In a significant stride towards next-generation wireless technologies, Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAVI), a leader in network testing and assurance, announced breakthroughs in 6G and artificial intelligence (AI) research through its 6G Forward Program. The advancements, unveiled on April 4, 2024, in Chandler, Arizona, include the development of a city-scale digital twin and a novel AI-native air interface, setting the stage for the first AI-native generation of wireless communications.
Groundbreaking City-Scale Digital Twin
VIAVI’s ambitious project began in 2022, in collaboration with the Institute for Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University, focusing on creating a city-scale digital twin of a 6G network. This digital twin employs advanced AI and machine learning (ML) to augment traditional ray tracing techniques for radio frequency (RF) propagation modeling. The collaboration has conducted extensive real-world measurement campaigns using VIAVI’s Ranger, a rugged RF capture and playback instrument, across Northeastern’s Boston campus.
Dr. Ian Wong, from VIAVI’s CTO Office, emphasized the crucial role of their AI/ML research in enabling the digital twin technology, which is poised to transform network emulation and monitoring solutions. Professor Tommaso Melodia, Director of the Wireless Internet of Things Institute, highlighted the use of VIAVI’s testing equipment in deploying high-fidelity digital twins on the Open RAN Digital Twinning platform, Colosseum. This initiative facilitates the development of AI-driven network solutions in a simulated, risk-free environment.
Innovative AI-Native Air Interface (AI-AI)
VIAVI’s research has also led to the creation of the AI-Native Air Interface (AI-AI), a paradigm shift in the development and commercialization of communication technologies. This new interface features a neural receiver concept, which proposes replacing traditional signal processing blocks with AI models to enhance data delivery and address communication challenges.
The company has developed a comprehensive testing and training environment for these neural receivers, including a novel AI-aided constellation design for modulation. Dr. Stephen Wang, Managing Director of VIAVI Marconi Labs, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of VIAVI’s 6G research on the industry, helping create networks that dynamically adapt to diverse environments and conditions.
About VIAVI
VIAVI Solutions Inc. stands at the forefront of network and light management technologies, providing critical solutions across telecommunications, cloud services, and various industrial sectors. As the world edges closer to the reality of 6G, VIAVI’s latest innovations not only promise enhanced network efficiencies but also herald a new era of AI integration in wireless communications, promising unprecedented advancements in how the world connects.
These technological leaps by VIAVI are set to accelerate partnerships with research labs and equipment manufacturers, driving forward the capabilities and implementation of next-generation wireless networks.