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Hexa-X will pave the way to the next generation of wireless networks (Hexa) by explorative research (X). The Hexa-X vision is to connect human, physical, and digital worlds with a fabric of sixth generation (6G) key enablers. The vision is driven by the ambition to contribute to objectives of growth, global sustainability, trustworthiness, and digital inclusion. Key 6G value indicators and use cases are defined against the background of technology push, society and industry pull as well as objectives of technology sovereignty. Key areas of research have been formulated accordingly to include connecting intelligence, network of networks, sustainability, global service coverage, extreme experience, and trustworthiness. Critical technology enablers for 6G are developed in the project including, sub-THz transceiver technologies, accurate stand-alone positioning and radio-based imaging, improved radio performance, artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) inspired radio access network (RAN) technologies, future network architectures and special purpose solutions including future ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) schemes. Besides technology enablers, early trials will be carried out to help assess viability and performance aspects of the key technology enablers. The 6G Hexa-X project is integral part of European and global research effort to help define the best possible next generation of networks.

Designing and developing a millimetre‐wave (mmWave)‐based mobile radio access technology (RAT) in the 6–100 GHz frequency range is a fundamental component in the standardisation of the new 5G radio interface, recently kicked off by 3rd Generation Partnership Project. Such component herein called the new mmWave RAT will not only enable extreme mobile broadband services but also support ultra‐high definition/three‐dimensional streaming, offer immersive applications and ultra‐responsive cloud services to provide an outstanding quality of experience to the mobile users. The main objective of this paper is to develop the network architectural elements and functions that will enable tight integration of mmWave technology into the overall 5G radio access network. A broad range of topics addressing mobile architecture and network functionalities will be covered–starting with the architectural facets of network slicing, multi‐connectivity and cells clustering, to more functional elements of initial access, mobility, radio resource management and self‐backhauling. The intention of the concepts presented here is to lay foundation for future studies towards the first commercial implementation of the mmWave RAT above 6 GHz. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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By 2030, the next generation mobile network (6G) is expected to be ready. Currently, as work on 6G is being ramped up, prospective technical components are being explored with objective to fulfil challenges and requirements expected for 6G. In this paper we address the important task of reevaluating and evolving the network architecture, to ensure that performance, e.g., data rates, coverage, energy efficiency, will support use cases, both current and future, while minimizing total cost of ownership (TCO). This task includes aspects of cloudification, where shared generic hardware replaces dedicated hardware to improve flexibility and reduce TCO, jointly with cloud-optimized network architecture, as well as more flexible deployments expected for 6G, for instance, macro base stations, mesh networks, satellites, private networks, and connectivity using sub-THz frequencies, which are expected for 6G. Given this range of deployments, the network will need novel procedures for mobility to ensure reliable and resilient connectivity with unprecedented performance.

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