Recent publications


Audrey Bienvenu
Eurescom GmbH

Projects and Working Groups in which Eurescom is actively contributing to, are at the forefront of key innovation milestones in 5G and 6G research. Recent publications showcase important advances across multiple areas: from the 6G SmartSat project’s pioneering work on dynamic routing in satellite mega-constellations, to the 5G-IS study outlining architectures for future space-based infrastructures. Within the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), major contributions have been made on defining 6G KPIs, establishing AI and ML as key enablers for next-generation networks, and shaping the evolving 6G architecture. Through the 6G-IA initiatives, further insights have been developed on emerging business models and ecosystem strategies, while promoting diversity and inclusion in the ICT sector through the WiTaR Working Group.

Together, these publications reflect Eurescom’s strong engagement in driving technological, architectural, business, and societal innovation toward a sustainable and inclusive 6G future.

6G SmartSat Wite Paper – Topology Semantic Routing for Mega-Constellations

Eurescom, as the prime coordinator of the 6G SmartSat ESA project, has released the white paper “Topology Semantic Routing for Mega-Constellations,” developed with Fraunhofer FOKUS, Airbus Defence and Space, and Deutsche Telekom. The paper introduces Topology Semantic Routing (TSR), an innovative solution for the dynamic routing challenges faced by Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) in LEO and MEO mega-constellations, where traditional protocols like OSPF and BGP fall short. TSR offers adaptive, real-time routing with minimal satellite compute load, using local information and pre-computed paths to maintain network resilience and efficiency without extensive signalling. It integrates with centralized routing models, supporting seamless 5G TN-NTN convergence, and addresses trade-offs between signalling and memory use. Future validation with OpenLANES will enhance its commercial readiness, marking a major step toward advancing multi-sector 6G satellite network applications.

 

 

 

5G-IS White Paper – 5G Space-based Infrastructure 

The 5G-IS (“5G System Infrastructure Study”), funded under ESA’s ARTES programme, explores architecture design options and evaluation criteria for deploying a 5G space-based infrastructure (5GSBI), extending toward 6G, to complement terrestrial networks. A special focus was given to satellite connectivity solutions for automotive and road transportation sectors, identified as a key market. Advances in space technologies, such as new launch and propulsion methods, have improved performance and reduced costs, enabling low Earth orbit satellite mega-constellations with lower latency. These developments highlight the growing role of satellite communication in future 5G/6G infrastructures, a trend acknowledged by 3GPP, which has integrated non-terrestrial networks (NTN) into its standards from Release 17 onwards, with expanding support in upcoming releases.

 

 

6G KPIs – Definitions and Target Values

The Test, Measurement, and KPIs Validation (TMV) Working Group (WG) of SNS JU focuses on developing and sharing best practices for 6G testing, monitoring, and analytics. The TMV WG aims to promote common methodologies across projects, support 6G trial Use Cases (UCs), and ensure a unified European vision for the 6G network lifecycle. A key objective is the definition and validation of performance KPIs. This white paper consolidates 6G KPIs from SNS JU projects, providing definitions, target values, and context to shape the 6G vision. Furthermore, the TMV WG promotes common collection procedures, validation methodologies, and analysis of KPI metrics. Various SNS JU projects provided the KPIs, which drive their technical developments.

 

 

 

 

SNS JU Technical Board – AI/ML as a Key Enabler of 6G Networks

The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), under Horizon Europe, is advancing Europe’s leadership in 6G by integrating AI and ML into future networks. A survey of 33 projects revealed 199 AI/ML-based mechanisms focused on RAN, resource management, diagnostics, and energy efficiency, mainly using supervised learning and deep learning methods. Projects rely on synthetic, real, and mixed datasets, with outputs targeting radio optimization, security, and resource management. Trends like Explainable AI (XAI) and privacy-preserving techniques such as federated learning are gaining importance. Through these efforts, SNS JU is laying the foundation for AI-native 6G networks while promoting ethical, sustainable innovation and reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty.

 

 

 

 

6G-IA Women in Telecommunications and Research (WiTaR) Working Group – Activity Reports 2024

The Women in Telecommunications and Research (WiTaR) Working Group is proud to present its 2024 Yearly Report. This report provides a snapshot of our efforts to promote the participation and advancement of women in telecommunications. Despite remarkable technological progress, the ICT industry still faces significant gender disparities, with women comprising less than 30% of the workforce globally and even lower representation in technical and leadership roles. These gaps limit diversity, hinder innovation, and reduce the sector’s potential. In 2024, WiTaR worked tirelessly to address these challenges through fostering inclusive workplace cultures, supporting mentorship and leadership development, and driving diversity-forward initiatives. Our activities this year reflect our ongoing commitment to building a more equitable ICT ecosystem.

 

 

 

 

 

6G-IA White Paper – Emerging 5G and Beyond Ecosystem Business Models

The telecommunications industry is adapting to new business dynamics introduced by 5G and preparing for similar challenges expected with 6G. Recognizing the importance of aligning technological advances with value creation, the 6G Industry Association (6G-IA) sub-working group Business Validation, Models, and Ecosystems (BVME-SG) has released a new white paper building on its previous work on 5G/B5G ecosystem business modeling. Using the Industry 4.0 vertical as an example, the paper applies a five-step framework to help stakeholders identify business opportunities and understand how ecosystem variations impact operations and strategy. It further explores the cost implications of ecosystem configurations, suggesting new methods for evaluating the technoeconomic viability of networks on a per-deployment and per-actor basis. Finally, the paper discusses the evolving roles within the 6G ecosystem, noting that, although 6G networks will be even more distributed and disaggregated than 5G, the same business modeling framework remains highly relevant for the transition.

 

 

 

6G Architecture Working Group White Paper – Towards 6G ­Architecture: Key Concepts, Challenges, and Building Blocks

This white paper has been prepared by the 6G Architecture working group of the Smart Network and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). It presents a comprehensive snapshot of the current architectural considerations explored by the SNS JU projects. It discusses the rationale for novel architectural components, the ongoing design efforts, and the future outlook for 6G. It analyses the blueprint for next-generation mobile networks, building on past experiences while integrating cutting-edge advancements. The structure follows the IMT-2030 framework, categorizing insights into the key usage scenarios and overarching architectural aspects.