Samsung and KT Validate AI-Driven RAN Technology for Next-Gen Wireless Networks

Samsung, in partnership with the telecom operator KT, has successfully demonstrated the advantages of AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence – Radio Access Network) optimisation in a live commercial network setting. The trial marks a significant milestone in using AI to dynamically adapt network configurations based on real-time conditions, paving the way for highly personalised connectivity solutions.

The Next Frontier in Network Optimisation

As data consumption and mobility demands increase, traditional network operations relying on generic configurations are proving insufficient. Legacy systems often use a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, where a base station applies the same parameters to all devices within a sector, irrespective of their conditions. This lack of flexibility often leads to dropped connections, especially in challenging environments. Samsung and KT’s innovative AI-RAN system reinvents this model by tailoring configurations for individual devices based on real-time wireless conditions, thus ensuring a more robust user experience.

Real-World Validation: From Simulations to Live Trials

After completing simulation tests in June, the AI-RAN technology underwent its first real-world validation outside laboratory conditions. The deployment took place in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, targeting a diverse range of challenging environments. The trial involved approximately 18,000 users and focused on addressing recurring network issues. By leveraging predictive analytics, the AI system identified patterns of connectivity drops and proactively adjusted network parameters, effectively reducing service interruptions for targeted users. Impressively, overall network performance also improved, as even non-targeted users in the same area experienced fewer disruptions.

Implications for 5G and Beyond

The successful trial underscores the potential of AI-driven technologies as foundational elements for next-generation networks like 6G. Given the growing need for networks to handle higher data loads, more complex mobility scenarios, and distributed devices, AI-RAN’s adaptability could prove invaluable. “This is a major milestone that shows how AI can improve user experience on real-world commercial networks,” stated JinGuk Jeong, Executive VP at Samsung Research. Not only does this trial validate AI’s ability to transform network operations, but it also sets a precedent for future innovations in wireless infrastructure as software-defined, predictive systems become the standard.

Shaping Future Connectivity Solutions

This collaboration between Samsung Research and KT’s Future Network Laboratory represents more than technological progress; it is a step towards reimagining connectivity itself. The AI-RAN optimisation proves that networks can learn, adapt, and respond in real time to provide uninterrupted service even in high-mobility and weak-signal scenarios. Operators aiming for competitive edges in the evolving telecommunications landscape will likely integrate AI-driven solutions into their operations. When assessing telecom partners, enterprises should consider their readiness to adopt such transformative technologies.

The validation of AI-RAN not only improves service quality for current systems but also lays the groundwork for innovative use cases in IoT and mobile networks. This breakthrough highlights the importance of continued collaboration and investment in cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance customer experiences and power the connectivity needs of tomorrow.