Samsung and KT Showcase AI-RAN Optimisation on Live Networks: A Milestone for 6G Development

Samsung and South Korean telecom giant KT have achieved a major breakthrough by successfully demonstrating the efficacy of Artificial Intelligence-based Radio Access Network (AI-RAN) optimisation on live commercial networks. For the first time, this advanced technology has been validated beyond controlled lab environments, marking a significant step toward the evolution of next-generation network infrastructures.

Adapting Networks to Real-World Challenges

As global data usage continues to skyrocket, traditional network management techniques are struggling to keep pace. Historically, base stations have used a one-size-fits-all approach by applying the same configuration to every device within a cell sector. However, this approach often leads to inefficiencies, particularly in challenging environments where signal quality fluctuates. During their trial, Samsung and KT applied AI-driven algorithms capable of adapting to individual devices and real-time conditions, offering a radical shift from conventional methods. By analysing user movement patterns and connectivity histories, AI technologies can anticipate potential issues and make proactive adjustments to ensure stable service quality, even in high-mobility or interference-prone areas.

Stress Testing AI-RAN in Real Conditions

To evaluate the impact of AI-RAN, Samsung Research and KT’s Future Network Laboratory strategically deployed this innovation in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Over 18,000 users participated in the trial, showcasing the technology’s versatility across a wide range of environmental conditions. Crucially, the study targeted users who had frequently experienced disrupted service. By analysing the specific factors triggering these failures, the AI system was able to customise configurations aimed at stabilising their connections. The results spoke volumes: connection failures were significantly reduced not only for targeted users but for others in the same area, demonstrating how individual optimisations can improve overall cell performance.

Laying the Foundation for 6G Networks

This AI-RAN trial serves as a critical stepping stone for the development of 6G networks. With the advent of higher data demands and increasingly complex mobility scenarios, future networks must be able to dynamically adjust to ensure reliability and performance. “This is a major milestone that shows how AI can improve user experience on real-world commercial networks,” stated JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President at Samsung Research. Meanwhile, KT’s Jong-Sik Lee emphasised how adaptive, AI-driven technologies could fundamentally reshape network operations to prioritise user-centric performance.

Implications for Enterprise and Beyond

For enterprises reliant on mobile connectivity or Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, the adoption of AI-RAN heralds improved Service Level Agreements (SLAs) via more reliable and context-aware network operations. Business leaders evaluating connectivity providers should increasingly prioritise those with robust AI integration in their roadmaps, as this will be pivotal in tackling challenges such as spotty coverage and high-mobility scenarios. The successful collaboration between Samsung and KT showcases not only the potential of AI-powered networks but also the promising future of intelligent, software-defined wireless infrastructure.