Samsung and KDDI will research AI-driven solutions to optimize the design and operation of D-MIMO systems
Korean vendor Samsung Electronics and KDDI Research, the R&D institute of Japanese telecommunications service provider KDDI, have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for joint research into the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in next-generation mobile communication networks.
As 6G standardization gains momentum with AI technology expanding across industries, the two companies said they aim to enhance overall network performance by applying AI to multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technologies.
According to Samsung Electronics, MIMO systems increase transmission speed and expand coverage by utilizing multiple antennas to transmit and receive signals. In contrast to traditional MIMO systems that transfer data in a single-cell network, distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) systems deploy multiple cells to offer advantages such as improved performance in coverage boundary areas and the network overall.
Through this collaboration, the companies will research AI-driven solutions to optimize the design and operation of D-MIMO systems — enabling higher transmission speeds at the user level and increased network-wide capacity, Samsung Electronics added.
“The joint research with KDDI Research will play an integral role in innovating wireless telecommunications through the convergence of telecommunications and AI technologies,” said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, CTO of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics and Head of Samsung Research.
“I anticipate that our research collaboration will highlight the critical role of AI and D-MIMO in developing a user-centric network that delivers exceptional wireless quality across the target area, ultimately creating new value in 6G,” said Hajime Nakamura, president and CEO of KDDI Research, Inc.
Industry alliances, including the AI-RAN Alliance and the Next G Alliance (NGA), are pivotal to driving Samsung’s research on integrating AI into communication technologies, the Korean vendor added. In November 2024, Samsung hosted the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit to encourage greater collaboration in the industry.
Last month, Samsung Electronics released a new 6G white paper titled “AI-Native & Sustainable Communication,” exploring the latest advancements in next-generation mobile communication technologies.
Building upon its first 6G white paper, published in July 2020, this latest edition examines key trends shaping 6G standardization and future mobile communications. It highlights evolving market demands, emerging services, critical attributes of 6G and the technologies that will enable its development.
According to Samsung, the transition to 5G-Advanced will enhance existing 5G capabilities while incorporating AI to support new services and use cases — laying the groundwork for 6G technology.
The white paper highlights several key emerging services:
- Immersive extended reality (XR): Provides deeply engaging user experiences by seamlessly blending virtual and real-world environments, benefiting industries such as entertainment, healthcare and scientific research.
- Digital twin: Uses 6G technology to create virtual representations of physical objects, people and environments, allowing for remote monitoring, problem detection and management.
- Massive communication: Connects a vast number of sensors, devices and terminals, enabling automation and smart management of cities, homes and factories.
- Ubiquitous connectivity: Expands service areas by enhancing terrestrial network coverage and enabling seamless interaction between terrestrial and non-terrestrial components, such as satellites and high-altitude platforms (HAPS).
- Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): Facilitates broadband service delivery over wireless connections, reducing reliance on traditional wired infrastructure and driving telecommunications expansion.
