This page contains reports and publications prepared by SNS projects collectively through either the Steering board, the Technology Board or the SNS Working groups. Please click on the paper title to download the full paper as a PDF file.
SNS Publications 2025:
Towards 6G Architecture: Key Concepts, Challenges, and Building Blocks (March 2025): Pre-release version for public consultation.
The pre-release version of this white paper is aimed for public consultation. Thus, upon collection of feedback, various edits and modifications can be applied towards the final version of the white paper.
This white paper has been prepared by the 6G Architecture working group of the Smart Network and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). It presents a comprehensive snapshot of the current architectural considerations explored by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU) projects. It discusses the rationale for novel architectural components, the ongoing design efforts, and the future outlook for 6G. It analyses the blueprint for next-generation mobile networks, building on past experiences while integrating cutting-edge advancements. The structure follows the IMT-2030 framework, categorizing insights into the key usage scenarios and overarching architectural aspects.
We welcome any feedback until the 31st March 2025 via an email to 6GArch-consultation (at) sns-ju.eu
The Test, Measurement, and KPIs Validation (TMV) Working Group (WG) of SNS JU focuses on developing and sharing best practices for 6G testing, monitoring, and analytics. The TMV WG aims to promote common methodologies across projects, support 6G trial Use Cases (UCs), and ensure a unified European vision for the 6G network lifecycle. A key objective is the definition and validation of performance KPIs. This white paper consolidates 6G KPIs from SNS JU projects, providing definitions, target values, and context to shape the 6G vision. Furthermore, the TMV WG promotes common collection procedures, validation methodologies, and analysis of KPI metrics. Various SNS JU projects provided the KPIs, which drive their technical developments.
This white paper is produced by the SNS JU Technology Board (TB), which is the main collaborative body of SNS JU technical experts, and aims to introduce the work taking place within the SNS JU projects, relevant to AI/ML. An overview of the projects is provided while details and statistics about the AI/ML based solutions developed within the SNS JU are also presented including the goal of the AI mechanisms, the learning type & method, the network segment they are implemented on, characteristics of the AI models used and information about the training data sets and the output of the mechanisms. It is the hope of the SNS JU TB that this paper will assist in the understanding of the work performed within the SNS JU on the very important topic of AI, promote the AI solutions developed in Europe and foster synergies with other global AI and 6G experts. (CLICK TO DOWNLOAD)
SNS Publications 2024:
This whitepaper from the SNS JU Reliable Software Networks Working Group (Software WG) investigates Key Frameworks and Interfaces towards Open, Intelligent and Reliable 6G networks. These aspects are implemented in software and therefore Software has emerged as an essential part of mobile telecommunication networks for the efficient and effective operation of the 5G and 6G systems. 6G Software, with APIs, frameworks, enablers, as well as advanced and tailored security, will transform 6G networks into a dynamic, intelligent, and secure platform capable of meeting the demands of future applications. These trends are evident in several network processes such as:
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- Network programmability – based on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that facilitate the integration of complex 6G use cases, enhancing interoperability and supporting dynamic service creation and management. APIs are considered as the main way to harvest and expose the capabilities of 6G networks. On the one hand, APIs enable standardized, seamless interaction between software components and network services, supporting features like capability exposure, edge computing, AI/ML, and integration of other technology domains like cloud computing, data analytics and Internet of Things.
- Frameworks for reusable components that address network programmability, scalability, intelligent operations, and security to accelerate the development of high-performance use cases for 6G by ensuring consistent and structured solutions. Frameworks are essential for managing the dynamic, scalable nature of 6G networks and driving innovation..
- Management – based on AI-driven zero-touch Management and Orchestration (MANO) of End-to-End (E2E) slices under stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to intelligently support a vast number of simultaneous and heterogeneous network slices tailored to various vertical use cases. Automation of service and resource management processes with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) mechanisms.
- Security – to ensure a secure and trustworthy 6G network environment, while safeguarding user privacy and responding effectively to emerging threats, a wide range of topics are considered – including, but not-limited, to Secure Onboarding, SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response)-enhanced 6G Orchestration, Decentralized Security Analytics, Remote Attestation, Privacy-Aware Orchestration, Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) Sharing and Trustworthiness assessment of network components.
These elements collectively drive innovation, scalability, and reliability while ensuring that 6G networks remain adaptable and resilient in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
