AI-driven 6G receiver advances coverage capabilities

Nokia, in collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz, has engineered a revolutionary 6G radio receiver enhanced with AI technology. This innovation promises to tackle one of the looming challenges of 6G – coverage limitations due to the higher-frequency spectrum.

Integrating machine learning into the receiver significantly boosts uplink range, which will be instrumental in expanding coverage for forthcoming 6G networks. Such technological advancements will allow network operators to deploy 6G using existing 5G frameworks, thus reducing costs and speeding up the market introduction process.

Developed by Nokia Bell Labs, the receiver has been validated with state-of-the-art 6G testing equipment and methodologies. A proof-of-concept will be showcased at the upcoming Brooklyn 6G Summit on 6 November 2025.

Nokia Bell Labs and Rohde & Schwarz have conducted real-world trials of this cutting-edge AI receiver, observing uplink distance enhancements over current technologies by 10% to 25%. The testing utilised an R&S SMW200A vector signal generator for uplink signal creation and channel emulation. Meanwhile, on the receiving side, the new FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer performs AI inference for Nokia's receiver.

Beyond extending coverage, the AI enhancements also promise better throughput and power efficiency, amplifying the potential advantages of this technology in the 6G era. The collaboration highlights Rohde & Schwarz's long-standing expertise in test and measurement, bolstering the development of next-generation wireless technologies.