By Anne Morris
Project brings REASON to multi-access networks for the 6G era
A demonstration of flagship 6G research initiative Project REASON is being showcased by the UK pavillion in Hall 7.
Standing for Realising Enabling Architectures and Solutions for Open Networks (REASON), the demonstration showcases an early implementation of Multi-Access Technology Real-Time Intelligent Controller (mATRIC) technology, described as a software platform that aims to pave the way for access technology-agnostic networks of the future.
The companies and research bodies participating in the demonstration are Digital Catapult, Nokia Bell Labs, pure LiFi, Teo Limited, University of Bristol, University of Strathclyde, and Weaver Labs.
According to Dimitra Simeonidou, a professor at University of Bristol Smart Internet Lab, who is project lead for REASON, the team is illustrating how the software platform seamlessly manages three distinct access technologies, Wi-Fi, 5G and LiFi, concurrently and intelligently.
In addition, mATRIC relies on a native intelligence approach to managing access networks, allowing it to focus on harnessing the full potential of AI for network optimisation and enhancement.
“Notably, we will demonstrate a neural radiance field (NeRF) application that creates immersive 3D experiences based on a series of 2D images collected across multiple access points and transmitted over the network,” Simeonidou told MWC Daily News ahead of the event.
Also being showcased is how Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) “can be used to offload a highly demanding and computationally intensive machine learning pipeline into specialised hardware located at the edge of the network, and how edge-powered parallelisation can be leveraged to improve application performance,” the professor said.
She added that mATRIC “serves as a pioneering example of emerging 6G network capabilities. It exemplifies the potential for native optimisation and predictive AI mechanisms within the 6G network infrastructure”.
In its early stages, the mATRIC platform aims to achieve key objectives including creating networks that are agnostic to access technology and addressing the challenge of complexity in access network management by incorporating data collection and monitoring directly within the 6G networks.
Collaborative approach to open networks
REASON was established in March 2023 using almost £12 million of UK government funding under the Future Open Network Research Challenge.
Two other research projects were also established under the challenge including TUDOR, which focuses on open network components for interoperability in diverse environments and is led by the University of Surrey; and YO-RAN in Yorkshire, which aims to develop open RAN components and a controller for neutral host networks, with a focus on low-cost radio units and efficient interfaces.
According to Simeonidou, “there is strong complementarity across the three projects, with YORAN focusing on advancing open RAN solutions, TUDOR addressing terrestrial/non-terrestrial convergence and REASON aiming on end-to-end AI-native future mobile networks”.
Project REASON is due to run until February 2025. The professor is confident that the project “will fulfil its purpose in delivering and demonstrating open networking 6G solutions with a particular focus on incorporating UK-born solutions such as compound semiconductor technologies, LiFi and new types of fibre”.
In addition, the team will be looking at “IP generation and future contributions to standards as part of the REASON commercialisation agenda”.
Professor Simeonidou is speaking in the Has 5G Done Enough to Ensure Investment in Future G’s? session today at 3:45pm on the Debate Stage.