As global competition accelerates in the race toward advanced mobile networks, artificial intelligence is emerging as a defining force—especially in the evolution of radio access networks (RAN). Among the most transformative innovations is AI-RAN, which integrates AI directly into base stations to create smarter, more efficient, and adaptive networks.
At the forefront of this transformation is Samsung Electronics, a key player in shaping AI-RAN technology and the broader roadmap for 6G. In the third installment of Samsung Newsroom’s 6G series, Charlie Zhang, Senior Vice President of Samsung’s 6G Research Team, shares insights into how AI is reshaping network architectures and preparing the industry for the next era of wireless communication.
Reimagining 6G: Shifting the Focus to Experience and Sustainability
As the mobile landscape evolves, performance is no longer defined solely by data rates or latency. Today’s users demand reliable connectivity, energy efficiency, and enhanced user experiences.
“End users now prioritize reliable connectivity and longer battery life over raw performance metrics,” said Zhang. “The focus has shifted beyond technical specs to the overall user experience.”
Since 2020, Samsung has been actively conducting research on 6G technologies. In February 2025, it published a white paper titled “AI-Native & Sustainable Communication,” which outlines a future-forward strategy for 6G across four core pillars:
- AI-Native
- Sustainable Networks
- Ubiquitous Coverage
- Secure and Resilient Connectivity
“AI isn’t just part of 5G — it will be foundational to 6G,” Zhang emphasized. “By embedding AI from the design phase, we can build intelligent, autonomous networks. That’s what we mean by ‘AI-Native.’”
Transforming Network Architecture with AI-RAN
To realize the full potential of 6G, a significant shift in network architecture is required — and it begins at the RAN level.
Historically, RAN relied on purpose-built hardware for base stations and antennas. But with growing data traffic and demand for real-time services, this approach has shown limitations in latency, transmission capacity, and energy efficiency — all while requiring high operational overhead.
This led to the introduction of Virtualized RAN (vRAN), which replaces hardware dependencies with software-based functions running on cloud-native, general-purpose servers. Samsung has already deployed vRAN at scale across the U.S. and other global markets, proving its benefits in cost efficiency, scalability, and flexibility.
Building on this foundation, AI-RAN represents the next leap forward. It infuses AI into the RAN to create self-learning, self-optimizing networks that continuously adapt in real time. The benefits include:
- Enhanced performance
- Reduced energy consumption
- Real-time operational intelligence
- Improved network stability
“For example, AI-RAN can anticipate a user’s movement or radio environment to determine the optimal transmission method,” said Zhang. “It can also dynamically manage complex signal processing to minimize latency and allocate network resources based on real-time usage patterns.”
Proving the Potential: Research and Demonstration
Samsung is backing its AI-RAN ambitions with deep research in AI-based signal processing, channel estimation, and network automation — all of which are being validated through Proof of Concept (PoC).
At MWC 2025, Samsung demonstrated how AI-RAN improves resource utilization even in noisy, interference-heavy environments.
“AI-based channel estimation allows us to accurately model dynamic, noisy conditions,” Zhang explained. “This leads to more efficient resource allocation and better overall network performance.”
AI also significantly enhances modem signal processing by improving modulation and demodulation, resulting in higher data throughput and lower latency.
On the automation side, AI-RAN continually monitors user experience and environmental changes, dynamically adjusting coding schemes, modulation, and resource management. This predictive capability allows networks to detect and prevent potential failures — reducing operational complexity and improving reliability.
“These AI-driven advances enhance both network efficiency and user satisfaction, marking a major step forward in next-generation communication,” Zhang added.
Driving Global Progress Through Collaboration
Samsung is not pursuing AI-RAN innovation alone. International partnerships and standardization efforts are key to accelerating progress — and one of the leading platforms for this is the AI-RAN Alliance.
“Global collaboration accelerates knowledge sharing and industry adoption,” Zhang said. “Samsung is a founding member of the AI-RAN Alliance, where we serve as vice chair of the board and chair of the AI-on-RAN Working Group.”
These leadership roles allow Samsung to help shape the global AI-RAN ecosystem and ensure cross-industry alignment on research, standards, and real-world deployments.
Looking Ahead
As 5G evolves and the world prepares for 6G, AI is becoming not just an enhancement—but a foundation. With its pioneering work in AI-RAN, Samsung is setting the stage for smarter, greener, and more user-centric mobile networks.
By embedding intelligence at every layer of the network, Samsung aims to lead a new era of wireless communication where adaptability, sustainability, and seamless experiences become the norm.
