Samsung Electronics said it has successfully verified a next-generation wireless network technology with Japan's mobile carrier NTT Docomo that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically optimize network quality for each user. The technology analyzes users' service usage patterns and the wireless environment with AI to predict quality degradation in advance and automatically select the optimal network.
Samsung Electronics said on the 10th it completed performance verification of an AI radio access network (AI-RAN)-based "user-customized network quality optimization technology" it co-developed with NTT Docomo. AI-RAN is a next-generation radio access network technology that uses AI to analyze and optimize the network autonomously.
Existing mobile networks applied the same network settings to all users connected to a single base station. As a result, in areas with poor radio conditions, connections could become unstable or speeds could drop.
The new technology comprehensively analyzes a user's movement route, service usage patterns, and real-time radio environment to predict potential quality degradation in advance, and automatically applies the optimal frequency band and network settings for each user.
For example, if buffering or reduced image quality is expected during video streaming, the AI detects it in advance and optimizes the network so users can watch high-definition video without interruption.
Using data secured in January from NTT Docomo's commercial network and a local 5th-generation (5G) test network in Japan, the two companies ran simulations and confirmed that the rate of service throughput degradation fell from 13.1% to 7.2%. The verification showed AI can contribute to tangible quality improvements by optimizing networks for individual users.
Samsung Electronics and NTT Docomo also co-developed a data processing technology that reduces network load during AI-RAN operations. Previously, radio environment information had to be collected and processed in bulk, but the new technology reduces network load by selecting and processing only the information needed for problem situations.
The two companies are also continuing 6th-generation (6G) mobile standardization cooperation, including a joint contribution to 3GPP, the global mobile communications standardization body, in February.
Jeong Jin-guk, head of the Next Generation Communication Research Center at Samsung Research (executive vice president), said, "This verification proves that AI can materially improve each user's communication experience," and added, "We will continue to advance AI-RAN technology and collaborate on standardization with NTT Docomo to lead user-centered next-generation communication technologies."
Masuda Masafumi, head of the 6G Tech Department at NTT Docomo, said, "This achievement is an important step toward realizing a user-centered communication experience in future networks," and noted, "We will enhance service quality and deliver new customer value through AI-based technologies."
Samsung Electronics plans to continue developing AI-based next-generation communication technologies through AI-RAN research, while expanding cooperation with domestic and overseas telecom operators and partners.