6G-SANDBOX: Pioneering 6G Experimentation in Europe

As the journey towards 6G gains momentum, the 6G-SANDBOX project is emerging as a key enabler of next-generation network experimentation. This initiative, part of the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) portfolio, provides a modular, open, and reusable testing environment to validate 6G technologies and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). With trial networks established in Athens, Berlin, Málaga, and Oulu, 6G-SANDBOX is set to accelerate research and innovation in European 6G development.

The 6G-SANDBOX Trial Network

At the core of the project is the concept of the Trial Network (TN)—a fully configurable, manageable, and controllable infrastructure. These networks integrate physical and digital nodes, allowing experimenters to test advanced 6G concepts, including AI-driven network optimization, multi-connectivity, and sustainability-oriented architectures.

A key feature of 6G-SANDBOX is its support for multi-tenancy, ensuring that various stakeholders can securely and efficiently conduct long-term experiments. The infrastructure supports seamless orchestration and automation, reducing the manual effort required for provisioning and configuration.

NTN and Multi-Connectivity Integration

6G-SANDBOX also extends its focus to Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), aiming to integrate satellite and terrestrial communication for enhanced coverage and resilience. The project incorporates:

• OpenSAND, an emulator for end-to-end satellite communication.
• Keysight Portfolio, offering testing solutions for NTN validation.
• NTN User Stations, expanding experimentation capabilities.
• Victoria-Satellite, a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) to explore 6G-satellite integration.

Use Cases and Experimentation

The project facilitates a broad range of use cases, spanning various industries. Internally, it has validated Extended Reality (XR) and haptic communications, enabling immersive experiences through real-time remote interactions. Moreover, the platform is open to third-party experimenters, offering roles such as Trial Network Users (TNUs) and Technology Providers to drive further 6G advancements.

Among its key experimental areas is multi-connectivity, leveraging technologies like:

• Multipath TCP (MPTCP) for improved bandwidth and resilience.
• Multi-Connection Tactile Internet Protocol (MTIP) to enhance network awareness and responsiveness.

Key Milestones and Future Directions

Since its launch in January 2023, 6G-SANDBOX has achieved significant milestones:

• Reference Architecture Development: The facility’s architecture has been designed and detailed in deliverables such as D2.1.
• Advancements in Compute and Connectivity: The project has deployed O-RAN infrastructure, expanded transport networks with LEO satellite components, and integrated Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS).
• Contributions to Standards and Collaboration: 6G-SANDBOX has actively engaged with 3GPP (SA2 & SA6), contributed to ETSI SDG OpenCAPIF, and established MoUs with ESA, ITRI, and SLICES-RI.
• Outreach and Open Calls: With 7 selected projects from Open Call#1, 6G-SANDBOX has expanded its experimental platforms. Open Call#2 invites further participation from industry and academia to validate 6G applications.

A recent presentation titled NTN/TN integration with a focus on multi-connectivity was delivered by the 6G-SANDBOX team at Hexa-X-II NTN Workshop on 7 November 2024. The slides are available here, and the video is embedded below.