication of RACH features and their combinations via Msg1 as a design pitfall to avoid in 6G. They propose studying which RACH features absolutely need Msg1 indication versus…
R1-2601907 SageRAN discussion not treated 10.7.1
Discussion on NTN specific issues for 6GR
This document from SageRAN discusses NTN-specific issues for 6G Radio, presenting 2 Observations and 7 Proposals across five areas: initial TA command enhancement, frequency adjustment command, mobility measurement based on beam coverage, scheduling offset, and TDD frame structure.
SageRAN proposes studying the possibility of negative TA command values in RAR for NTN random access when UE pre-compensation exceeds RTD, while leaving PRACH detection for over pre-compensation advance to gNB implementation and suggesting consideration of PRACH format with…
R1-2601758 Samsung LS in treated 5
LS on RAN4 down-selected AI/ML use cases
This document is a Liaison Statement (LS) from RAN WG4 to RAN, informing RAN of RAN4's down-selection and prioritization of ten AI/ML use cases for the Rel-20 6G study item. RAN4 requests RAN to consider this prioritization, which sequences work on AI-based non-linearity compensation, SRS power imbalance compensation,…
Samsung (as source RAN WG4, contact person He (Jackson) Wang) presents RAN4's agreed prioritization for Rel-20 6G AI/ML use cases. RAN4 prioritizes studying AI-based DPoD at NW first, explicitly deferring the study of AI-based DPD at UE until the DPoD study provides a…
R1-2601803 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.3.1
Discussion on channel coding for 6GR
Spreadtrum/UNISOC presents 3 proposals and 2 observations on 6G channel coding, covering data channel LDPC extension and control channel Polar code design for payloads beyond NR range. The document argues for preserving NR LDPC parameters (maximum code block size of 8448 and 22 information columns) and prioritizing…
Spreadtrum/UNISOC proposes that the LDPC extension beyond NR range retain the maximum code block size of 8448 and 22 information columns in the base graph, arguing that the 22×384 configuration fully preserves the NR LDPC structure and enables maximum reuse of existing…
R1-2601804 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.3.2
Discussion on modulation for 6GR
In R1-2601804, Spreadtrum presents discussion and proposals on 6GR modulation across four areas: higher-order modulation evaluation, constellation shaping (probabilistic and geometric), PAPR evaluation, and control channel modulation. The document contains 11 observations and 8 proposals, arguing against probabilistic…
Spreadtrum proposes parallel and independent evaluations between RAN1 and RAN4 for DL 4096QAM and UL 1024QAM, with RAN1 focusing only on ideal baseband performance without RF impairment modeling, and requires alignment with RAN4's existing prioritization of UL 1024QAM. They…
R1-2601805 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.4
Discussion on energy efficiency
Spreadtrum presents 9 proposals and 2 observations on UE and NW power consumption modeling for 6G energy efficiency evaluations, addressing remaining issues from previous meetings including low power modes, paging rates, processing state values, and scaling rules.
Spreadtrum proposes studying whether the BS LP/EE mode is an isolated state versus a mode performed during a sleep state with additional relative power value. They require reusing UE/Group paging rates from TR 38.869 and require companies to report specific values for N and…
R1-2601806 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.0
Discussion on 6GR general aspects and frameworks
This Spreadtrum/UNISOC contribution to the 3GPP RAN1 #124bis meeting presents 21 proposals and 2 observations covering 6G Radio (6GR) general aspects, including maximum bandwidth, scalability, spectrum aggregation via 'Gothia cell', duplexing, and MRSS. The document aims to establish a practical framework for 6GR…
Spreadtrum/UNISOC requires a 20MHz smallest maximum UE bandwidth (Alt 1) for lower-tier 6GR devices, arguing that 20MHz offers an optimal balance between complexity reduction (35-70%) and system performance compared to 5MHz. They propose Option 2 (double 200MHz RF with single…
R1-2601807 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.1.1
Discussion on synchronization acquisition and beam measurement
Spreadtrum (UNISOC) presents 43 proposals and 8 observations on 6GR synchronization acquisition and beam measurement, advocating a conservative evolutionary approach that largely inherits NR's initial access procedures, SSB structure, and signaling while selectively enhancing energy efficiency, coverage, and beam…
Spreadtrum proposes that 6GR initial access design should inherit NR's fundamental procedures, SSB structure (20 PRBs, 4 OFDM symbols), and PSS/SSS/PBCH architecture as the baseline, with a default SSB periodicity of 40ms for initial access to balance UE experience and network…
R1-2601808 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.1.2
Discussion on 6GR PRACH and RACH procedure
Spreadtrum presents 2 observations and 17 proposals on 6G PRACH and RACH procedure design, arguing that NR features introduced after Rel-16 have seen limited deployment and advocating for a unified random access framework with all necessary features integrated from 6G Day-1.
Spreadtrum proposes that all necessary PRACH features be integrated into a unified random access framework from 6GR Day-1, citing limited commercial deployment of post-Rel-16 NR features as justification. They propose studying PRACH capacity increases via RO configuration and…
R1-2601809 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.1.3
Discussion on bandwidth operation
This Spreadtrum contribution provides 8 proposals and 2 observations on 6GR bandwidth part (BWP) operation across initial access, idle mode, and connected mode, focusing on reusing NR mechanisms while addressing spectrum fragmentation and BWP switching complexity.
Spreadtrum proposes reusing NR's mechanism for determining CORESET-0 via MIB and the concept of initial DL/UL BWP as a starting point for 6GR. They require that SIB1, Msg2, Msg4, and scheduling PDCCH bandwidths be confined within CORESET-0, while Msg1, Msg3, and PUCCH for Msg4…
R1-2601810 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.2.1
Discussion on downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink control channels
This Spreadtrum contribution to the 3GPP 6G study item provides a comprehensive framework for the 6G-R (6GR) downlink control channel (PDCCH) design, largely reusing NR as a baseline. It contains 45 total proposals and 4 observations covering general PDCCH structure, transmission parameters, CORESET design, search…
Spreadtrum proposes largely inheriting the NR PDCCH structure (CORESET, CCE, REG, REG bundles, hash functions) as the baseline for 6GR, requiring REG to consist of one RB in one OFDM symbol to avoid resource fragmentation. They require supporting only QPSK modulation for 1-stage…
R1-2601811 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.2.2
Discussion on downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink shared channels for 6GR
Spreadtrum presents a comprehensive analysis of downlink transmission schemes for 6G, containing 21 proposals and 5 observations covering PDSCH design, DMRS, PTRS, and MRSS aspects. The document argues for simplifying 6G designs relative to 5G NR by unifying schemes, minimizing configurations, and avoiding marginal…
Spreadtrum proposes maintaining 5G NR layer limits (max 8 layers, 2 codewords) and a baseline layer mapping rule where the first half layers map to CW0 and remaining to CW1, with a single MCS per codeword. They require a single PDSCH mapping type to reduce receiver complexity…
R1-2601812 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
Discussion on uplink transmission scheme(s) for uplink channels for 6GR
Spreadtrum's contribution to 3GPP RAN1#124b provides 23 proposals and 5 observations on 6G uplink transmission schemes, covering PUSCH antenna ports, DMRS design with AI/ML overhead reduction, resource allocation, PUCCH formats, and new technologies like L1 UE aggregation and remote shared uplink panels.
Spreadtrum proposes limiting 6G Day 1 PUSCH antenna ports to {1,2,4}, with 8-port studied only for CPE/FWA, arguing 8-port UEs have not been commercially used despite NR spec support. They propose a simplified unified uplink codebook supporting coherent type consumption, full…
R1-2601813 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Discussion on beam management for downlink and uplink for 6GR
Spreadtrum presents 2 observations and 11 proposals on 6G beam management, arguing NR beam management effectively improves performance but suffers from excessive spec complexity across releases. They propose a unified 6G framework integrating NW-initiated and UE-initiated beam management, enhanced with AI/ML for…
Spreadtrum proposes adopting hybrid beamforming as the fundamental 6G architecture and using NR beam measurement procedures (P1/P2/P3, U1/U2/U3) and the NR unified TCI framework as the baseline for 6G design. They propose studying a unified beam management framework that…
R1-2601814 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
Discussion on aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition for 6GR
Spreadtrum's R1-2601814 presents 21 proposals and 12 observations on 6G downlink CSI acquisition, covering a unified CSI framework, basic CSI-RS design supporting up to 128 ports, and AI/ML-based CSI compression and low-overhead CSI-RS. The document recommends postponing two-side AI/ML models (JSCC/JSCM) until NR work…
Spreadtrum proposes a unified CSI acquisition framework spanning sTRP, mTRP, mTRP calibration, and early CSI scenarios, preferring to study inclusion of candidate cell early CSI rather than creating separate frameworks. They oppose L2-based (MAC-CE) CSI reporting as a Day-1 6G…
R1-2601815 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
Discussion on aspects of uplink-based CSI acquisition for 6GR
This Spreadtrum contribution presents 14 proposals and 4 observations on 6G SRS design, addressing antenna port configurations, transmission schemes, AI-based overhead reduction, and integration with sensing. The document covers baseline SRS features inherited from NR alongside new study areas for 6GR including…
Spreadtrum recommends focusing 6GR Day1 SRS design on {1,2,3,4} antenna ports rather than >8 ports, citing lack of commercial 8-port device deployment despite NR Rel-18 support. They propose reusing NR baselines including Zadoff-Chu sequences, periodic/SP/aperiodic time-domain…
R1-2601816 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 PT-RS and TRS in 6GR, making 4 proposals. The company advocates for a dedicated PT-RS design based on the mature 5G NR framework and proposes reusing CSI-RS with dedicated configuration for TRS, while recommending a study to assess whether existing NR…
Spreadtrum proposes introducing a dedicated PT-RS design specifically tailored for phase noise estimation, arguing that existing 6GR reference signals (CSI-RS, DMRS, SRS) are insufficient due to their distinct design principles. They propose reusing the 5G NR PT-RS sequence and…
R1-2601817 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.4.1
Discussion on downlink control channel, scheduling for DL and UL transmission
{ "summary": "This Spreadtrum contribution discusses downlink control channel and scheduling design for 6GR, presenting 120 proposals and 21 observations across DCI formats, DCI structures, DCI size/budget, L1 signaling for DL/UL scheduling, PDCCH energy efficiency, and two-stage DCI. Key positions include reusing…
R1-2601818 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.4.3
Discussion on HARQ related aspects
This Spreadtrum contribution discusses 6G HARQ-related aspects, presenting 22 observations and 15 proposals across feedback timing, codebook design, processing timelines, ARQ integration, and HARQ process management. The document advocates for simplifying NR's complex HARQ framework by reducing codebook types,…
Spreadtrum proposes simplifying 6G HARQ timing by introducing a single reference time and one point for HARQ-ACK on PUCCH and UCI mapping on PUSCH, arguing against NR's complex symbol-level overlap checking with variable PUCCH resource sets and PRI-based resource determination…
R1-2601819 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.5.5
Discussion on other physical layer signals, channels and procedure
This Spreadtrum contribution discusses other physical layer signals, channels, and procedures for 6GR, focusing on scheduling request mechanisms, interference management (UE-to-UE, BS-to-BS, remote), and NR-6GR coexistence. The document contains 11 numbered proposals/observations across these areas.
Spreadtrum requires that 6GR physical uplink control signaling carry scheduling requests combinable with other UCI, and requires support for the SR+BSR mechanism while proposing further study of contention-based UL transmission. For interference management, they propose studying…
R1-2601820 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.6.1.1
Discussion on design of WUS with OFDM based sequence
Spreadtrum's contribution to RAN1#124bis provides 9 proposals on 6G DL WUS design, emphasizing a unified OFDM-based sequence approach for all device types and RRC states. The document covers evaluation assumptions, waveform selection, synchronization, and information content across multiple design dimensions.
Spreadtrum proposes a unified DL WUS design for all device types to avoid market fragmentation. They prefer CP-OFDM waveform over DFT-S-OFDM based on Rel-18 power consumption evaluations showing marginal UE-side difference and cite loss of PAPR advantage when frequency-division…
R1-2601821 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.6.1.2
Discussion on WUS operation in RRC states
Spreadtrum provides 2 observations and 7 proposals on DL WUS operation across RRC idle/inactive and connected modes for 6GR, focusing on leveraging NR LP-WUS mechanisms as a baseline while addressing coverage limitations and simplifying connected-mode wake-up signaling.
Spreadtrum proposes that NR LP-WUS mechanisms serve as the starting point for 6GR DL WUS occasion configuration, wake-up delay definition, and connected-mode operation (Options 1-1 and 1-2). They require only one type of DL-WUS in connected mode to avoid duplicated…
R1-2601822 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.6.2
Discussion on uplink WUS and operation
Spreadtrum/UNISOC presents 9 proposals and 2 observations discussing UL WUS for 6G on-demand SI/SSB triggering. The document analyzes necessity and feasibility per deployment scenario, advocating study of UL WUS for SIB1/SIBx/SSB in specific cases, and proposes PRACH as a unified design starting point.
Spreadtrum/UNISOC proposes studying UL WUS for on-demand SIB1 in DS#1b and DS#2b, on-demand SIBx in DS#1c, and on-demand SSB/SIB1 in DS#2a under the assumption of good inter-carrier synchronization. They argue DS#1a is infeasible due to lack of UE discovery and measurement…
R1-2601823 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.7.1
Discussion on NTN specific requirements and design for GNSS based operation
Spreadtrum presents 12 proposals and 2 observations on 6G NTN design for GNSS-based operation, covering time-frequency synchronization, timing relationships, capacity improvements, beam management, and energy efficiency with a strong emphasis on unified TN/NTN designs.
Spreadtrum proposes reusing 5G NTN solutions extensively, with GNSS-based operation as the baseline mechanism for UL time-frequency synchronization and 5GA NR NTN GNSS resilience outcomes as the starting point for GNSS-degraded and GNSS-free/GNSS-less operation. They prefer…
R1-2601824 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.8.1
Discussion on performance evaluation for 6GR ISAC
This document from Spreadtrum/UNISOC proposes a structured evaluation framework for 6G Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), containing 6 total proposals. It defines deployment scenario-to-target type mapping, a phased evaluation approach prioritizing target detection then tracking, baseline sensing modes and…
Spreadtrum/UNISOC proposes adopting a specific mapping between deployment scenarios (UMa and InF) and target types (UAV, vehicle, outdoor human, indoor human, AGV) for 6GR ISAC evaluation. They require a phased evaluation approach prioritizing target detection as the first use…
R1-2601825 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.8.2
Discussion on aspects of integration of sensing with communication
This Spreadtrum/UNISOC document provides analysis on integrating sensing with 6G communication, presenting 2 observations and 6 proposals. It evaluates the feasibility of reusing existing 6G reference signals for sensing, highlights the need for dedicated sensing reference signals, and addresses sensing…
Spreadtrum proposes studying the feasibility of reusing existing 6G DL and UL reference signals (CSI-RS, PRS, DMRS, PTRS, SRS) for sensing, while identifying major challenges including low unambiguous range/velocity and unknown precoding matrices in bistatic scenarios. They…
R1-2601826 Spreadtrum discussion not treated 10.8.3
Discussion on waveform and frame structure for ISAC
This Spreadtrum/UNISOC contribution to 3GPP RAN1 #124bis discusses waveform and frame structure for 6G ISAC, presenting 13 proposals and 14 observations. The document argues for CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM as baseline ISAC waveforms, proposes enhancements like extended CP/symbol duration and new SCS options for coverage…
Spreadtrum/UNISOC proposes CP-OFDM as the DL sensing waveform basis and both CP-OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM as UL sensing waveform bases, consistent with 5G NR communication waveform agreements. They propose studying OFDM-based waveform enhancements specifically targeting sensing…
R1-2601880 TCL discussion not treated 10.5.2.1
Downlink transmission schemes for downlink control channels
This TCL contribution to 3GPP RAN1 #124bis contains 7 proposals and 2 observations on 6G PDCCH design. TCL advocates preserving NR PDCCH flexibility while proposing enhancements for coverage (repetition, higher aggregation, longer CORESET), supporting SFN-based M-TRP, reusing NR DMRS as baseline, and studying MRSS…
TCL proposes preserving NR PDCCH flexibility through Search Space and CORESET concepts for 6G, with harmonized CCE and REG definitions across 5G and 6G to simplify multi-RAT spectrum sharing and PDSCH rate matching. They propose three specific coverage enhancement directions:…
R1-2601881 TCL discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
Other aspects for MIMO operation
This TCL contribution proposes two study areas for 6G MIMO operation: enhancing Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) time-domain flexibility beyond 5G NR's on-demand principle, and investigating the impact of SRS insertion loss imbalance and UE Rx imbalance on channel reciprocity in TDD systems for joint DL/UL CSI…
TCL argues that 5G NR TRS periodic configuration lacks sufficient flexibility for energy saving, and proposes studying flexible time-domain behavior including trigger mechanisms and periodic adaptation. They identify non-reciprocal insertion loss at the UE RF link as a critical…
R1-2601896 TCL discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Discussion on beam management for downlink and uplink
This document from TCL presents 24 proposals and 7 observations on beam management for 6G RAN, covering NR Rel-19 evolution, AI/ML integration, initial access enhancements, multi-carrier/bandwidth scenarios, and UE-initiated mechanisms as baseline features from day one.
TCL proposes retaining NR's hybrid architecture of analog antennas and digital links as a baseline for 6G millimeter wave and 7-24 GHz bands, evolving NR beam management with targeted enhancements. They propose that legacy periodic/semi-persistent beam reporting and UE-initiated…
R1-2601905 TCL discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
Transmission schemes for 6GR UL channels
TCL presents 1 observation and 11 proposals for 6GR uplink channel design, covering PUCCH format simplification, PUSCH/PUCCH DMRS enhancements, uplink transmission schemes with multi-TRP support, and uplink precoding design for CSI acquisition.
TCL observes that the five PUCCH formats in 5G significantly increase UCI multiplexing difficulty, resource configuration overhead, and implementation complexity, and proposes limiting the number of PUCCH formats in 6G. For PUSCH DMRS, TCL proposes studying support for up to 48…
R1-2601906 TCL discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
Aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition
TCL's contribution (25 proposals) covers a comprehensive 6G CSI acquisition framework spanning template-based configurations, enhanced CSI-RS design with up to 256 ports, codebook simplification and downloadable codebooks, UE-initiated and adaptive CSI reporting, early CSI acquisition for mobility and state…
TCL proposes studying template-based CSI measurement and reporting configurations to replace RRC semi-static configuration with predefined standardized templates that enable batch parameter adjustment and state transition signaling, targeting reduced RRC reconfiguration delay…
R1-2601908 Thales discussion revised 10.7.1
Considerations on 6G Radio for NTN
Thales presents 12 proposals and 5 observations in this 6G NTN contribution, urging that NTN-specific requirements be integrated from the outset of 6G radio design rather than retrofitted as in 5G. The document covers harmonized TN/NTN design principles, deployment scenarios across multiple orbits and frequency bands,…
Thales requires that NTN-related technical considerations be addressed from the outset of 6G radio design to avoid the non-optimized adaptations that occurred when NTN was retrofitted into 5G NR. They propose studying a concatenated BCH outer code with LDPC inner code (BCH t ≈…
R1-2601917 Thales discussion not treated 10.3.1
Considerations on 6GR Channel Coding
This Thales-led contribution proposes studying a concatenated BCH outer code with extended LDPC for 6G to mitigate the error floor in high-reliability scenarios. The document contains 2 Observations in the Introduction, 3 Observations in the main study, and a total of 2 unique Proposals that are recapitulated in the…
Thales proposes studying a concatenated BCH outer code to ensure Quasi-Error-Free (QEF) performance, specifically observing that as LDPC code block sizes increase to 16896 bits, the impact of the inherent Error Floor can become more pronounced in high-throughput scenarios or…
R1-2601865 ZTE discussion not treated 10.5.2.2
Discussion on downlink transmission scheme(s) for downlink shared channels
This ZTE contribution to 3GPP RAN1#124 bis contains 33 proposals and 29 observations covering the 6GR downlink shared channel framework. It argues for prioritizing multi-TRP operation, unified DMRS design with up to 48 orthogonal ports, flexible codeword-to-layer mapping, and deprioritizing AI-based receiver and SIP…
ZTE proposes that 6GR downlink MIMO framework study focus on multi-TRP operation from initial access, with CJT and sDCI-based mTRP prioritized for day 1 deployment to address coverage, UPT, and peak data rate. They require a unified DMRS design based on Comb-3 CDM groups with…
R1-2601866 ZTE discussion not treated 10.5.2.3
Discussion on uplink transmission scheme(s) for uplink channels
This ZTE contribution on 6G uplink design contains 35 proposals and 8 observations, addressing enhancements to PUSCH, PUCCH, DMRS, and multi-TRP operation. The document prioritizes coverage enhancement, coherent transmission, flexible codeword-to-layer mapping, high-resolution codebooks, unified DMRS patterns based on…
ZTE proposes prioritizing uplink coverage enhancement for 6G at around 7 GHz through coherent transmission, advanced UL codebook design including high-resolution and frequency-selective codebooks, and mandatory increased UE transmit power of 26 dBm or more. They propose studying…
R1-2601867 ZTE discussion not treated 10.5.2.4
Discussion on beam management for downlink and uplink
This ZTE contribution for the 6G Radio study item proposes a cell-cluster-based beam management framework for 6GR to support multi-TRP/cell-free operations from Day-1. The document contains 7 observations analyzing 5G design shortcomings and 33 detailed proposals covering beam measurement/report, QCL and beam…
ZTE proposes adopting cell-cluster-based beam management as the foundational 6GR framework, defining TRP groups of up to 12-20 within a cluster for multi-TRP/cell-free Day-1 operation. They observe that 5G's overly complicated QCL-chain design including TRS proves commercially…
R1-2601868 ZTE discussion not treated 10.5.3.1
Discussion on aspects of downlink-based CSI acquisition
This ZTE document on 6G-R CSI acquisition presents 16 formal proposals and 12 observations covering a broad evolution from 5G-NR. Key areas include a flexible CSI framework with decoupled measurement/reporting, a unified fixed codebook based on enhanced Rel-16 eType-II, downloadable codebooks, AI-powered CSI…
ZTE proposes a decoupled CSI acquisition framework where measurement and report configurations, as well as their triggering, are separated to natively support features like AI/ML-based beam management and spatial-domain CSI-RS overhead reduction, and opposes moving CSI…
R1-2601869 ZTE discussion not treated 10.5.3.2
Discussion on aspects of uplink-based CSI acquisition
This ZTE contribution discusses the design of the 6G RAN (6GR) SRS, providing 4 observations and 18 proposals across 6 sections. The document advocates for a lean, unified, and flexible SRS framework covering resource configuration, coverage/capacity, frequency hopping, DL CSI acquisition, and AI/ML use cases, with a…
ZTE proposes a lean and streamlined 6GR SRS design where one SRS resource or transmission can be dynamically reused for multiple usages, including UL CSI acquisition, DL CSI acquisition, and beam management, to avoid the inefficiency of 5G NR's separate configurations per usage.…
R1-2601870 ZTE discussion not treated 10.5.3.3
Discussion on other aspects of CSI acquisition and channel tracking
This ZTE contribution contains 7 Observations and 7 Proposals across two main technical areas: joint DL/UL CSI acquisition and reference signal design for tracking in 6G. The document argues for compressed covariance reporting and AI/ML-based CSI-RS/SRS fusion while opposing IPN reporting and 512 TXRU configurations,…
ZTE proposes studying joint CSI-RS and SRS based CSI acquisition in 6GR, supporting compressed covariance report for DL CSI acquisition by reconstructing channel covariance matrix from UE-reported indices and quantized values of top-L diagonal elements. They oppose the 512 TXRUs…

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