Germany Launches 6G-Access, Network of Networks, Automation and Simplification (6G-ANNA) Project

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung) recently announced the 6G-ANNA project. The website says (Google translated from German): 

The aim of the "6G Access, Network of Networks, Automation & Simplification (6G-ANNA)" project is to develop a holistic design for the sixth generation of mobile communications that includes a closed end-to-end architecture. For this purpose, the basics of radio access are first examined and innovative protocols and signal processing algorithms are designed and implemented. This is followed by the investigation of corresponding network management and orchestration approaches. The aim is to simplify and improve the interaction between people, technology and the environment. New sensors and algorithms for detecting human movements are making a contribution to this. For example, digital twins of complex machines in production can be precisely mapped so that they can be controlled remotely. Another focus is the investigation of 6G as a "network of networks" in which - similar to the Internet - different closed networks are flexibly connected. The focus here is on security aspects and resilience. Overall, flexibility and the reduction of energy consumption while maintaining the performance of the network are important goals in all research work - from individual radio access to the integration of multiple networks.

The "6G-ANNA" project makes a significant contribution to the development of technologies that enable the introduction of 6G. The German economy can build up the relevant know-how in order to later use 6G networks independently. Incentives are also created to increase the manufacturing of key components in Germany and Europe. At the same time, it is ensured that the requirements of the leading German industries are incorporated into the 6G standard. In this way, 6G technologies will become part of the cutting-edge technologies of the leading industries at an early stage. Overall, the results of the project make a significant contribution to technological sovereignty in Germany and Europe.

In a press release, Nokia said:

Nokia will lead 6G-ANNA, a German national-funded 6G lighthouse project, starting from 1st July 2022. Nokia will collaborate with the 29 partners in 6G-ANNA to lead and drive 6G research and standardization.

Funding for 6G-ANNA will come from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF), with an aim of strengthening and pushing German and European 6G agendas and driving global pre-standardization activities from a German and European perspective. 6G-ANNA is part of the larger “6G Platform German” national initiative and has a total volume of €38.4 million with a duration of three years.

Nokia will work closely with the consortium, which includes partners from industry, subject matter experts, start-ups, research institutes and distinguished universities in Germany.

Nokia will play an instrumental role in both 6G-ANNA and Germany’s wider 6G ecosystem. Within 6G-ANNA, Nokia will focus on designing an end-to-end 6G architecture and work with other project partners on three key technology areas: 6G access, network of networks, and automation and simplification. Selected topics such as sub-networks, XR, and real-time digital twinning will be implemented and presented as proof of concepts.

In addition, Nokia will interact with the German ecosystem, including four academic “6G Hubs” with more than 60 university chairs. Beyond Germany, 6G-ANNA aims to interact with other major 6G flagship projects in Europe and the U.S. to shape global 6G standards.

A presentation from 6G-ANNA is available here.

Related Posts: 

Posted by on

Comments

Post a Comment