Nokia Opens 6G Lab Facility In Bengaluru

Telecom giant Nokia has made a significant stride towards the future of wireless technology with the establishment of its state-of-the-art 6G lab at the company’s global R&D center in Bengaluru, India. This “first-of-its-kind” project is set to revolutionize the way we perceive and interact with the digital and physical worlds.

A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

Nokia’s 6G lab in Bengaluru is more than just a research facility; it’s a hub for innovation and collaboration among industry stakeholders. The primary objective is to accelerate the development of fundamental technologies and innovative use cases that will shape the future of wireless communication. The lab offers a platform for various stakeholders to come together and test groundbreaking solutions, assessing their potential for commercialization.

Unveiling the “Network as a Sensor” Technology

One of the most intriguing aspects of Nokia’s 6G lab is its research into “network as a sensor” technology. This revolutionary concept enables wireless networks to act as sensors, capable of perceiving objects, people, and movement without the need for traditional on-board sensors. This technology holds the potential to enable us to “see around corners,” gather real-time information about our surroundings, and even interact with objects at a distance, blurring the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds.

Simultaneous Sensing and Communication

Unlike previous generations of wireless technology, Nokia’s 6G lab aims to fully integrate sensing capabilities into the wireless network infrastructure. This means that sensing and communication services can operate simultaneously, opening up a myriad of possibilities for applications and services that require real-time data from the environment.

Addressing Algorithm, Privacy, and Sustainability Challenges

In addition to groundbreaking technological advancements, the lab also serves as an experimental platform to address critical issues such as algorithm development, privacy concerns, and sustainable system design. These are pivotal aspects of shaping a robust and secure 6G ecosystem.

India’s Aspiration to Lead in 6G

The inauguration of Nokia’s 6G lab in Bengaluru was marked by a virtual ceremony attended by India’s Telecom Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw. He emphasized the importance of telecom technology in India’s Digital India Program and how the nation is aspiring to take the lead in 6G technology. This initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who aims to position India as a global leader in the 6G arena.

Nokia’s Global Contribution to 6G

Nokia’s leadership in 6G technology extends beyond the borders of India. The company is actively involved in various global projects and regional initiatives, collaborating with industry peers, customers, academia, and research institutions. These efforts aim to establish a common direction and vision for 6G technology, including participation in projects like 6G Hexa-X and Hexa-X-II, the European 6G Flagship’s first and second phases. Nokia also plays a pivotal role as a founding member of the Next G Alliance.

Fostering Collaborations with Premier Research Institutes

Nokia’s Bengaluru center is committed to supporting India’s ambition to make significant contributions to global 6G standards. The company is in the process of forging research collaborations with premier research institutes in India, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). These partnerships are poised to further amplify the impact of Nokia’s 6G research initiative.

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