Samsung Electronics has successfully verified technology with Japan's NTT Docomo that automatically optimizes communication quality per user by leveraging an artificial intelligence radio access network (AI-RAN). In tests using commercial network data, the frequency of service transmission speed degradation was reduced to half the previous level.
On the 10th, Samsung Electronics announced the successful verification of the AI-RAN-based “user-customized communication quality optimization technology” co-developed with NTT Docomo.
This technology predicts potential communication quality degradation by analyzing users' movement patterns, service usage patterns, and real-time wireless network conditions. When degradation is anticipated, it automatically applies optimal network settings, such as suitable frequency bands, tailored to individual users.
Traditional mobile networks typically apply uniform network settings to all devices connected to a single base station. The two companies have enabled network adjustments based on individual users' communication environments and service usage through AI.
For instance, if transmission speed degradation is expected during video streaming, the AI proactively detects this and modifies network settings. The goal is to reduce quality issues perceptible to users, such as buffering or reduced video quality.
In January, the companies conducted simulations based on data collected from NTT Docomo's Japanese commercial 5G network and testbed. The results showed a decrease in service transmission speed degradation frequency from 13.1% to 7.2%.
They also developed a data processing method to reduce network burdens during AI-RAN operations. Instead of collecting and processing all wireless environment data at once, the system selectively handles only the information necessary to address user-specific issues.
Samsung Electronics and NTT Docomo jointly submitted this network data processing procedure to the 3GPP, a mobile communication standardization body, in February. The companies plan to continue advancing AI-RAN technology and collaborate on 6G standardization.
Jung Jin-kook, Vice President and Head of Samsung Research's Next Generation Communications Research Center, stated, “This verification demonstrates that AI can tangibly enhance individual users' service experiences. We will continue collaborating with NTT Docomo to advance AI-RAN technology and standardization, leading the way in user-centric future communication technologies.”
Masafumi Masuda, Head of NTT Docomo's 6G Tech Department, emphasized, “This achievement marks significant progress toward realizing user-centric communication experiences in future networks. We will deliver new value to customers by enhancing AI-based technologies and service quality.”
