NVIDIA has announced new collaborations with major industry players, including T-Mobile, MITRE, Cisco, ODC, and Booz Allen Hamilton, to advance research and development for AI-native wireless networks in preparation for 6G.
AI integration is key to 6G evolution
The next generation of wireless networks must be deeply integrated with artificial intelligence to efficiently connect billions of devices, including phones, sensors, cameras, and autonomous machines. AI-native networks will significantly improve data transmission efficiency, enhance user experiences, and unlock new revenue streams for telecommunications providers.
“Next-generation wireless networks will be revolutionary, and we have an unprecedented opportunity to ensure AI is woven in from the start,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Working with leaders in the field, we’re building an AI-enhanced 6G network that achieves extreme spectral efficiency.”
Collaboration drives AI-powered innovation
NVIDIA is developing an AI-native wireless network stack using its AI Aerial platform. This platform enables software-defined radio access networks (RANs) powered by NVIDIA’s accelerated computing technology. AI-RAN, a key component of this initiative, integrates AI into radio signal processing to improve spectral efficiency and reduce operational costs.
The collaboration expands on the AI-RAN Innovation Center initiative launched by NVIDIA and T-Mobile last year. By working with additional partners, the companies aim to develop AI-powered solutions for 6G networks.
“This is an exciting next step to the AI-RAN Innovation Center efforts we began last September at our Capital Markets Day in partnership with NVIDIA,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “Working with these additional industry leaders on research to natively integrate AI into the network as we begin the journey to 6G will enable the network performance, efficiency, and scale to power the next generation of experiences that customers and businesses expect.”
MITRE, a nonprofit research organisation, will lead AI-driven projects related to network security, spectrum sharing, and integrated sensing for 6G networks.
“MITRE is working with NVIDIA to help make AI-native 6G a reality,” said Mark Peters, president and CEO of MITRE. “By integrating AI into 6G in the beginning, we can solve a wide range of problems, from enhancing service delivery to unlocking required spectrum availability to fuel wireless growth. Through all of our collaborations with NVIDIA, we look forward to creating impact in 6G, AI, simulation, transportation and more.”
Cisco, a key player in mobile networking, will focus on developing AI-driven mobile core and network technologies.
“With 6G on the horizon, it’s critical for the industry to work together to build AI-native networks for the future,” said Chuck Robbins, chair and CEO of Cisco. “Cisco is at the forefront of developing secure infrastructure technology for AI, and we are proud to work with NVIDIA and the broader ecosystem to create an AI-enhanced network that improves performance, reliability and security for our customers.”
ODC, backed by Cerberus Capital Management, will contribute AI-native software for virtual RAN deployments.
“The mobile industry has always taken advantage of advances in other technology fields, and today, no technology is more central than AI,” said Shaygan Kheradpir, chairman of the advisory board of ODC. “ODC is at the forefront of developing and deploying AI-native ORAN 2.0 networks, enabling service providers to on-ramp seamlessly from 5G to 6G by taking advantage of the vast AI ecosystem to redefine the future of connectivity.”
Booz Allen Hamilton will focus on AI-RAN security and testing. Its NextG lab will ensure that AI-native 6G platforms are resilient against cyber threats and will conduct field trials for applications such as autonomous systems and robotics.
“The future of wireless communications starts today, and it’s all about AI,” said Horacio Rozanski, chairman and CEO of Booz Allen. “Booz Allen has the technologies to make AI-native 6G networks a reality and revolutionize secure communications for an entirely new generation of intelligent platforms and applications.”
Expanding the AI Aerial research ecosystem
NVIDIA’s latest collaborations build on its existing AI-RAN and 6G research ecosystem, which supports over 2,000 members in the NVIDIA 6G Developer Program. The program includes more than 150 research institutions worldwide.
NVIDIA has also expanded its Aerial Research portfolio with new tools, including the Aerial Omniverse Digital Twin Service, the Aerial Commercial Test Bed on NVIDIA MGX, and the latest version of its Sionna research kit for wireless AI development.
As the industry moves towards AI-powered 6G networks, NVIDIA and its partners are leading the way in developing the infrastructure needed to make them a reality.
