“Bridge to 6G: Spotlight on 3GPP Release 20”, authored by ABI Research and commissioned by InterDigital, explores how 3GPP Release 20 serves as the pivotal link between 5G-Advanced and the next-generation 6G ecosystem. With 5G reaching maturity across global markets, the document highlights the industry’s transition toward 6G, emphasizing lessons learned from 5G’s fragmented rollout and the need for simplified, energy-efficient, and AI-native network architectures.
Research That Supports Everyday Connectivity
InterDigital's research in 5G and 5G-Advanced plays a key role in developing the technologies that power modern wireless networks. These efforts help improve how people access mobile data, connect devices and experiences the world. From video calls and streaming to new frontiers like augmented reality and smart sensors, our wireless research is deeply embedded in the 5G networks you use everyday—and the 5G-Advanced upgrades on the horizon.
Key 5G and 5G-Advanced Research Areas
Our 5G research spans critical areas that push network performance, efficiency, and scalability. Here are just a few of the initiatives InterDigital is working on:
Reduced Capability (RedCap)
Cost-effective, energy-efficient connectivity at scale
RedCap research helps establish more efficient connections for low-complexity devices like wearable tech and industrial sensors that do not require full 5G power.
Spectrum Aggregation
Faster, more reliable connections
Our spectrum aggregation solutions help networks maximize spectrum usage for faster data transfer—essential for 5G-enabled applications like augmented reality, online gaming, live monitoring, and real-time machine coordination.
MIMO and Smart Beamforming
Improving 5G coverage where it is needed most
InterDigital's innovations in signal steering and network architecture help smart beamforming technologies direct 5G traffic, enabling better coverage and less interference, even in dense areas.
AI in the Network
Smarter, faster, more autonomous networks
Studying wireless AI applications is already helping us integrate AI throughout network infrastructure to optimize load balancing, enable predictive maintenance, and deliver better quality of experience (QoE) to users.
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
Bringing connectivity to remote and underserved areas
NTN innovations are making it possible for satellites to extend 5G coverage far beyond the reach of ground-based towers, bringing connectivity to people and places that were previously out of range.
Immersive Media and XR Support
Building networks that enable immersive applications
InterDigital is exploring how 5G and 5G-Advanced networks can deliver ultra-responsive performance to support immersive experiences and extended reality (XR) in consumer and enterprise applications.
From 5G to 5G-Advanced and Beyond
While 5G is already in use around the world and well-integrated into consumer applications, 5G-Advanced is focused on improving performance and preparing networks for future applications, especially at the more complex enterprise level. This includes better energy use, support for a wider range of devices, and early features that may one day be part of 6G.
Where We Are Leading 5G
InterDigital leads 5G standardization efforts in multiple organizations, including IEEE, IETF, 3GPP, and ETSI, with two chair positions in 3GPP. We have also worked with numerous organizations on 5G research.
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Questions About Our 5G Research?
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