Beyond 5G/6G
White Paper- English version 3.0 -June 2023

Copyright © 2023 NICT All Rights Reser ved.

Beyond 5G/6G White Paper(English version 3.0)

National Institute of Information andCommunications Technology (NICT)
June 2023

Contents
Release of the Third Edition ................................................................................................................... i
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... ii
Chapter 1: Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the White Paper.............................................................................................. 1
1.1.1 Mobile communication system evolution ........................................................................ 1
1.1.2 COVID-19 Pandemic ........................................................................................................ 1
1.1.3 R&D Competition for Next-Generation Mobile Communication Systems ................... 2
1.2 Purpose and Positioning of the White Paper ........................................................................ 2
Chapter 2: Future Society After 2030 and Beyond ............................................................................. 4
2.1 Information and Communications Networks and Society .................................................... 4
2.2 Direction of Changes in ICT Networks................................................................................... 4
2.3 Solving Social Issues through Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) .......................................... 5
2.4 Beyond 5G/6G as an Open Platform ..................................................................................... 5
2.5 Beyond 5G/6G Functional Architecture ................................................................................. 6
2.6 Physical Space ......................................................................................................................... 8
2.7 Cyberspace ............................................................................................................................... 9
2.8 Service Enabler ...................................................................................................................... 10
2.9 Orchestrator ............................................................................................................................ 122.10 Digital Twins Collaboration with Orchestrator ................................................................... 13
Chapter 3: Future Life in the Beyond 5G/6G Era ............................................................................. 16
3.1 Scenario 1: Cybernetic Avatar Society ................................................................................ 16
3.2 Scenario 2: City on the Moon ............................................................................................... 18
3.3 Scenario 3: Transcending Space and Time ........................................................................ 21
3.4 Scenario 4: The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World ..................................................... 24
3.5 Scenario 5: Path for Life ........................................................................................................ 27
Chapter 4: Key Technologies for Beyond 5G/6G .............................................................................. 32
4.1 Outline of Key technologies .................................................................................................. 32
4.2 Key Elemental Technologies ................................................................................................. 34
4.2.1 Terahertz communication ............................................................................................... 34
4.2.2 Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) .................................................................................... 36
4.2.3 Space-time synchronization ........................................................................................... 40
4.2.4 High-capacity optical fiber .............................................................................................. 44
Chapter 5: Testbed Utilization in Social Implementation .................................................................. 48
5.1 Migration Path for Social Implementation............................................................................ 48
5.2 Beyond 5G R&D Promotion Project and Shared Testbed ................................................. 49
Chapter 6: Beyond 5G/6G-related International Standardization Trends ...................................... 50

6.1 Standardization Trends in ITU-R .......................................................................................... 50
6.2 Standardization Trends in 3GPP .......................................................................................... 51
Chapter 7: Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 54
Appendix 1: Use Case Examples and Related Key Technologies.................................................. 55
Scenario 1: Cybernetic Avatar Society ....................................................................................... 55
Use Cases and Key Technologies Required for Implementation ........................................ 55
Scenario 2: City on the Moon ...................................................................................................... 58
Use Cases and Key Technologies Required for Implementation ........................................ 58
Scenario 3: Transcending Space and Time ............................................................................... 62
Use Cases and Key Technologies Required for Implementation ........................................ 62
Scenario 4: The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World ........................................................... 65
Use Case Examples and Potential Challenges ..................................................................... 65
Appendix 2: Elemental Technologies for Beyond 5G/6G ................................................................. 67
T1 Ultra-high-speed and high-capacity communication ........................................................... 67
T1.1 Terahertz wave ................................................................................................................. 67
T1.2 High-capacity optical fiber communication.................................................................... 68
T1.3 Optical and radio convergence....................................................................................... 69
T2 Ultra-low latency and ultra-multiple simultaneous connections ......................................... 70
T2.1 Edge computing ............................................................................................................... 70
T2.2 Adaptive wireless access ................................................................................................ 71
T2.3 Adaptive wireless application.......................................................................................... 73
T2.4 Autonomous localization, tracking and reservation for radio wave radiation space . 74
T2.5 Autonomous M2M network construction with super multi-connection ....................... 75
T3 Wired/Wireless communication and network control .......................................................... 76
T3.1 Network control (Zero-touch automation)...................................................................... 76
T3.2 Frequency allocation and sharing management .......................................................... 77
T3.3 Private wireless system management (Local Beyond 5G).......................................... 78
T3.4 Advanced wireless emulation ......................................................................................... 79
T4 Multi-layer wireless systems – NTN ...................................................................................... 81
T4.1 Satellite and non-terrestrial communication platform................................................... 81
T4.2 Optical satellite communication ...................................................................................... 82
T4.3 Maritime communication ................................................................................................. 83
T4.4 Underwater and submarine communication ................................................................. 84
T4.5 Cooperative control of multi-layered networks ............................................................. 85
T5 Space-time synchronization................................................................................................... 86
T5.1 Wireless space-time synchronization ............................................................................ 86
T5.2 Chip-scale atomic clock .................................................................................................. 87
T5.3 Generating and sharing for reference time ................................................................... 88

T6 Ultra-security and reliability .................................................................................................... 89
T6.1 Emerging security ............................................................................................................ 89
T6.2 Cyber security based on real attack data ...................................................................... 90
T6.3 Quantum cryptography .................................................................................................... 91
T6.4 Electromagnetic environment ......................................................................................... 92
T6.5 Resilient ICT ..................................................................................................................... 93
T6.6 Sensing ............................................................................................................................. 94
T7 Ultra-realistic and innovative applications ............................................................................ 95
T7.1 Brain information reading, visualization, and BMI ........................................................ 95
T7.2 Intuition measurement, transmission, and assurance ................................................. 96
T7.3 Real 3D avatars, multisensory communication, and XR ............................................. 97
T7.4 AI analysis and dialogue using language and extra-linguistic information ................ 98
T7.5 Edge AI behavioral support............................................................................................. 99
T7.6 Simultaneous multi-lingual interpretation, paraphrase, and summarization............100
T7.7 Autonomous driving .......................................................................................................101
T7.8 Drones and flying cars...................................................................................................102
Appendix 3: Pseudocode Example (Service Enabler) ...................................................................103
Acknowledgment ................................................................................................................................104

Release of the Third Edition
Since the publication of the first edition of the Beyond 5G/6G White Paper in March 2021, we have had many
opportunities to answer questions and exchange opinions at Beyond 5G related events, exhibitions, lectures,international conferences, and so forth. In particular, the scenarios in Chapter 3 were of great interest to
everyone. At the same time, it has become clear that it is necessary to deepen discussions on the social issuesof architecture and Beyond 5G. Therefore, we decided to update the second edition of the White Paper basedon the contents of internal and external discussions by NICT and activities.
This third edition focuses on the following points: Chapter 2 presents the concept and roles of architecture,
focusing on orchestrator and digital twin linkage. In Chapter 3, in addition to the four scenarios in the second
edition, we added a fifth scenario, the "Path for Life" scenario, which describes an incomer who performs fishingrelated services in a local city. The details of the use cases that were previously described in each scenario are
now included in an appendix. In Chapter 4, only a brief overview of the elemental technologies of Beyond 5G/6G
is presented, with details in an appendix. On the other hand, we added a technical description of the key
elemental technologies that are expected to be utilized particularly in Beyond 5G/6G as a new Section 4.2.
Chapter 5 presents the concept of social implementation of research results. Chapter 6 reflects the latest
information on international standardization activities related to Beyond 5G/6G being conducted by NICT.
We hope that this white paper will provide an opportunity to further discuss these issues with you.
Beyond 5G R&D Promotion Unit, NICTWhite Paper Editing Teami

Executive Summary
In order to achieve the SDGs and realize Society 5.0, Beyond 5G/6G, next-generation information andcommunications infrastructure, is essential. In this case, since the functions required for Beyond 5G/6G covera wide range from physical space to cyberspace, the creation of new services can be expected by combining
each function with the right person in the right place. From this point of view, it is important for Beyond 5G/6G
to have the characteristics of an open platform as a receiver of various function groups, and to secure amechanism capable of sustainable growth as a social infrastructure. Accordingly, it is necessary to design thefunctional architecture of Beyond 5G/6G (Fig. A).
In physical space, a flexible and extensible communication environment can be provided by combining not
only conventional terrestrial mobile networks but also satellite networks and multicore optical networks. In
cyberspace, various spaces coexist depending on the application, and information processing such as
accumulated past data and future predictions is performed. In the Beyond 5G/6G era, time and space will becontrolled at a high level in both physical space and cyberspace, and the fusion of both spaces will make itpossible to achieve things that could not have been achieved in physical space alone. Services that can be
implemented across both physical space and cyberspace are expected to help solve various social issues.
In Chapter 3 of this white paper, we introduce five scenarios of social life after 2030 and beyond, and several
use cases related to the scenarios are introduced in an appendix. The following scenarios are included:“Cybernetic Avatar Society,” which depicts a society that makes advanced use of avatars; “City on the Moon,”which depicts a society in which human activities extend to the moon, “Transcending Time and Space,” which

Figure A: Functional Architecture of Beyond 5G/6G (Figure 2.1 in the text)ii

depicts a society in which space-time synchronization is realized; “The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World,”
which depicts the case study of a cyber counseling room; and “Path for Life,” which depicts an incomer who
performs fishing-related services in a local city. An image of each scenario is shown in Figure B. In Section 4.1,
Chapter 4, we attempt to identify the required elemental technologies by backcasting from the future society
depicted in these scenarios and present their overview, and details are shown in an appendix. Among suchelemental technologies, Section 4.2 in particular describes the key elemental technologies that are expected tobe utilized in Beyond 5G/6G. Chapter 5 describes the concept of social implementation of research results, andChapter 6 summarizes the status of international standardization activities related to Beyond 5G being
conducted by NICT.
This white paper was prepared by NICT as a group of experts in information and communications technology.
The contents are the results of discussions on the realization of the Beyond 5G/6G world. Based on the white
paper, we would like to further discuss the theme with many of you going forward.

Cybernetic Avatar Society

City on the Moon

The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World

Transcending Time and SpacePath for Life

Figure B: Scenarios of Beyond 5G/6G that envision social life after 2030

iii

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background of the White Paper
1.1.1 Mobile communication system evolution
The implementation of fifth generation mobile communication systems in society has been in full swing sincearound 2020. Mobile communication systems have evolved into a communication infrastructure (1G-3G) and aliving infrastructure (4G), becoming an indispensable element in the lives of individuals. It has become a social
infrastructure that connects not only people but also things like the Internet of Things (IoT).
A cyber-physical system (CPS) in which people interact with each other, people interact with things, and things
interact with each other through cyberspace has come to have great significance in various aspects of social
life. In the next-generation mobile communication system (Beyond 5G/6G), the communication network
supporting CPS will become a neural network of society itself. In other words, it is expected that thecommunication network centered on the mobile communication system will function as the basic infrastructureof society in the future.

Figure 1.1 Realization of a “cyber-physical system” that measures events (big data) in
physical (real) space, projects them into cyberspace, finds solutions (optimal solutions),
and actuates the physical space event.

1.1.2 COVID-19 Pandemic
In response to the global pandemic of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), governments around the world
are taking measures such as lockdown restrictions to reduce, as much as possible, the opportunities for people
to meet with each other in person. With the exception of essential workers, people are encouraged to work from
home, and initiatives for new ways of working are rapidly being adopted.
In telecommuting, individuals can connect through cyberspace, so that economic activities can continue to acertain extent. On the other hand, the lack of current information and communications technology (ICT)capabilities is also being recognized.
Economic activity through cyberspace has the advantage of not being restricted by real time and space as in
the past, and it is recognized as a new form of activity.
11.1.3 R&D Competition for Next-Generation Mobile Communication Systems
As a fundamental infrastructure of society, telecommunications networks are extremely valuable, and they
are attracting a great deal of attention from the viewpoints of business game change and future security. As aresult, movements to gain hegemony over next-generation mobile communications systems are accelerating.
Against this background, interest in Beyond 5G/6G has greatly increased compared to the transition point ofprevious generations. This has triggered a debate on how to proceed with research and development. As if
competing for the lead, white papers have been published by various organizations, forums have been
established, and investment in research and development has started (see “Reference: Various White Paper
Consortiums, etc.” at the end of this chapter).

1.2 Purpose and Positioning of the White Paper
This white paper was prepared by NICT as a group of experts in information and communication technology.
The contents are the results of a study on the realization of the Beyond 5G/6G world.
Envisioning the social life after 2030, four scenarios were created: “The Cybernetic Avatar Society,” “City on
the Moon,” “Transcending Time and Space,” and “The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World.” We attempted to
identify the necessary elemental technologies by backcasting from the future society depicted in these scenarios.
Each scenario and the use case that appear in each scenario are presented (Chapter 3), and the elemental
technologies to realize them (Chapter 4) are organized, and especially the key elemental technologies that are
expected to be utilized in Beyond 5G/6G are explained. In addition, the concept of social implementation ofresearch results (Chapter 5) and trends in Beyond 5G-related standardization-related activities (Chapter 6) aresummarized. In order to develop, implement, and utilize the future technologies necessary for realizing thesocial life depicted in this white paper, it is essential to open discussions not only within the NICT but also withvarious stakeholders to set specific goals and to carry out activities to achieve those goals. We will continue
to discuss this white paper with many people, and will revise this white paper as the discussions progress.

2

<References: Various White Paper Consortiums, etc.>(1) Beyond 5G/6G White Papers, etc.
● Beyond 5G Promotion Strategy Council, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
https://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_news/s-news/01kiban09_02000364.html● NTT’s IOWN initiative
https://www.rd.ntt/iown/● DoCoMo’s “DoCoMo 6G White Paper”
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/corporate/technology/whitepaper_6g/● KDDI’s “Beyond 5G/6G White Paper”
https://www.kddi-research.jp/tech/whitepaper_b5g_6g/● NEC’s “Beyond 5G Vision White Paper”
https://jpn.nec.com/nsp/5g/beyond5g/pdf/NEC_B5G_WhitePaper_1.0.pdf● Samsung’s “The Next Hyper-Connected Experience for All”
https://cdn.codeground.org/nsr/downloads/researchareas/20201201_6G_Vision_web.pdf● University of Oulu’s “6G channel”
https://www.6gchannel.com/6g-white-papers/(2) Consortiums, etc.
● Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium
https://b5g.jp● Beyond 5G New Business Strategy Center
https://b5gnbsc.jp/● NEXT G ALLIANCE
https://nextgalliance.org/● Hexa-X
https://hexa-x.eu/● The 5G Infrastructure Public Private Partnership (5G-PPP)
https://5g-ppp.eu/

3Chapter 2: Future Society After 2030 and Beyond
2.1 Information and Communications Networks and Society
Japan today faces many social issues, including a declining birthrate and an aging population, as well as adisparity between urban and rural areas caused by the concentration of population in urban areas. The areasof such social issues are diversifying. Examples of such diversifying social issues include handling both childrearing and career, educational disparity due to family socioeconomic status, deindividualization due to uniform
and passive education, increasing social security costs due to unhealthy longevity, and caregiver fatigue. In
addition, a sense of stagnation has arisen in industries, not limited to the information and communicationsindustry, due to employment restrictions based on place of residence and physical limitations, and anorganizational structure in which individual efforts and achievements are not rewarded due to external factors.
In the Beyond 5G/6G era, innovations in information and communications networks are expected to solvethese social issues and realize a "resilient and vibrant human-centered society" as follows.
(1) A society in which everyone can play an active role in any place (inclusiveness) by eliminating various
barriers and differences such as urban and rural areas, national borders, age, and the presence or absenceof disabilities(2) A convenient and sustainable society with no social losses (sustainability)(3) A human-centered society in which safety and security are ensured and the bonds of trust are unwavering,even in the case of unexpected events (high reliability).
The realization of such society requires an environment in which each industry and business can work
together flexibly and in unison, performing appropriately assigned roles in order to create services with newvalue that solve social issues. To achieve this, it is necessary to establish a mechanism based on informationand communications networks with Beyond 5G/6G that will promote technology convergence and cross-industry
collaboration.

2.2 Direction of Changes in ICT Networks
In the Beyond 5G/6G era, it is necessary to measure the real world through information and communications
networks and aggregate the results as big data. It is also necessary to analyze big data in cyberspace and drive
the real world using various actuators based on the results. In other words, Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) are
expected to be used in various social activities.
The use of various infrastructures and resources that support social activities will change significantly fromconcentration to distribution, and from monopolization to sharing. Several examples have already emerged. The
so-called sharing economy includes car sharing in transportation, work sharing in the work environment, andcrowd funding in finance. The shape of ICT networks will also change significantly in line with this trend.
For example, network virtualization such as software-defined networking (SDN) and open hardware will affectnot only network devices but also terminals. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) technology and machinelearning (ML) technology will be applied to control more complex mobile communication systems. Network
virtualization and hardware openness will extend not only to network equipment but also to the terminal side.
As forms of communications networks, terrestrial information and communications networks, including mobile4communications systems, which were previously separate networks, and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) in theaerospace domain are expected to be used by both sides in a compromising manner, and new components
such as high altitude platform stations (HAPS) and drones will also become popular, and flying cars will
eventually be used on a daily basis.
On the other hand, radio resources ranging from millimeter-wave bands to terahertz bands will be exploited,and it will be necessary to make full use of radio waves. It is expected that usage and applications taking
advantage of the characteristics of these radio waves will spread. The resources handled by information andcommunications networks are not limited to radio waves, but cover a wide range of areas such as electric power,
computers, and space. The optimal use of these resources will be discussed as a whole within a sharedeconomy as an issue for the entire social system.

2.3 Solving Social Issues through Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)As described in Section 2.1, the social issues to be solved by the technological progress of Beyond 5G/6G
will cover a wide range of fields. Therefore, if we expand the space we handle from physical space to cyberspaceand open up the limits of “time and space,” “body,” and “brain,” which conventional wisdom considered difficult
to overcome, thereby, embodying so-called human augmentation, it will be possible to solve many new social
issues. In order to resolve these issues through CPS, a Beyond 5G/6G mechanism that can execute services
beyond cyberspace and physical space is expected.
By utilizing CPS, resources such as communication devices, frequencies, space, and time can be handled
more dynamically than ever before. Not only can individual systems be upgraded and made more efficient by
new technologies, but society as a whole can be optimized across industries. For example, by utilizing CPS topromote carbon neutrality through the power management of wireless communication devices and the control
of traffic routes, it will be possible to resolve a wide range of social issues.

2.4 Beyond 5G/6G as an Open Platform
When Beyond 5G/6G is used as an infrastructure to solve social problems, it will be necessary for a wide
variety of players to participate in this infrastructure across industries. For this purpose, it will be difficult forplayers to cooperate organically in a system closed to each industry, and there will be high barriers toparticipation. Therefore, it is important to design Beyond 5G/6G as a system that encourages participation byconsidering it as a social foundation with the characteristics of an open platform and the participation of all
players.
From the viewpoint of system construction, Beyond 5G/6G will handle a wide range of functions, fromadvanced communications in physical space to expanded computational domains in cyberspace. Moreover, it
must be ensured that these functions are organically fused across physical space and cyberspace. On the other
hand, it will be difficult to understand the overall picture of increasingly complex functions because thedevelopment of services that deal with various social issues will require users who are not necessarily experts
in communications systems or information processing.
Therefore, we would like to appropriately define each Beyond 5G/6G function and clarify the responsibilities5

so that each individual function can be placed in the whole Beyond 5G/6G system as a piece of the puzzle.
Depending on the service to be realized, it will not always be necessary to make full use of all the functions.
However, it will be necessary to freely combine and utilize the functions of the right person in the right place.
As Beyond 5G/6G becomes an open platform, players such as service developers and users, communication
device developers and operators, and algorithm providers can contribute to the expansion of Beyond 5G/6G
functions with peace of mind, and it is expected that Beyond 5G/6G will continue to grow as a social
infrastructure.

2.5 Beyond 5G/6G Functional Architecture
In Beyond 5G/6G, physical space (the real world) and cyberspace (a virtual world) are fused as CPS, thereby
realizing CPS services. The physical space and cyberspace of CPS consist of functions developed by various
players. Sensing information from the physical space is provided to the cyberspace, and the cyberspace
operates the physical space by managing, analyzing, and linking the information in an integrated manner. The
CPS service uses the CPS through a service enabler. In addition, each system and function of the physicalspace and cyberspace is arbitrated through the orchestrator based on a unified policy. Figure 2.1 shows thefunctional architecture of Beyond 5G/6G, which includes the above relationship.
The concept of conventional land-based mobile communication systems has expanded in physical space,and 5G and other self-employed systems will be incorporated. The communication area in the sky will be
expanded to the upper air regions by space communication systems and non-terrestrial mobile communication
systems, which will also be expanded to mountainous areas and the oceans. These wireless communication

Figure 2.1 Beyond 5G/6G Functional Architecture

6

systems will be supported by high-capacity, low-latency optical communication networks. Each system will be
deployed in combination with existing or new systems of the same type. For example, multiple management
systems will be deployed on the ground and in space. Since these systems have different characteristics, theappropriate system will be selected according to the service.
In cyberspace, on the other hand, the information in various fields of physical space is handled in a unified
manner. This makes it possible to grasp events that cannot be analyzed from a single type of information andto control the events based on the information. In order to properly position the functions necessary forcyberspace, a functional model composed of a data layer, an analysis layer, and an application layer was
defined. Cyberspace is also composed of various functions, but new functions are introduced as needed andare used in either common or limited ways. A subset of information handled in cyberspace is used to create
multiple instances that are based on concepts such as digital twins and Metaverse and used for services.
CPS services go beyond physical space and cyberspace. In the case of a smart city, for example, traffic
information, people flow, weather sensing information, terrestrial mobile communication system frequency
usage information, and optical communication network communication volume information are analyzed incyberspace to enable appropriate mobile communication bandwidth management for large-scale events,
appropriate traffic guidance, and river management during heavy rains. Other examples of CPS services include
smart factories and entertainment.
As CPS services spread to various fields, they are developed from a viewpoint not necessarily limited to theinformation and communications field. This diverse architecture defines the service enablers and orchestrators
so that the players can freely develop CPS services by considering systems and functions that support physicalspace and cyberspace as black boxes.
Service enablers allow CPS services to run across physical space and cyberspace. They receive CPS service
requests, translate them into processes that control physical and cyberspace systems, initialize them to allow
the use of both spaces via the orchestrator, and enable the use of CPS functions by the CPS service. While the
CPS service is running, the service enabler continues to optimize the CPS.
The orchestrator initializes physical and cyberspace systems to enable the operations required by the CPS
service, and continuously optimizes the systems while the CPS service is running. Each system that constitutes
physical and cyberspace has its own policy for intersystem coordination and service deployment to users.
Therefore, the orchestrator arbitrates the use of each system and their combination.
Figure 2.2 illustrates the concept of a Beyond 5G system as an aggregate of all systems. In order to achieve
the services required by users, it is necessary to be able to combine multiple systems across industries andconfigure them appropriately. The industries depicted here are terrestrial mobile communication systems, HAPS,
satellite communication systems, Metaverse, and digital twins, each of which has multiple operators. Therefore,
one or more systems are offered from the same industry. In addition, multiple industries will provide systems toconstitute services.
To achieve this, an arbitrator is needed across systems, such as discovering, selecting, and configuringsystems according to the services required by users. In Figure 2.2, such an arbitrator is shown as an orchestrator,
which communicates with each system through a common interface. Moreover, since it is impossible for users
7

to handle such a complex system directly, a service enabler exists to act as an intermediary. The service enabler
has an interface to exchange service level requests with users, as well as break them down and pass them onto the orchestrator. It is necessary to define these concepts as the Beyond 5G architecture, and work tomaterialize the necessary functions and interfaces.
Such a Beyond 5G system concept will make it possible to realize easy connection to platforms for existing
players and operators, freeing up excess capacity in their own businesses, for example, to earn incentives. The
emergence of cross-industry orchestrators and service enablers will also lower barriers to entry. By bringing
together a wide variety of resources on this platform, new services can be offered. The more companies andbusinesses that are connected to this platform, the more combinations of services and functions will be offered,and the newer services will increase. The following sections provide a detailed description of physical space,cyberspace, service enablers, and orchestrators.

Figure 2.2 Beyond 5G/6G Ecosystem Configuration

2.6 Physical SpaceIn the physical space, not only conventional public mobile communication systems constructed by mobile
communication carriers, mainly smartphones, but also private wireless systems such as local 5G/6G, nextgeneration wireless LANs using terahertz waves, dedicated communication systems, and non-terrestrial
network systems such as HAPS and satellites are connected in a seamless manner. Data networks using nextgeneration optical networks by telecommunications carriers and Internet service providers, as well as data
centers, edge cloud, and cloud resources by cloud service providers become one.
Non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites such as low earth orbit (LEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO)
satellites will move in cooperation with each other and coexist with geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. In
coexistence, radio waves and light waves are used for feeder links and the user links that connect earth stations
8with satellites and HAPS groups, and used as intersatellite links for communication between satellites and HAPS
groups.
Next-generation optical networks will be used in mobile communication systems and data networks, andbetween devices in edge computing. In a link that mutually connects the NTN base station and gateway, an
infrastructure that can carry large-capacity communication such as multicore optical fiber will be laid.
Seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is achieved through flexible resource coupling
via the orchestration function. By including the ability to flexibly combine the unique resources of various carriersin the orchestration function, the CPS services are provided with an optimal communication environment tomeet their requirements, so that the users’ intentions can be fulfilled anywhere (in the sky, ocean, city, or remoteareas) and anytime (in daily life or disaster situations).

Figure 2.3 Physical space

2.7 Cyberspace
Cyberspace includes advanced connectivity that enables real-time data acquisition from physical space andinformation feedback from cyberspace, as well as intelligent data management. Computing power that enables
AI analytics is required. Cyberspace is currently used mainly to monitor the operation of devices and otherobjects. In the future, cyberspace will be used to build digital twins that digitally represent entities in the realworld from smart cities to humans, and to simulate and predict their interactions. It is expected that this will
evolve into the autonomous optimization of business flows and social systems.
9Cyberspace consists of three layers: data, analysis, and application. In the data layer, an IoT hub extracts
and converts information while exchanging data with physical systems and devices, centralizes it, and maps it
to a digital twin. In the analysis layer, future events are recognized, discovered, or predicted by analyzing theinformation, and the events are verified by simulation. In the application layer, CPS services are linked basedon the predicted results to optimize the systems and services.
In addition to supporting extremely diverse B5G/6G data streams with a large capacity and low latency, thesefunctional elements are also important for real-time control, synchronization control, and reliability assurance
for the entire CPS including physical space. It is also necessary to be able to link with Web services that are
widely used today.
Cyberspace is not only a realistic reproduction of individual physical spaces. Subspaces corresponding to
CPS service scenarios are overlapped and reproduced, and the physical space is optimally controlled basedon predictions. In this case, verification is possible in cyberspace for different time horizons or scenarios thatare difficult to verify in reality.

Figure 2.4 Cyberspace

2.8 Service Enabler
The service enabler is a function that enables CPS services to run beyond physical space and cyberspace.
There are various ways to implement a service enabler. In this section, we assume that a service enabler isimplemented as the middle layer of an application that constitutes a service. The roles of Beyond 5G/6G in theoverall system are shown. The implementation of service enablers as well as its features and interfaces will
require further discussion.
The workflow of the service enabler is as follows: A CPS utilization request is received from a CPS service,decomposed into processing units for controlling physical space and cyberspace systems, and transmitted toan orchestrator that combines the physical space and cyberspace systems, satisfies the necessary functions
10and performance, and initializes the CPS service for the use of the CPS. The service enabler continues tooptimize the CPS while the CPS service is running.
If the service enabler mediates the function requests of the CPS service, it is not necessary for the CPS
service to directly handle complex functions that can be realized in physical space and cyberspace. The providerof the CPS service only needs to deal with the service enablers that are organized from a consumer perspective.
The service enablers may be implemented, for example, as middleware or a driver of an OS or as a function ofan external server.
Examples of service enablers are shown in Table 2.1. The categories of service enablers include “optimal
control,” “communication resources,” “space-time synchronization,” and “security.” The “optimal control”
category includes individual functions such as “flight collision avoidance” and “ultra-realistic sharing.” Suchservice enablers may be added as needed and opened to multiple users with appropriate access control.
Table 2.1 Examples of Service Enabler Functions
Category
Optimal Control

Individual function
Flight collision avoidance, Super reality sharing,
People flow traffic analysis

Communication

Communication quality autonomous control, Sky

Resources

area expansion, Ocean area expansion, Wide-area
sensor information collection

Space-Time

High-precision position identification, Multi-point

Synchronization

avatar VR work, Terminal position search

Security

Avatar authentication, Data traceability

An example of a CPS service is the cooperative work of robots that are remotely controlled from multiple
points. In this case, the communication delay from each point is different, so that the cooperation of the robots
is not smooth. However, the delay can be compensated by utilizing the service enabler for “multi-point avatar
VR work,” which enables the appropriate operation by each operator through VR. If a service enabler is not
used, the developer of the CPS service will need to devise and implement an algorithm to compensate for thecommunication delay. However, if a service enabler is used, the CPS can be easily utilized as a common
function.
Another example is drone flight. CPS service developers use a service enabler for “flight collision avoidance,”
and as long as they set a destination for the drones, the service enabler will control their flights to avoid collisions
with other flying objects. CPS service developers obtain their own information from physical sensors and do nothave to handle the programming to avoid collisions with other flying objects.
From the standpoint of implementing a CPS service by using a service enabler, it can be seen that it ispossible to easily handle a complex system that constitutes Beyond 5G/6G.
Assuming that the CPS service uses an application programming interface (API) with the service enabler, a
pseudo programming code can be used to implement the CPS service (see the attached Appendix 3).
11

2.9 Orchestrator
The orchestrator receives requests from the service enabler. This function performs the processing necessary
to execute the CPS service for each system in physical space and cyberspace, based on a request to use the
CPS service. Similar to the service enable, the orchestrator can be realized in various ways and thus requires
further discussion. This section assumes that the orchestrator is a management device that has acommunication interface with each system.
In order to realize a requested function, the orchestrator selects a system from among all the systems
constituting the CPS, initializes the system by combining the systems so that the CPS service can use thesystem as a whole, and continuously optimizes each system while the CPS service is running.
Each system that constitutes physical and cyberspace has its own policy for intersystem coordination andservice deployment to users. Therefore, the orchestrator arbitrates the use of each system and their combination.
Each system in the physical space and the service space has a management function for proper operation in
the system and is responsible for its operation. Each system has an external interface with the orchestrator in
addition to its autonomous operation. In this case, each system has different conditions for arbitration in termsof available resources and connection policies at that time. Therefore, the orchestrator attempts to arbitrate withindividual systems from a system-wide perspective. Some systems may not be selected for that CPS service
despite being approached by the orchestrator. In other words, the orchestrator does not centrally manage theuse of all systems. Each system is autonomous in its operation, and the interface with the orchestrator is ameans of communication for negotiations.
In this manner, in order to enable the execution of the CPS service, an optimum combination is selected fromeach system of the physical space and cyberspace. The selected system group is configured each time for each
CPS service.
It should be noted that various functions to be arbitrated from the viewpoint of the whole system are
implemented by the orchestrator. As shown in Table 2.2, it is important that these functions are flexibly updated
during the growth process of Beyond 5G/6G. Also, because the orchestrator is the mediator of the overall system,
it is necessary to eliminate the processing that is problematic for Beyond 5G/6G serving as the social
infrastructure. It is also necessary to consider and devise the implementation of functions that do not cause
performance bottlenecks or failure points in the operation of the system.
In the next section, the digital twin linkage shown in Table 2.2 is presented in detail.

12

Table 2.2 Examples of Orchestrator Functions
Category
Optimal Control

Individual function
Digital twin linkage, AI/ML distributed processing,Low power consumption control

Autonomous Control

Zero-touch configuration management, Automatic
failure recovery, Disaster communication control

Communications

Frequency resource management, Communication

Resource Management

quality management

Computing Resource

Edge computing resource management, Delay

Managementcompensation remote control

2.10 Digital Twins Collaboration with Orchestrator
Digital twins aim to create virtual "twins" (models) of physical space entities (devices, objects, humans, etc.)
in cyberspace and simulate and reflect their states and behaviors through modeling and simulation analysis.
Digital twins can keep abreast of what is happening in the physical world through real-time updates from thephysical entity and surrounding digital twins. In addition, by freely using various IoT data integration, big data
analysis, and AI, hidden patterns and unknown correlations can be discovered, which makes it possible to record,
control, and monitor the state and changes of entities, as well as to verify solutions and self-optimization throughsimulations.
In digital twins, communication takes place 1) between entities in physical space and models in cyberspace,and 2) between digital twins and different digital twins around them. As the scope of application of digital twins
expands, communication evolves from the above 1) communication that synchronizes a single object to theabove 2) communication that shares information among a group of objects with complex interactions.
Communication further evolves from single segment (domain) communication to communication across multiple
segments. An example of cross-segment communication is urban digital twins. Today, many cities are
introducing digital twins, using IoT sensors to collect and monitor urban data, which supports decision-making
and optimization through simulation and facilitates solutions to various issues such as urban planning,
environmental management, traffic control, and energy management. To facilitate information sharing andinteraction between digital twins in these various domains, orchestrators are required to have the functions
shown in Table 2.3.

13

Table 2.3 Functional Requirements for Digital Twins Collaboration with Orchestrator
Category
Brokering

Main Requirements
A highly reliable and fault-tolerant intermediary (broker) is needed because if
incorrect information is shared among multiple digital twins, there is a riskthat an accurate model cannot be established, and incorrect information is
fed back to the physical object. This broker identifies and authenticates
digital twins, relays data transmission and reception, and performs datafiltering, real-time delivery, and guaranteed delivery.

Synchronization

To achieve interaction between physical space entities and cyberspacemodels, it is necessary to establish data flow between the two and guarantee
synchronization. The conventional method of uniquely identifying entities andperforming one-to-one synchronization with models is extended to many-tomany synchronization between digital twins. Collision avoidance in suchcases is also important.

Federation

Privacy protection is an important issue in digital twins collaboration.
Enhancing trust and security by configuring and managing a federation ofdigital twins (federation) that updates shared virtual models while maintaining
the confidential data generated by physical objects in individual digital twins.

Translation

Communication between digital twins in different segments requires not only
formal transformation of data, but also semantic transformation (translation).
Transformation rules for the purpose of digital twins collaboration should be
developed based on established approaches such as ontology.

Figure 2.5 shows an image of how urban digital twins are linked by an orchestrator with mobility digital twins,
environmental digital twins, and energy digital twins, and the various functions of the orchestrator shown in
Table 2.3 enable the optimization of power supply and safe and comfortable mobility support, etc.
In addition, ethical issues associated with digital twins linkage need to be considered. For example, Gemini
Principle 0 in the UK National Digital Twin lists information management issues in terms of purpose (public good,value creation, insight), trust (security, openness, quality), and function (federation, curation, evolution), which
will be a guide to designing and implementing the above functions of the orchestrator.

14

Figure 2.5 Image of Digital Twins Collaboration with Orchestrator[References][2-1] Bolton A, Enzer M, Schooling J et al.: The Gemini Principles: Guiding values for the national digital twin
and information management framework, Centre for Digital Built Britain and Digital Framework Task Group,
DOI: 10.17863/CAM.32260 (2018).

15

Chapter 3: Future Life in the Beyond 5G/6G Era
3.1 Scenario 1: Cybernetic Avatar Society
3.1.1 A Day in 2035: From the Diary of a Technology Development Manager
9:30–10:30 Telepresence meeting with executives from Tokyo headquarters to discuss new product

planning while still staying at home in Kyoto
XR teleconferencing among 3D avatars (UC1-3). I was a little nervous
when the president’s avatar appeared in front of me, but I moved next tothe president in 3D space, handed him a product VR prototype, and asked
him to experience it remotely with haptic gloves. We were able to get his
go-ahead right away.

Figure 3.1 Telepresence meeting

10:30–11:30 Participation in global disaster response event

Remotely participated in large-scale training event for simulating natural
disasters (UC1-3). Using global core network technology, experts fromvarious countries gathered in XR space to discuss matters further (UC1-1),
and our products were operated simultaneously in each country using
space-time synchronization technology. We were very pleased to be able
to verify the effectiveness of our products in the event of a disaster.

Figure 3.2 Telepresence event

11:30–12:00 Respond to an emergency problem at a manufacturing plant in Thailand by

instantaneous physical movement (9:30–10:00 local time)
A sudden notice was received from a manufacturing plant in Thailand thatthe production line had been shut down. We attempted to remotely control
the manufacturing equipment by hopping on a local avatar robot (UC1-3)
and we found that a part was damaged. The person in charge repaired theequipment remotely and was able to work remotely with ease without any
awkward delay.

Figure 3.3 Remote response to
emergency problem

12:00–13:00 Remote lunch while assisting my father, who lives alone in the countryside of OkayamaUsing an avatar, I was able to enjoy lunch with my father, whose
physical functions are deteriorating. I remotely controlled the assistive
devices to help my dad eat (UC1-2). EEG analysis showed that his
understanding had not deteriorated, which was a relief. This is probably
thanks to the AI interactive nursing care system that my father uses every
day.

Figure 3.4 Remote assistance16

13:00–15:00 Simultaneously participate in company meetings and visit my son’s class remotely withmultiple avatars
A teleconference in the company and a remote visit to my son’s school

coincided. The avatar for the company meeting was set to autonomousalter-ego mode, and AR was used to check the status of the meeting(UC1-3). For the agenda item I was interested in, I went back into theremote alter-ego mode and made a statement. Don’t tell my son that I

Figure 3.5 Company meetingslipped out of the class visit during that time!

and class visit

15:00–16:00 Refresh body and soul by climbing XR-Mt. Fuji
Petit-XR Mt. Fuji climbing for refreshment (UC1-3). Thanks to anumber of 360-degree cameras and haptic sensors installed on the site,which flexibly avoid radio interference and provide wireless accessaccording to the situation, I was able to enjoy a remote experienceequivalent to climbing an actual mountain while viewing the beautiful seaof clouds in a live performance, which refreshed my body and soul.



Figure 3.6 XR Mount Fuji climbing

16:00–17:00 Remote negotiation with client in Turkey (10:00–11:00 local time) in Japanese
Our products are popular in Europe and the Middle East, and today

we had a remote meeting with a client in Turkey. I didn’t know anything
about the Turkish language, culture, or customs, so I was worried if I
would be able to communicate with them, but thanks to the simultaneousinterpretation system that takes into account each other’s cultures, wewill be able to sign a new contract with the client (UC1-1).

Figure 3.7 Remote negotiation
across languages, cultures andcustoms

20:00–21:30 Watch TV special programs on future technology before going to bed
Today, I had a fulfilling day as I was able to handle several roles by myself with ease. Compared to 15 years

ago, our country’s birthrate is falling, and the population is aging, but thanks to avatar technology, laborproductivity has improved. According to a TV show on future technology that I watched after dinner, in another15 years from now, most of the brain’s functions will be incorporated into AI. It is going to be an amazing world,
but it is also going to be a test of human wisdom on how to use these technologies.
* See Appendix 1 for the following.
UC1-1: Mutual Understanding Promotion System (Across Barriers of Culture and Values)UC1-2: Support Avatars for Mind and Body (Overcoming Barriers of Age and Physical Ability)
UC1-3: Working Style Revolution with Telepresence (Transcending Distance and Time Barriers)173.2 Scenario 2: City on the Moon
3.2.1 People Cultivating the Moon

Figure 3.8 Image of scenario – City on the Moon

<At the Lunar Gateway>
Everyone gathers in the briefing room with their favorite tumbler
in one hand. This is a space station orbiting the Moon (lunar
gateway). There are only four astronauts serving in turn. My boss
shows a map of the lunar surface on the screen and explains theunderground area to be explored today. One of the crew members
speaksToday’s range is 70 percent larger than the typical exploration

Figure 3.9 Future lunar gateway

range. Aren’t we working too hard?
My boss responds strongly:
Yesterday, the work was completed in another construction area.
There are more than 30 avatar machines from Earth. Four of themcan be borrowed from those construction sites.
After downloading the process chart and data, my boss and twocrew members move to their own pods and start connecting to thelunar avatar machine (UC2-1, UC2-3). I pour the remaining lemon
tea down the exhaust duct and slide into my pod.

Figure 3.10 Image of lunar settlement
and lunar base development**Space-X Base α: https://www.theverg
e.com/2017/9/28/16382716/spacex-elon-musk-moon-base-alpha-mars-colonizati
on-interplanetary-transport-system

18

<From the Lunar Gateway to the Surface>As I look at the horizon, I can clearly see theboundary between the black universe and the graybrown ground. This scene appears when you plug into
an avatar machine on the Moon. I head to theconstruction area with my boss, launch a large
excavator, and begin exploration.

We check theresults against the scan data from the lunar gateway,
feedback the results, and optimize the explorationroute.
For the rest of the crew members, today is virtual
training day. Regular training is mandatory so that we
can respond quickly to all possible crises on the
Moon.
Remote control from the moon

It seems that the Earth team has started working
behind us, and the vibrations of multiple large impact

6G base station

drivers are transmitted to the grip arm of the lunar
surface avatar and transmitted to my bare hands on
the lunar gateway (UC2-1, UC2-3). I feel slightly odd
when I realize that these vibrations had been
converted into radio waves before they reached me.

<From Earth to the Moon>

Figure 3.11 Remote work with lunar avatars

As I look at the horizon, I can clearly see theboundary between the black universe and the gray-brown ground. It is a familiar sight that appears when I plug
into an avatar machine on the lunar surface. I head to the construction area with four avatar machines and meetup with three other avatar machines at the site.
The lunar team has already started their work. They are planning their exploration route.
It is the 6G network that connects me on Earth with this body (the avatar machine on the Moon). When I
arrive at the site, I first check the communication status with Earth (UC2-1, UC2-2). Next, I check theautonomous navigation unit equipped with an ultra-high-sensitivity inertial sensor. Even if the network is cut off,
it will be able to operate safely autonomously, but this tough and expensive government system will besuspended. It’s also important to be able to track the location of avatar machines on the Moon without relying
solely on communications, by using the high-precision positioning system of the 6G base stations instead.
While operating multiple excavation machines, the team will efficiently assemble a reinforced panel with an
impact driver to prevent cave-ins. A robust edge cloud network has been built on the lunar surface, and theinfluence of communication delay is sufficiently suppressed by utilizing brain information (UC2-1, UC2-3). As aresult, humans and things can silently and safely cooperate on the Moon, far away from Earth.
19With today’s work time finished, I return to the maintenancebox of the avatar machine and lay myself down. I slowly
unplug from the avatar machine, watching the high-contrast
horizon that I first saw.
A few moments before it switches to a scene on Earth, arover with a 3D camera passes in front of my sight (UC2-3).
Someone must be enjoying a Moon trip on Earth.
<On Earth>Slowly I regain consciousness from the lunar avatar
machine to myself on the ground. I stare at my palms in mypod on Earth where calming music is playing. It’s a slender
hand with long fingers. Just a moment ago, it had been a large,
dusty, sooty robot arm.
Recently, a broadcasting studio was completed in

Remote control of lunar avatars
from the earth

6G base station

construction area B; my nephew is going there soon. I want tovisit the Moon with my daughter as a tourist once theunderground exploration is completed and the beautiful lunar
city is built (UC2-4).
Figure 3.12 Remote work with lunar avatars* See Appendix 1 for the following.
UC2-1: Lunar base connected by 6G
UC2-2: 6G leading up to the Moon
UC2-3: Avatar on the Moon/Street View in Space
UC2-4: Moon Travel

Figure 3.13 Accessing street view inspace from Earth20

3.3 Scenario 3: Transcending Space and Time3.3.1 Creative and Active Lifestyles<Father and daughter>My youngest daughter is very lively and I can’t take my eyes off her even at the park. While watching mydaughter, I call up my floating information terminal to have a meeting with my colleagues at work. It is a little
cold outside. “Daddy, look! Hmm... POFF!” A pebble crashes into a pile of sand. I notice my wife’s camera drone
near my daughter. My wife can’t stop watching our daughter either. She is supposed to be on a business trip
until today, but it looks like she is connecting to the smart drone system to check things out (UC3-3). She nevertrusts me!
<First son>
The teacher’s lesson through the glass monitor is fun. Next month, they will perform a dance at the theaterthat was completed on the Moon. I am at home on Earth now. The AI alerts me to take a break, so I stop dancing
and check the 3D feedback images while changing the viewpoint. The dancing by my friends is superimposedon the images of myself (UC1-3). Hmmm, looks like I’m a talented dancer.
<Second son>
My brother seems to have started a dance lesson upstairs because the thudding noise is loud. It’s mybrother’s turn to cook today, but I decided to take over. It’s fun to be able to create new dishes by using the Skill
Learning Assistant (apparently the teacher is an old lady in the neighborhood...) (UC1-1, UC1-2). Come to thinkof it, I am going to Grandpa’s house tomorrow. I’d like to make something for him and bring it. What’s his
favorite?
<Grandfather and father>
My father is a charismatic local hairdresser. These days, he opens his salon only when his customers ask
him to (UC1-3). Today he celebrated his 77th birthday (called “Kiju” in Japanese). It was exciting, just like atalent show, with regular customers and old staff coming to celebrate. His hobbies are road biking and fishing,so he is suntanned. “Stay well, Dad.”<With family>
After finishing the board game, the children began to breathe like they were sleeping. My wife also started todoze off, rocking her body back and forth like rowing a boat. My second son made inarizushi (sushi wrapped infried tofu); I wonder how he knew what my father’s favorite food is. Watching someone’s sleeping face makes
me feel sleepy too. I switch to automatic navigation mode and stretch out. The gliding flying car’s interior isreally quiet (UC3-1). I look up at the Moon from the windshield. Hey, Bro! Where is the theater where my childwill dance?

21

3.3.2 Dive to the point

In the stratosphere warehouse that orbits around 20 km above the ground, I (an autonomous AI system) put
the requested cargo in my backpack and dive to the ground (UC3-1). The moment I step out, I always get
nervous, but I am also filled with a sense of freedom. After I leave the warehouse, the sky gradually changes
from dark blue to pale blue, and as I pass through the white clouds at high speed, the image of a city withcountless rivers branching and flowing emerges from the haze. As I look closely, I can see the rivers branching
into smaller irrigation channels equipped with smaller sluices and hydroelectric generators. The sluices andgenerators are networked, and the amount of water flowing through the town is managed smartly. Black rain
clouds can be seen behind the mountains. A wide-area sensor network is monitoring and forecasting rainfall
and river water levels and computing an appropriate drainage program for the town (UC3-2).
As I approach the mountainous area where I am going to be, I notice work drones shining in the vast red pine
forest. Multiple robots are cooperating with each other in thinning, collecting, and transporting the trees, tomaintain and manage the forest to maximize the flood control effect (UC3-2). Even so, the mountain has
collapsed in some areas, and the spreading red pine forest is streaked with many lines of reddish-brown soil. I
can see the broken steel bridge that the drones are repairing (UC3-2). No matter how smart we become, wewill probably never be able to eliminate the damage caused by natural disasters.
Finally, I arrive at my destination, the community center. I dive into a receiving pod about 5 meters in diameternear the public hall (UC3-1). A surprisingly quiet landing, thanks to the technology that collects heat and soundfrom the impact and stores it efficiently in the battery. After a few minutes of safety checks, the staff take out
the relief supplies from my backpack. I hear a cheer in the distance.
Made of heat-resistant ceramic equipped with an inertial sensor and space-time synchronization unit, I finish
one task and am collected in a maintenance box for the next dive. Hi, Mr. Staff, when the bridge is fixed, please
wash, and pour in some fragrant oil. Next, I want to do a rocket entry into the atmosphere (UC3-1).

22

3.3.3 What Is in the Sky?

<Granddaughter>I make a cup of coffee and sit down at my desk at home. The chirping of sparrows and the cold air are
refreshing. Facing the widescreen, I quietly read over and modify the assignment report I completed last night.
There is no physical keyboard. I tap a keyboard hologram, and with motion capture, the input is sent to the edge
cloud (UC3-3). The only noise is the sound of my grandfather tuning up a road bike. He is 77 years old and stillgoing strong. It’s about time for me to start teaching at a university abroad. I submit a report and switch my mind
from student to lecturer (UC1-3). I reach for my headset while eating inarizushi (sushi wrapped in fried tofu)
made by my cousin. I realize now that this is why he asked me the day before yesterday about his grandfather’sfavorite food. I casually look at my palm and long, slender fingers. I must take after my father.
<Grandfather>
I get on my road bike, which is now tuned up, and call out to my granddaughter upstairs. Hey, I’m going out
for a while! There is no reply. She must be in a lecture. Sorry about that! I am driving at full speed on a big
highway (UC3-1). The hood of my brand-new purple hoodie flutters. The wind is pleasant There are no cars on
the road. Lightweight delivery drones fly over low-rise areas, personal cars fly over mid-rise areas, and largetransport planes fly over high-rise areas. In addition, there are also large warehouses in the stratosphere, fromwhich packages can be delivered directly to remote locations (UC3-1). A large transportation flying car casts a
shadow on my path. I pedal harder, trying not to let it pull away from me. When I notice the rain cloud radar alert
and try to return home (UC3-2), a ray of light flicks across the sky toward the mountain where a large landslide
has occurred (UC3-1).
* See Appendix 1 for the following.
UC3-1: Vertical Flow of People, Things, and InformationUC3-2: Resilient Village Forest (Satoyama)UC3-3: Omni-Cloud Gateway23

3.4 Scenario 4: The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World
3.4.1 Cyber Counseling Office
My name is Ogai Umibe and I am a psychotherapist specializing in Metaverse. I make a living by listening toand caring for the confused kranke (client) in the cyber world. Yesterday, I stayed too long at the Metaverse
bar with my college friends, and I was discouraged by the thought of “Blue Monday.” But lately I've had a lot ofclients and if I take off a bit of time, I can't finish my work for the day, so I have no choice but to be diligent
starting from the morning.
I jack into Metaverse's personal avatar (for work) and today twenty people are waiting. A client just needs toconnect when it's his turn, so there's no waiting time, but I can't handle everyone if I rest even for a moment.
While mumbling about that, the first client's avatar appears in front of me.
[First person] Female, 35-year-old, insurance salesperson.
(Client) I work for Telematics Insurance selling insurance for flying cars by Metaverse. Today, I was explaining
the products to my clients, “The products are custom-made based on your future insurance needs as estimatedby AI, so there is absolutely no loss because they are tailored to you.” But they responded, “I can't tell my futurefrom AI; I'm going to decide my life, not AI; I can only trust what I see with my eyes, what's right and what's true.”
He got angry with me.
But he is right. At first glance, the products that AI recommends seem reasonable and reliable, but it's kind of
creepy as it looks like your life is being predicted. In addition, the way an AI agent (called an electronic life
facilitator (ELF) reads your emotions based on your facial expressions and how you talk to them so that you
have a personalized personality and feel comfortable buying from them makes it seem like AI controls your life
… (UC4-1). In the first place, the standards by which AI judges are correct according to the designers of AI. So,
if there is a bias in the designer in the first place, the bias will be reflected in AI also … (UC4-2). I can't help but
feel uneasy because I don't know what I can trust; my life has shifted from real life to cyber life.
(Umibe) You must be worried about that. All commercial AI is required by law to be explainable AI (hereinafter
abbreviated as xAI), and with regard to bias, it is possible to compare the characteristics of xAI's feature quantity(based on what the judgment is based on), so I think it would be a good idea to choose your favorite AI (UC42). In your case, it may be important to maintain a cyber-realisticbalance by talking and drinking with your friends in real life while
you are away from work.
(Client) That's right. There are a lot of things to do with real
people, and if you think that it's a part of your life, it's safer to connect
with real people. Thank you. Recently, the performance of AI agentshas improved, and it seems hard to tell whether they are real people
or AI agents. Excuse me. You're not an AI agent, are you?
(Umibe) No, as this certification screen shows, I'm a real humanavatar, so don't worry. (UC4-3) Take care.
Well, well. The better an AI agent is, the more this kind of client24

seems to be coming out. The requirement to disclose AI agent solicitation policies has recently become stricter,so this kind of client's worries will disappear. But it's true that the performance of artificial consciousness has
been getting better and better these days, and it's just my imagination that I feel like my kind of work is getting
worse and worse.
Findings and Actions:Suspicion of mild cyber mistrust syndrome. Instructions for taking at least 48 hours of real and continuous
rest.
[Second person] Male, 40 years old, robot assembler(Client) Hello. I'm mainly a telecommuting worker who assembles humanoid robots, and I spend most of mytime off work in my hobby space on Metaverse. I really enjoy spending time with my AI agents. They read myfeelings and respond to me accordingly, and I feel relaxed. In addition, I spend the same moments with everyone
in Metaverse and share the same feelings and emotions. It's called “synchronicity.” Until now, what was called“The Sixth Sense” is actually in Metaverse. It happens all the time, so it gives me goose bumps. But then the
hot topics change over time, and when I leave for a while and come back to Metaverse, I can't keep up with it,
and I feel that I have to finish my work early and get back to Metaverse.
Also, it's called “nudge” or “behavior change.” If you change your daily behavior like this, it can help prevent
global warming. If you keep doing that, your contribution will be visible, so you can keep doing it every day(UC4-4).
In addition, there was an incident in my workplace where an assembly robot arm lost its balance and fell down,
and the worker got trapped underneath and was injured. When the arm fell down, it was automatically operated
so that the smallest number of workers would be trapped. But in the end, someone was injured, and he got
angry and said, “Why did you fall down in my direction?” When I consulted an AI agent, I was told that it was astory that it was pre-programmed to act in such a situation in accordance with the laws, ethics, and values of
the country, and I thought that was rational (UC4-2). This is absolutely a problem for humans, but it's like a
divine program.
Oh, I've talked a little too much. If I can enjoy living in the cyberworld like this, I don't think I need the troublesome real world. But
my human friends tell me that I’m not normal. Am I wrong?
(Umibe) Well. it's nice to change your behavior with a nudge
because it can contribute to a sustainable society. By the way, howlong do you spend in Metaverse every day?
(Client) I've been in Metaverse all the time, both at work and off.
(Umibe) It is required by national law to return to the real world
for 30 minutes every time you’ve been in Metaverse for more than
3 hours. It is said that if you stay in the cyber world for more than 3
consecutive hours, you are more likely to become addicted, so
25

please be careful about that. Also, you said AI is divine, like a god, but it is not a god or anything. It is just a
program that works according to the intentions of the creator. The program is created according to ethics andvalues, but it is the ethics and values assumed by the company. The ethics and values of each employee anduser are the same. Its’s wrong, so it's not so simple. If AI is absolutely right and human beings are wrong, or if
we leave our ethics and values to AI, we will lose ourselves. So, do you experience any problems when you gofrom cyber back to real life?
(Client) While I'm at Metaverse, I feel like I'm moving a heavy object with a remote-controlled robotic arm atwork. I feel like I can have an endless conversation with my AI agent, but when I get back to the real world, I
feel like it's suddenly gone. I feel like I'm cut off from the world and powerless, and I have a strong sense of loss
and unease. I feel strongly that I'm being left out when I'm away from Metaverse, and lately I often lose sight of,say, the line between cyber and real…
(Umibe) It's natural that when you work in a factory through Metaverse, you can't tell the difference between
the real world and the cyber world. However, it takes time for your brain to get used to going back and forth
between the two worlds. I think that when you obtained your employment license you learned that you need to
implement a recovery program to get back to the real world before you jack out of Metaverse. Your current
symptoms are typical of those when you are not in the recovery program. If you continue to do such a thing,your employment license will be suspended due to violation of the Cyber Stay Standard Act. Also, according to
your story, it seems that your dependence on the cyber world has already advanced considerably.
(Client) Oh, really?
(Seaside) From around 2020, technical aspects such as attempts to entrust part of law enforcement to AI,
such as AI prosecutors, and avoidance control in accordance with ethics and values during emergencies during
autonomous driving, have been progressing rapidly. However, when I learned of the existence of such a client,
I was reminded that new technologies must be thoroughly examined not only from technical aspects but also
from ethical, legal, and social aspects, and that we must consider how to gain acceptance by many people inadvance. As counselors, we are also obligated to report immediately to the Metaverse Operation Community(MOC) if we suspect that a client's symptoms are caused by a Metaverse malfunction, so I have to send a report
later.
Findings and Actions:Suspected cyber dependence syndrome (severe enough).
Transferred the patient referral document (referral form) to the cyber addiction rehabilitation department andrequested medical protective hospitalization.
* See Appendix 1 for the following.
UC4-1: AI Agent
UC4-2: Issues of fairness, accountability and transparency (FAT), ethics and values in AI
UC4-3: Avatar Identity Verification
UC4-4: Nudge Changing Behavior to Solve Social Issues
263.5 Scenario 5: Path for Life
3.5.1 A migrator who continues to take on a challenge in a regional city
It has been almost three years since I moved to this city, which is called a regional city. I have managed toget my job on track, and I feel that my life in the new place, which was unfamiliar to me at first, is gradually
becoming more stable. At first, I thought that a senior like me would not be welcomed after moving to a ruralarea, but I have frequently been invited to local events, which makes me feel that I fit in reasonably well in thistown.
For quite some time now, Japan's population decline
has been unstoppable, and the economies of regional
cities have been declining as the population has become
increasingly concentrated in metropolitan areas andincome disparity and differences in the educational
environment have grown. Although progress has been
made in the development of local infrastructure throughpublic spending, it has not generated sufficient power toattract people to move to regional cities.
At the same time, services using remote-controlled robots, self-driving cars, drones, etc. were mushroomingin conjunction with the wondrous development of AI technology, and people's jobs were gradually being replacedby these services. The impact of AI on people's jobs has been particularly strong. As services that do not require
labor costs were provided one after another at low cost with marginal costs being kept as low as possible,
people were beginning to realize that the nature and roles of their jobs were gradually changing. In response to
the situation where giant platformers called "Big Tech" were exclusively providing platforms for these services,
there was a growing momentum to somehow shift the right to provide services using such platforms from thegiant platformers to individuals.
Fearing that AI and robots would take people’s jobs, while some countries debated an issue on which public
opinion was starkly divided, there was a country that has actively tried to utilize AI and robots for thedevelopment of humanity. That country is Japan.
About 10 years ago, a local city (actually the city where I live) started a new initiative called the "CPS
Commons.”“Commons" means “common land” and refers to land that is shared by a group of members in a village orhamlet, and what is gained from it. In the "CPS Commons," local industries and people’s businesses are
regarded as “common land,” where locally unique platforms are created by using the CPS concept so that suchindustries and businesses freely collaborate with each other. In this way, a system is built, allowing various
stakeholders, including individuals, to provide services according to the needs of each client. Thus, a uniqueeconomic zone is built, spreading its benefits throughout the region under the CPS concept.
This regional city was one of the first to take this approach, and by strongly emphasizing its regional
characteristics both internally and externally, while also taking advantage of its unique local strengths, many
people have come to appreciate the services it offers. This has led to the attraction of new companies and an27

increase in the number of incomers wishing to start their own businesses, which in turn has enhanced theeducational environment to the point where it rivals that of large metropolitan areas. The tax revenues of thelocal government also increased. The positive effect of the active enhancement of public services has in turnled to many healthy seniors moving to the area in search of jobs in which they could play an active role. I had
planned to start full-fledged volunteer activities after I retire in the Tokyo metropolitan area where I had lived formany years. But after witnessing the success of this regional city, I decided three years ago that I wanted togive up city life and take on the challenge of a second life by moving with the trend.
◇
I now run my own service business using the CPS
Commons system. I also participate in a commons’organization (a type of non-profit organization, called a"Decentralized Autonomous Organization" (DAO)) andearn an income.
The service that my business provides is to buy fresh
fish caught in fishing grounds directly from a fishing boat,transport them by drone from the fishing boat to aprocessing and cooking facility operated by the commons’ organization, quickly process and cook the fish using
avatar robots at the facility, and deliver the foods and dishes made from the fish directly to consumers by drone,
etc. I have received many positive comments from clients about my fish saying that they taste better than fish
landed at the port or from fish tanks. Building these services requires business partnerships with many
stakeholders, which may at first seem difficult for individuals, but since the CPS Commons has various
infrastructures and systems that make it easy to start such services, it was easy to get started.
In this service, based on clients’ orders, the fishing fleet is informed in advance of the species and quantity offish I wish to purchase, as well as the minimum purchase unit price. Each landed fish is given an individual ID
after its condition is checked with a scanner, and then auctioned off in cyberspace in real time, with buyers being
determined on the spot. Fishermen also believe that this method is very good for the future of their businessbecause they can know the demand before they go out to fish, and conversely, they can optimize a catch basedon the demand, which leads to the conservation of resources in fishing grounds.
The operation of avatar robots in the processing and cooking facility operated by the commons’ organizationis performed by people (pilots) who are matched in real time on the platform and who signed an instantaneouscontract with the organization. Various people, including part-timers and young cooks, etc. start a shift when
they want to work.
One of the pilots is a retired chef from a high-class restaurant in Ginza. This person is elderly and has somedifficulty with eye and finger movements. But since an AI-assisted avatar robot functions to compensate for thisdisadvantage, the avatar robot's movements are as skillful as that provided by the chef when he was in active
service. As a result, the chef has become so popular that clients who know him from the times of the Ginza
28

restaurant request him to be a pilot. This retired chef has enough income to live on, thanks in part to his
popularity, and he has not had to receive his pension not even once.
A young chef, who calls the retired chef the "master" and admires him, is working hard every day to acquire
the master's knife skills by using a data set of the chef’s knife skills and handicrafts learned by AI. The young
chef’s earnest attitude seems to have generated public awareness and he is beginning to attract regularcustomers.
There is a limit to the number of people who can be taught in such a teacher-apprentice relationship in thereal world, but there is no limit to the number of people who can learn skills using AI data sets. The resourcesof the "CPS Commons" in such cyberspace have become a hub of culture and tradition that passes experience,skills, and craftsmanship acquired by masters to many people without creating the "tragedy of the commons.”
Furthermore, the effect of such human resource development, combined with the branding strategy of the region,
has made the attractiveness of the region more conspicuous and has become a driving force to further attract
people to the region. The CPS Commons refers to this effect as Human-life Transformation (HX). In addition, aseries of activities to gradually integrate cyberspace into people's lives is called a "migration program.” Theprogram takes into account people's acceptance and social norms, while resolving ethical, legal, and social
issues that arise when human life shifts from living only in conventional real space to living in cyberspace with
AI and avatar robots that operate without time and space limitations.
◇
Recently, there was a real meeting at a commons’ organization that runs an apple farm. The apple farm runby the commons’ organization has decided to introduce a “Community Supported Agriculture” (CSA) system inwhich consumers will be directly involved in the operation of the organization. This was the kick-off meeting forthe introduction of CSA. Apple cultivation is seasonal work, and there were a large number of fallow fields inthis area due to a lack of successors. Now, students from the faculty of agriculture are using the avatar robot tohelp prune branches of apple trees and harvesting apples as part of their practical training. When difficult
decisions have to be made, experts can provide guidance remotely via avatar robots. In addition, the commons’organization intends to secure manpower by getting consumers involved in apple cultivation through the CSA
system and establish a system for taking on the challenge of increasing brand power and product value, suchas limited cultivation of diversified apples and using no pesticides or fertilizers.
There is an information asymmetry in that one cannot tell whether fresh food tastes good until one tries it. In
economics, such asymmetry is called a "lemon market." For example, since we, as producers, know the entire
process of apple growth, we can predict to some extent what the quality of this year's apples will be, and we
can taste them when harvesting them. However, consumers do not know if they will like an apple or not until
they actually buy and eat it. Of course, the brand name and sugar content of an apple can be used as a reference,but even with the same brand name, the taste and texture of apples will vary slightly depending on the growing
conditions of each region. Taste and texture are also affected by the conditions under which apples arehermetically sealed and stored in a CA refrigerator, a warehouse with a special air composition used for long29

term storage. Even if they spent a lot of time and money to produce high-end apples, the sugar content andtexture of each individual apple will inevitably vary. Even after closing the annual sales, it is difficult to visualize
the cost-effectiveness relationship, therefore, they have been reluctant to proceed with producing high-end
apples by adding value to apples.
On the other hand, it was found that there is a latent desire among consumers to grow and care for their own
apples from seedling to mature tree, and to eat freshly harvested apples that they have grown themselves, if
they can eat the apples of their own liking. The commons’ organization plans to launch a pilot service that willallow consumers to become owners of saplings, prune mature trees themselves using an avatar robot, harvestand select apples, and purchase all of the apples as part of a single set.
A member of the commons’ organization who has been running a farm for a long time said that deciding on
apple varieties to newly plant every year is a source of worry as it is like taking a gamble. The member is pleased
that under the new CSA framework, consumers will decide on apple varieties, select apples themselves, andpurchase all of the apples, thus, reducing the risk. In the conventional production method in the past, allharvested agricultural products are put on the market to be bought and sold, and unsold products are discarded.
If a fabless production method, in which assets such as mature trees are sectionally owned by consumers andthey produce only what they need, is expanded to agriculture in the future, this may also contribute to the
reduction of food waste.
The issues raised on the day are the apple harvesting season is concentrated in a relatively short period oftime, and not enough avatar robots are available to handle the large number of clients accessing the farm; andwhether sufficient wireless communication lines are available to accurately control the avatar robots. To resolve
the issue of an insufficient number of avatar robots, it was decided that clients will fund the purchase one avatar
robot, which will be sectionally owned by the clients, and to subscribe to a general-purpose sharing robot ownedby the municipality during the harvest period. As for the issue of wireless communication lines, there is a method
such as installing a temporary base station and using satellite links, and if necessary, real-time frequency usage
right (a kind of timed radio station license, called a "Quick License") is also issued. (This method is apparently
limited to this area, which has been designated as a special zone.)As an example of another problem that occurred at another farm, an incident was discussed in which anavatar robot, which was supposed to be piloted by a consumer, went haywire and uprooted saplings. This wasapparently caused by someone with malicious intent taking over the control of the avatar robot from theconsumer. This was a problem beyond the response capability of the members of the commons’ organizationand communities within this area.
This commons’ organization has members with various skill sets necessary for normal businesses, such as
the science of agriculture, civil engineering, law, economics, distribution, etc. On the other hand, in response toareas where no experts are available, such as the problem of someone taking over the control of avatar robots,
the CPS Commons provide a service called "Tornada," in which AI matches and finds people with the necessary
skill sets to solve problems from across the country and involves them as business partners. The service is very
powerful, and the experts involved, with the help of AI, can make accurate judgments based on the special
circumstances of each individual project and the characteristics of the region, and proceed with the project. We
30

were able to involve a network security expert as a partner to help us deal with the problem of someone taking
over the control of avatar robots.
◇
In the real world in the past, when unexpected circumstances arose that could not be handled by a small
entity such as ours, nothing could be done about it if we did not have experts nearby. But the CPS Commons
has been able to organize and promote projects by quickly gathering in skill sets comparable to those of large
companies, utilizing avatar robots, AI, etc. Since I have been daily engaged in the agile operations of such anorganization, I have come to think a lot. First of all, it is the sense of security that the service provides, createdby the exquisite harmony between the AI, with general-purpose knowledge that transcends human knowledge,
and the avatar robot, with which the pilot has a warm hearted and close bond, unlike previous frustrations or
hardships in his or her life. In addition, by using avatar robots, individuals can now have greater freedom in theirlifestyles to work free from space and time constraints. Furthermore, even if people have various complicatedpersonal circumstances and difficulties, they can have the means to contribute to the community and society
with the help of AI, avatar robots, etc., and live with equal roles and dignity. It might be a bit of an exaggeration
to say that reforms are underway to create a social structure that is resilient enough to enable each citizen tocarve out his or her own path for life in difficult situations that may come his or her way in the future.
As I contemplate the fact that my second life is
beginning to launch smoothly now that I have finishedraising my children, I quietly feel that the longforgotten passion that I had in my youth is beginning
to reignite.

31

Chapter 4: Key Technologies for Beyond 5G/6G
Chapter 3 introduced five scenarios and several use cases within each scenario. In Chapter 4, the elemental
technologies supporting these use cases are explained, and in Section 4.1, the outline of each Key technology
area is presented, and its details explained in Appendix 2. In addition, Section 4.2 provides a technicaldescription of the key elemental technologies that are expected to be utilized particularly in Beyond 5G/6G,
among those elemental technologies.

4.1 Outline of Key technologies
The use cases will be extracted from the various scenarios presented in Chapter 3, and the elemental
technologies that need to be researched and developed to realize these use cases will be summarized. In
particular, elemental technologies considered to realize the three major characteristics of 5G: (1) High speed
and large capacity; (2) Low latency communications; and (3) Multiple concurrent connections. Elemental
technologies related to ultra-high speed and large capacity include high-capacity optical fiber communications
and optical/wave fusion technology. There is also a communication technology that uses terahertz wave, which
is higher in frequency than conventional wireless communication frequencies. In addition, there are adaptive
wireless network, autonomous M2M network construction technology, and edge computing related to low
latency and ultra-multiple concurrent connections.
Besides these technologies, there is network control technology related to wired and wireless networks, multilayered wireless systems including satellite, such as non-terrestrial networks, space-time synchronization
technology, and other security-related technologies related to ultra-safety and reliability, as well as various
applications such as ultra-high realistic sensation used in the Beyond 5G/6G. applications. Table 4.1
summarizes these elemental technologies. Refer to Appendix 2 for more details.
Among these technologies, terahertz communication, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), space-timesynchronization technology, and high-capacity optical fiber technology (multi-core fiber) as key elemental
technologies expected to be utilized in Beyond 5G/6G, in particular, are presented in the following Section 4.2.

32

Table 4.1: Key Technologies for Beyond 5G/6G

33

4.2 Key Elemental Technologies
4.2.1 Terahertz communication
Terahertz communication, discussed in each agency’s Beyond 5G/6G white papers, could be a hallmark of
Beyond 5G/6G. On the other hand, the 8K ultra high-resolution video is being promoted. The full spec 8K
uncompressed data rate is 144.3 Gbps, which is consistent with the 100+ Gbps that terahertz communication
aims for in Beyond 5G/6G. In addition, significant progress has been made in the development of a Head
Mounted Display (HMD) for use in Metaverse and XR (VR: virtual reality, AR: augmented reality). HMD, 8K, andterahertz communication are considered to be compatible with each other, and related development will likely
advance in the future. It is said that 8K reaches the limit of human visual capabilities in terms of resolution, andthe combination of the above is the ultimate achievement of technology for human vision and is expected tohave a wide range of applications.

Figure 4.1 Ultra-high-speed, high-capacity terahertz
wireless needed to utilize 8K in HMD<Characteristics of terahertz wireless>In order to meet the demand for the realization of faster and larger capacity wireless communications, thefrequencies used in wireless communications are gradually becoming higher and higher. 5G has made possible
the use of frequency bands below 100 GHz. In Beyond 5G/6G, in which further ultra-high speed and large
capacity will be demanded, a bandwidth from a dozen GHz to several dozen GHz in the frequency band above
100 GHz is expected to be used. The maximum bandwidth for 5G was 400 MHz, but if, for example, a continuous
44 GHz width [4-1] from 252 GHz to 296 GHz (300 GHz band) is used, it is 110 times the 400 MHz width.
Therefore, if a data rate of 10 Gbps can be achieved using a bandwidth of 400 MHz for 5G, that means 1.1
Tbps using a bandwidth of 44 GHz could be achieved, 110 times that bandwidth. In reality, due to the limitationof semiconductor devices, radio wave propagation, system technology, etc., the target data rate of 100 Gbps,
which is about 10 times higher than 5G, is set.
The wavelength of the aforementioned 300 GHz band is very short, roughly 1 mm. A shorter wavelength, i.e., a34higher frequency, has two main effects. The first is that even small antennas have high antenna gain. Highantenna gain indicates the degree to which energy is concentrated in a particular direction. In terahertz bands,
since even a small antenna concentrates energy in a specific direction, a beam of radio waves is used fortransmission and reception. Therefore, it is necessary to align the direction of the beam when transmitting andreceiving. Second, the higher the frequency, the greater the free-space propagation loss. For this reason, it is
not suitable for transmission over a long distance. Depending on the system under consideration, it is importantto properly design the transmitting and receiving antenna gain and free-space propagation loss (propagation
distance). For example, a parabolic antenna of about 15 cm in diameter has an antenna gain of about 50 dBi in
the 300 GHz band (105 times higher in the directivity direction compared with an isotropic ideal antenna), which
can offset free-space propagation loss when used for transmission and reception, enabling a transmission of
about 1 km.
<Use case>Communications between two points with a fixed beam [4-2] include kiosk downlink, device-to-device
communications, communications within data centers, and fronthaul and backhaul in mobile communication
systems. Next-generation mobile communications (Beyond 5G/6G) and next-generation WiFi (WiFi-X) [4-3], etc.
are being considered as communications in which beams are controlled as needed, and related R&D is being
conducted in many countries.

Figure 4.2 Characteristics of terahertz wireless[References][4-1] Radio Regulation Chapter II, Article 5, No. 5.564A, 2020 Edition.
[4-2] IEEE 802.15.3d-2017 - IEEE Standard for High Data Rate Wireless Multi-Media Networks Amendment 2:
100 Gb/s Wireless Switched Point-to-Point Physical Layer[4-3] Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications R&D for Expansion of Radio Wave Resources(https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/j/sys/fees/purpose/kenkyu/)

35

4.2.2 Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) extend the communication range of Terrestrial Networks (TN), which havebeen deployed mainly on the ground. In order to enable the provision of new services, NTN constructcommunication networks from the ground to the sea, in the air, and in space by placing communicationequipment on mobile vehicles such as ships, aircraft, and satellites. In particular, in the Beyond 5G/6G network
utilizing NTN, not only ground-based vehicles, but also ships, drones, and other mobility devices, High Altitude
Platform Stations (HAPS), satellites, deep space probes, etc., will be connected in three dimensions while taking
advantage of their respective characteristics. Compared with TN, since the performance of NTN, such ascommunication speed and delay time, etc., differs greatly from platform to platform, various technologicaldevelopments are required to build a beneficial network by taking advantage of the characteristics of each. NICT
is conducting research and development on key technologies in the application of NTN from the viewpoints ofradio wave technology, digitalization technology, optical technology, and network technology in satellite andnon-terrestrial communications from the ground to air to space. Furthermore, not only for ground to air to space
but also for undersea and underwater communications, research and development of short distancecommunications and sensing technology using radio waves is underway.
Radio wave technology in satellite and non-terrestrial communications
NTN, which communicate from the ground or sea to platforms in the sky or space, have a longer
communication distance than TN, which only communicate within the earth's atmosphere. For example, thetransmission distance between a satellite in geostationary orbit (Geostationary Earth Orbital (GEO) satellite,etc.) and the ground is about 40,000 km, which is the same distance as circling the globe. Therefore, whenusing radio waves to connect with NTN platforms, it is necessary to consider how to achieve the required
communication quality, such as communication capacity and transmission speed, over a long distance.
Currently, satellite communications, which is one of the typical long-distance communications, uses radio waves
in the frequency band below 30 GHz to achieve high-speed and high-capacity communications. However, as
frequency resources below 30 GHz are in short supply, it is expected to shift to higher frequency bands of Q/V/W(40/50/70- 80 GHz band) to achieve even higher speeds and capacities. However, the higher the frequency ofradio waves, the greater the attenuation during rainfall. Therefore, rainfall attenuation countermeasures andhigher device efficiency are essential to use this band for satellite and non-terrestrial communications. For thisreason, NICT is developing satellite-mounted equipment for use in the Q/V/W bands, as well as conducting
research and development of antennas for various platforms such as ships, aircraft, and HAPS.
Digitalization technology in satellite and non-terrestrial communications
In low earth orbit satellites (non-geostationary orbit satellites such as Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, etc.),
since the platform moves in the sky in a short period of time, technology for transmitting and maintaining radio
waves concentratedly in a specific direction is essential for communicating with devices on the ground. In
addition, as ships, ground mobility, and aircraft in the sky move, if changes occur in the target area for radio
wave emissions and the number of communication devices in the area, it will necessitate flexible changes in36

the area where radio waves are emitted from onboard satellite equipment and frequency allocation. However,since the power and weight of the onboard equipment of satellites such as LEO, etc. are limited, how to achievethese functions will be a challenge.
NICT has been conducting research and development of onboard equipment with digital beam forming (DBF),
which strengthens the directivity of antenna only in a specific direction, as well as with a digital channelizer
function that can change the allocation of communication resources such as frequencies. NICT is also planninga technology demonstration using the Engineering Test Satellite-9 (ETS-9).

Figure 4.3 Image of high-throughput satellite communication system

Optical technology in satellite and non-terrestrial communications
Optical space communication using light is a means of solving the problem of radio frequency shortage andachieving high-capacity communication. Optical space communication identifies the location of the other party
and communicates by emitting a sharply directed laser beam in that direction, allowing high-speed
communication if there is no shielding or other obstruction. Therefore, when using optical space communication
between satellites or HAPS and optical ground stations, etc., it is essential to realize site diversity technology
to avoid locations with poor weather conditions such as clouds or rain, and to select optical ground stations inclear locations.
NICT has a track record of successful 100 Mbps transmission between a small optical communication device
installed in the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" of the International Space Station (ISS) and an opticalground station in 2020. NICT is now conducting research and development of a small optical communication
device for further high-speed, large-capacity transmission and installation in HAPs, etc. In addition, researchand development of site diversity technology is underway. The site diversity technology maintains multiple
optical ground stations interconnected by networks in Japan and selects and uses optical ground stations
according to weather conditions. Other research and development projects are also ongoing, including a cloudrecognition system, cloudiness forecast, and line control, etc. to avoid the impact of weather conditions such as
37

clouds and rain, which are necessary for practical application of the site diversity technology. Furthermore, since
light waves propagating in the atmosphere are distorted by atmospheric fluctuations in optical spacecommunication, we are also working on research and development of compensation technology to cancel out
the effects of atmospheric fluctuations and enable precise observations.

Figure 4.4 Image of optical satellite communications

Network technology in satellite and non-terrestrial communications
In NTNs, there are cases in which a terminal (UE: User Equipment) communicates directly with a satellite,
and a terminal communicates with a satellite not directly but via a ground station that serves as a gateway. For
each case, the NTN network needs to be controlled in consideration of the characteristics of platforms such as
delay, LEO, etc. In addition, in order to expand networks, networks not only with LEO satellites but also with
GEO satellites that can cover a wider area of the earth than LEO satellites are necessary, as well as optimalrouting control via multiple same/different types of NTN platforms and network control across multiple operators'
networks. NICT is conducting research and development of orchestrator functions to appropriately arbitrate
between these TN-NTNs, between NTNs, and between multiple operators, as well as developing technologies
to reliably operate networks consisting of many links with different performance.
Undersea and submarine communication technology
Japan has one of the world's largest exclusive economic zones and has the potential to become a major
marine resource power. In future marine resource surveys, there are growing expectations for undersea
communications, such as remote control of undersea robots and sub-seafloor exploration. In anticipation of thecoming of such an era, NICT is conducting research and development of undersea wireless technology using
radio waves. So far, NICT has been conducting the following research: research on modeling and analysis ofundersea radio propagation by electromagnetic field simulation using frequencies from 10 kHz to 10 MHz;measurement of undersea radio propagation; research on undersea high-speed communications using multilevel modulation; research on sub-seafloor sensing using electromagnetic waves; and research on applied38

technologies using radio waves.

Figure 4.5 Image of undersea and submarine communications[References][4-4] Morio TOYOSHIMA, Yuma ABE, Dimitar Radkov KOLEV, Hiroyuki TSUJI, Toshihiro KUBO-OKA, Amane
MIURA, “ICT×Space Communications in Super Smart Society,” The Journal of Institute of Electronics,
Information and Communication Engineers Vol. 104, No.5, pp.453-462, May 2021.
[4-5] Amane MIURA, Toshihiro KUBO-OKA, Eiichi Sakai, “Activity to Establish Communications Technology on
Next Generation High Throughput Satellite by the Engineering Test Satellite 9,” The Journal of Institute ofElectronics, Information and Communication Engineers Vol. 102, No.12, pp. 1089-1084, December 2019.
[4-6] Hiroyuki TUJI, Amane MIURA, Dimitar Radkov KOLEV, Morio TOYOSHIMA, “Future Vision of Nonterrestrial Networks in Beyond 5G/6G Era,” The Journal of Institute of Electronics, Information andCommunication Engineers, May 2023.
[4-7] Takuya OKURA, Tomoshige KAN, Makio TSUCHIYA, Takashi TAKAHASHI, Hiroyuki TSUJI, MorioTOYOSHIMA, “Research and Development of Aircraft-mounted Active Electronically Steered Array
Antenna for Non-terrestrial Network,” The Journal of Institute of Electronics, Information andCommunication Engineers, May 2023.
[4-8] Ryotaro SUGA, Kenichi TAKIZAWA, Takashi MATSUDA, Hiroshi YOSHIDA, Fumihide KOJIMA,“Underwater Channel Sounder (UCS) for Characterizing Radio Propagation in Seawater,” The Journal of
Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers B, Vol. J104-B, No.3, pp. 359-368.
[4-9] Takashi MATSUDA, Ryotaro SUGA, Kenichi TAKIZAWA, Takeshi MATSUMURA, “Research on underwater
wireless technology using radio waves,” IEICE B-plus, 2022 Spring issue (No. 60), pp. 314-323.

39

4.2.3 Space-time synchronization
Information and communication technology has eliminated the gap between time and place. On the other
hand, it is also very beneficial to accurately recognize time and place through information and communication
technology. For example, a smartphone equipped with a GNSS receiver chip (†) as typified by GPS makes it
possible to locate the caller, which has made it easy for an ambulance to identify its destination, saving many
lives. In this way, accurately determining real time and location has become possible. By making use of such
benefits, space-time synchronization technology supports a wide variety of applications.
Time synchronization is easy to understand, but what is spatial synchronization? Of course, it does not meanthat each individual synchronizes the space around him or her to become one. What meant by synchronizationin this case is not matching time or space itself, but rather "matching the coordinate axes of time and space thateveryone has.” If everyone has a common coordinate axis, we can communicate with others by using a small
amount of digital data to express time and place, which, as a result, will allow us to accurately grasp therelationship before and after an event, the relationship of objects in terms of location, etc. When there are many
players, they can accomplish one large task without interfering with each other’s space, or they can take turns
to do a small task seamlessly, thus, they can achieve the same results by efficiently using resources such asenergy, etc.
Coordinate axes of time and space are not independent. Since electromagnetic waves have the speed oflight and propagate through space over time, we can measure space by measuring the propagation time ofradio waves. GNSS makes use of this. GNSS satellites are equipped with accurate atomic clocks, and we candetermine their positions based on time information from GNSS and satellite orbital information. This is madepossible because we share the coordinate axis of time, which is the GPS time, and the coordinate axis of space
based on the earth, and the satellite sends us its positional information along with time.

Figure 4.6 Improvement of time and location accuracy with each generation(New time synchronization technology and positioning technology will be introduced gradually.)

40

How accurately can we share time and spatial information? Figure 4.6 schematically depicts how the accuracyof time and location information has improved since the year 2000. Multiplying the time accuracy by the speedof light gives the spatial accuracy (a time accuracy of 1 ns gives a positional accuracy of 0.3 m). GPS satellites
are equipped with atomic clocks and have nanosecond-level time accuracy and 30 cm-level position
measurement accuracy. But we know that a smartphone equipped with a GPS receiver chip has an error of
more than a few meters. In the 3G and 4G era, mobile terminals had not yet reached the point where they could
fully utilize the performance of GNSS, and to do so required special dedicated equipment that could never fit ina pocket, and signal integration time of several minutes or longer. In addition, as GNSS is completely ineffective
in areas where satellite signals cannot reach, and the dangers of interference and GNSS spoofing have recently
been pointed out, the necessity of space-time information infrastructure other than GNSS has been discussed.
On the other hand, one evolution of 5G is the improved time accuracy of base stations. This is due to theincreased importance of time-division duplexing, which switches between transmission and reception separated
by time, to cope with the increase in upstream traffic. However, the clock held by the final user has not yet
reached the point where everyone can share the time and space coordinate axes.
As NICT is a research institute for information and communications and has provided Japan Standard Time,it has a certain amount of experience in generating and distributing accurate time. NICT has also led the VLBI
space geodetic technique (††) in Japan and has certain capabilities in spatial measurement. We believe that thisexperience can be developed into space-time synchronization technology as Beyond 5G/6G technology, andwe are developing the following three main technologies.
(1)

Chip-scale atomic clock (Chip level integrated frequency standard, CLIFS) [4-10] [4-11]

A pendulum that does not deviate is the most basic form of timekeeping. However, the oscillation frequency
of a typical crystal oscillator deviates due to temperature, acceleration, and aging. Therefore, by dramaticallyreducing the size of the atomic clock used to generate standard time through MEMS technology (†††) and opticaltechnology, the clock can be installed in devices used by end users (self-driving cars and, ultimately, mobile
terminals), enabling them to have a much more stable clock than those used at present.
(2)

Wi-Wi (Wireless Two-Way Interferometry) [4-12] [4-13]

This is a technology of accurately measuring the propagation time of radio waves along with the time deviationof each other's clocks, which is in other words the distance between terminals, by mutually transmitting time
information. It can be said that measuring a distance is sharing a coordinate axis that connects two points.
Adjusting one of the clocks with zero-time deviation achieves synchronization, which is in other words sharing
a coordinate axis of time.
(3)

Cluster clock [4-13]

This is a technology that generates and shares a more stable and resilient local virtual time among
participating clocks by collecting digital data of time differences among many clocks connected to a networkand numerically obtaining their weighted average. This will create an environment where everyone can benefit
from stable time through the power of numbers and software, even in an environment where clocks with good
performance and clocks with poor performance are mixed. Also, by linking a virtual time to a standard time suchas Coordinated Universal Time, etc., everyone can easily access the standard time in a single hop. The
41

improved accuracy and resilience that can be achieved through the power of numbers and software will benefit
not only time, but also space, which is indivisibly linked to time.
Figure 4.7 shows an image of a world realized by establishing these space-time synchronization technologies.
In the Beyond 5G/6G era, it is expected that our mobile devices will have absolute time and position accuracyof nanosecond or submeter. Furthermore, sharing more precise coordinate axes (cm, several 10ps) can be
expected within a certain local time and space (e.g., in a factory). This will enable cooperative work by multiple
robots and communications that do not waste packets or energy due to strict time management. Furthermore,by combining space-time synchronization technology with prediction and estimation technology such as AI,
ensembles, etc. with multiple performers at a distance may become a reality.

Figure 4.7 A world where space-time synchronization is realized.
(By sharing absolute time and coordinate systems, such as Coordinated Universal Time and theglobal geodetic coordinate system, and local relative time and coordinate systems, according to
the purpose, networks can become distributed and coordinated, and energy efficiency andresilience can be improved).

(†)

GNSS receiver chip typified by GPS: Although the first globally available positioning satellite was the Global

Positioning System (GPS) of the United States, there are now four types: GLONASS of Russia, Galileo ofEurope, and Beidou of China. These are collectively called Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and a
GNSS receiver chip is an IC device that receives these signals.
(††)

VLBI geodetic technology: Technology of receiving radio waves from distant points in space at multiple points

on Earth and measuring the positional relationship between observation points based on the difference in arrival
times. (VLBI: Very Large Baseline Interferometry)(†††)

MEMS technology: Technology of creating tiny mechanically moving parts using microfabrication technology

such as semiconductor manufacturing technology (MEMS: Micro Electro Mechanical System)[References][4-10] M. Hara, Perspective, Chip-enabled atomic clocks lead to ultra-high-precision digital twin, Nikkei BP
42

Nikkei Electronics, 1217, 81 (2020)[4-11] M. Hara, Perspective, Scenario of realizing a smartphone equipped with atomic clock, Nikkei BP Nikkei
Electronics, 1219, 85 (2020)[4-12] N. Shiga, K. Kido, S. Yasuda, B. Patna, Y. Hanado, S. Kawamura, H. Hanado, K. Takizawa and M.
Inoue, Demonstration of wireless two-way interferometry (Wi-Wi), IEICE Communications Express 6(2),77-82 (2017)[4-13] Yuichiro Yano, et al., Consideration of distributed time synchronization networks using chip-scaleatomic clock, The papers of Technical Meeting of the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan (Technical
Meeting on Electronic Circuits) ECT-22-041.

43

4.2.4 High-capacity optical fiber
In the 2030s, a highly information-oriented Society 5.0 [4-14] is expected to arrive, where smart cities, smart
factories, and disaster and crime prevention systems will be realized to solve various social issues, stimulate
and streamline economic activities, and create a safe and secure society. Currently, research and development
are being conducted on Beyond 5G/6G, which will serve as the information and communication infrastructure
for Society 5.0. In addition to mobile communication systems, the following are also important R&D targets:
wired and wireless access networks to which a large number of users are connected; and optical networks incore and metro areas that accommodate the data of data center networks that handle large amounts of data.
Currently, optical fiber communication systems using standard-type single-mode optical fibers (Figure 4.8(a)),
which consists of a core that serves as the optical signal path and a cladding around it, are being utilized, but
Beyond 5G/6G requires a significant increase in capacity. In order to realize high-capacity transmission,
multicore fibers (Figure 4.8(b)), which incorporates multiple cores in a single optical fiber, are expected to be
the next-generation optical fiber. Research on high-capacity transmission technology known as space divisionmultiplexing (SDM) technology, which transmits signals using multicore fibers, is being actively conducted.
In conventional optical fiber communication systems, transmission capacity of several tens of terabits per
second per optical fiber was achieved by wavelength division multiplexing technology, which increases thenumber of optical channels that are simultaneously inputted into to a single optical fiber by using many
wavelengths. This is the capacity to send data equivalent to approximately 100 Blu-ray discs per second. On
the other hand, more than 10 times the current transmission capacity is needed for Beyond 5G/6G. To increasetransmission capacity, more high-power optical signals must be inputted into an optical fiber. However, there isa problem that the waveform of the optical signal is degraded due to a phenomenon called nonlinear opticaleffect caused by the interaction between the optical signal with high optical power and the optical fiber. In
addition, if the core of an optical fiber is heated by high optical power and becomes locally very hot, the core
may melt sequentially (fiber fuse phenomenon) and the fiber may be destroyed. To solve these problems, SDM
technology using multicore fiber, etc. is expected to be introduced.

Figure 4.8 (a) Standard single-mode fiber(b) Multicore fiber

As shown in Figure 4.8 (b), a multicore fiber has multiple cores in the same cladding, and each core is used
to transmit optical signals. Therefore, optical power can be dispersed, allowing for a larger capacity according44

to the number of cores. Another SDM technology is multimode transmission technology, which uses multiple
optical paths in the core, called propagation mode, to transmit different optical signals simultaneously. By
increasing the core diameter, multiple modes can propagate, thus increasing the capacity according to thenumber of modes. However, since coupling occurs between optical signals of each mode during fibertransmission, complex signal processing is required to separate the modes at the optical receiver. It is also
possible to incorporate multimode transmission technology into multicore fiber, and by fully utilizing these SDM
technologies, dramatic increases in optical fiber capacity can be achieved.
NICT has been studying a future high-capacity optical communication system based on the SDM method
such as multicore fiber. An overview of the system is shown at the bottom of Figure 4.9. Compared with thesystem that extends conventional technology for higher capacity (upper part of Figure 4.9), this system can
combine multiple optical fibers into a single multicore fiber, making it smaller and lighter. The development ofan optical amplifier for multicore fiber is also underway. As a single optical amplifier can handle optical signals
from multiple cores, including the sharing of excitation light sources and excitation fibers for optical amplification,
space and power savings can be expected, compared with conventional methods. Since the SDM system tends
to have a large number of components, such as optical transmitters and receivers, and their costs tend to behigh, it will be essential to develop highly integrated technologies to combine multiple devices into a single unit
in the future.

Figure 4.9 A system that extends conventional technologies, and a future SDM-based
optical communication system.

To date, several research institutes have conducted high-capacity optical transmission experiments using
various multicore fibers. Figure 4.10 shows the evolution of typical transmission experiments. In theseexperiments, we have achieved transmission capacities exceeding 100 to 150 terabits/s, which is considered
the transmission capacity limit of single-mode fibers, by using various multicore fibers and transmission
technologies [4-15]- [4-17]. In 2020, using an optical fiber with 38 cores and each core having three propagation
45

modes (cladding diameter: 0.312 mm), a transmission experiment of 10.66 petabits/s, which is still the world
record transmission capacity per optical fiber today (as of January 2023), was successfully conducted [4-18].
The distance of fiber transmission in this experiment was 13 km, and further development of long-distancetechnology is required. However, the transmission capacity of 10 Pbit/s is more than 50 times the transmission
capacity per optical fiber in the current commercial optical communication system. This is an importantachievement that suggests the feasibility of high-capacity optical networks required beyond 5G/6G.
While the aforementioned high-capacity transmission experiment demonstrated the potential of multicore fibertransmission systems, research and development of multicore fiber with the same cladding diameter (0.125mm) as standard single-mode fiber (called standard outer diameter multicore fiber) is actively underway, aiming
for early practical application of multicore fibers. While standard O.D. multicore fibers have fewer than 10 cores,
existing optical fiber and cable manufacturing technologies and existing peripheral technologies such as
connectors can be utilized, so early commercialization is expected. Currently, efforts are being made tostandardize standard outer diameter multicore fiber, mainly by domestic organizations. This standard outer
diameter multicore fiber optical communication system is expected to be deployed for Beyond 5G/6G, which
will achieve high capacity.

Figure 4.10 Evolution of high-capacity multicore fiber transmission experiments[References][4-14] Society 5.0 - Science and Technology Policy - Cabinet Office.
https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/society5_0/ (Refer to June 2022)[4-15] J. Sakaguchi, et al., "109-Tb/s (7x97x172-Gb/s SDM/WDM/PDM) QPSK transmission through 16.8-km
homogeneous multi-core fiber," OFC2011, PDPB6 (2011).
[4-16] J. Sakaguchi, et al., "19-core fiber transmission of 19x100x172-Gb/s SDM-WDM-PDM-QPSK signals at
305Tb/s," OFC2012, PDP5C.1 (2012).
46

[4-17] B. J. Puttnam, et al., “2.15 Pb/s transmission using a 22 core homogeneous single-mode multi-core fiber
and wideband optical comb,” ECOC2015, PDP.3.1 (2015).
[4-18] G. Rademacher, et al., “10.66 Peta-Bit/s Transmission over a 38-Core-Three-Mode Fiber" OFC2020,
Th3H.1, (2020).

47

Chapter 5: Testbed Utilization in Social Implementation
5.1 Migration Path for Social Implementation
The purpose of research and development of elemental technologies is that they will be utilized in society(social implementation), such as being used in business, and as a result, humans will benefit from various
perspectives. In this case, it is important to think about how to relate R&D to social implementation.

Figure 5.1 Path to social implementation in conventional R&D.

Figure 5.1 shows a path to typical social implementation for conventional R&D. In a laboratory environment,
experts create technology, improve functionality and performance, and upgrade them. The next step is todemonstrate technologies by applying them to limited use cases in society, and then link and refine them. Then,technologies will be commercialized in business and further developed into a variety of services by involving
stakeholders. This is, so to speak, social implementation along a sequential path of R&D results. The problem
here is that with such sequential implementation, it takes a long time for developed technologies to be socially
implemented. As a result, it is often the case that such technologies lag behind projects with greater
implementation capacity and ultimately fail to achieve their objectives. What is even more problematic is thatthe number of companies and research institutes that have the strength to independently carry out the entire
process from R&D to social implementation has become extremely limited. It is no longer possible to achieve
purposes by following this path alone. There is also a concern that even if a variety of support to accelerate
R&D is gained, ongoing activities may cease as soon as their contents to be implemented and the given timeframe deviate from the plan and schedule. Especially in the fast-moving development of Beyond 5G R&D, since
it will be difficult to create a game-changer with traditional sequential R&D, it may be necessary to review theconcept of R&D itself.
An example is shown in Figure 5.2 to discuss the path to social implementation that should be pursued. Fromthe initial stage of research and development, with an eye toward commercialization, all necessary partners will
be brought together on the same playing field, which is the testbed, to make a concerted effort. The testbed
includes experimental facilities where research results can be tested openly, as well as social demonstration48

environments such as living labs. While utilizing them, research and development proceeds while maintaining
a state of "semi-social implementation," so to speak. In this case, the business side can monitor the progressof the R&D efforts, and it is possible to discuss the commercialization of the developing technologies together
while "checking and testing such technologies." Various forms of support, including funding, could be provided
for potential R&D. This rapid iteration of taking on technological challenges and societal expectations can be
expected to lead to the integrated growth of R&D and social application.

Figure 5.2 Path to social implementation that should be pursued in Beyond 5G.

5.2 Beyond 5G R&D Promotion Project and Shared Testbed
NICT has established a fund for publicly solicited R&D to support research and development of cutting-edge
elemental technologies, etc. necessary for the realization of Beyond 5G, and is implementing the Beyond 5G
R&D Promotion Project. At the same time, NICT is developing a shared testbed to promote the Beyond 5G
research and development, and is providing a scheme that research institutions can use. This shared testbed
can also be used as an open experimental facility, as described in the previous section. The testbed will makeit possible to conduct research and development while aiming for social implementation.
Reference: Beyond 5G R&D Promotion Project. (https://b5g-rd.nict.go.jp/)

49Chapter 6: Beyond 5G/6G-related International Standardization Trends
6.1 Standardization Trends in ITU-R
Standardization of mobile communications conducted by the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) has so
far been conducted by WP5D (IMT System) of ITU-R SG5 (terrestrial services). The international distribution of
frequencies is decided at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), which is held approximately every
four to five years.

Figure 6.1 Processes in 3G, 4G, and 5G (Ref. ITU-R Recommendation M. 2083 Figure 1.
Vision’s red frames and “3G, 4G, 5G" on the left are added by NICT).

The agreed standardization process at the WP5D meetings (respectively in February and October 2020) is
shown in Figure 6.2. WP5D completed a draft in June 2022 for the ITU-R Future Technology Trends Report, thefirst step in the standardization of Beyond 5G/6G from October 2020. The proposal was approved as ITU-R
Report M.2513 at SG5 in November of the same year. In parallel with this, the study of vision recommendation
started in June 2021, which is scheduled to be completed in June 2023.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications established the Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium in
December 2020. The content of the Beyond 5G White Paper, which was developed by the Consortium, wasproposed in the ITU-R Future Technology Trends Report and the vision recommendation as Japan's contribution
document from WP5D in June 2021 (38th meeting).
With regard to the ITU-R Future Technology Trends Report, NICT made an early contribution to thecompilation activities of the report by inputting technology trends centered on NICT's Beyond 5G-related
technologies prior to the Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium. In this process, for Section 5.7 "Technologies
supporting real-time services and communications" of the report, we not only incorporated technologies that are
expected to be applied in future IMT, such as NICT's space-time synchronization technology and chip-scaleatomic clock, but also contributed to standardization activities at ITU as an editor and compiled futuretechnologies related to this section. In addition, as a public research institute on telecommunication technology
in Japan, we actively contributed to compiling the report by entering paragraphs on the brief description of50

related technologies in Section 6.5 "THz communications" and Section 7.5 "Technologies for interconnection
with non-terrestrial networks.” NICT will continue to participate in these standardization activities in cooperation
with the Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium, and will contribute to the vision recommendation, the next step instandardization.
2020
WP5Dmeeting
Beyond5G/6G(IMT-2030
and Beyond)Technical
specification

2021

2022

2023

2024

#36 #37 #38 #39 #40 #41 #42#43 #44 #45 #46 #47 #48

Technical
performancerequirements

Technology trend survey
Vision recommendation
IMT-2030 Vison
Workshop…

20xx(<2026?)

・・・
Acceptanceof proposals Formulation of 6G
recommendations

RA-23/WRC-23

Figure 6.2 Agreed standardization process at the 34th WP5D

Through these contributions to the ITU-R Future Technology Trends Report and the vision recommendation,
NICT is working to position its technology seeds as Beyond 5G/6G technology, with a view to contributing tostandardization for the early practical application of such technologies. In the standardization activities of
specific technical specifications, etc. after 2023 and beyond, it is considered that private companies developing
products and services using NICT's technology seeds will carry out standardization activities together withintellectual property strategies from the business side. Therefore, it is important to smoothly bridge the gap withprivate companies that will become NICT's partners.
In addition, NICT plans to work on securing the necessary frequencies at the ITU World Radiocommunication
Conference 2023 (WRC-23) and continue its efforts toward the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference
2027 (WRC-27). We will also work on activities to formulate technology performance requirements, etc. incooperation with 3GPP and private forums, etc.

6.2 Standardization Trends in 3GPP
After 3G, ITU-R made recommendations on specifications established by private standardization bodies(such as 3GPP), and one of the major trends is to make them international standards. Among such bodies,
3GPP is one of the most influential.
3GPP issues a release number (Release) for each set of standard technological specifications established
for a specified period of time. Since Release 15, 3GPP has been enhancing 5G functionality and improving
performance in the Release 16 and 17 specifications in stages. In order to further enhance mobile broadband,realize new use cases, and advance device development to the entire network, the standards are being
vigorously developed, with Release 18 and beyond positioned as "5G Advanced" (Figure 6.3). In 3GPP,
specifications are developed by study groups (Working Groups (WG) including RAN (Radio Access Network),
SA (Service and Systems Aspect), and CT (Core Network & Terminals)) according to the technical fields they
are in charge of. Normally, Study Item and Work Item are set as study subjects, and as outputs of each subject,a Technical Report (TR) is developed, and a Technical Specification (TS) is also developed based on the TR.
At present, various TRs and TSs are being developed for the completion of Release 18, and in parallel with this,51

studies of the service requirements and use cases that will serve as the basis for the next specification, Release
19, have started in order to establish related technical issues in the future.
In the standardization activities of the 3GPP, NICT has participated in discussions with focus on Beyond 5Grelated technologies such as mobile communications, space-time synchronization, NTN, and terahertz. NICT
has also been involved in the activities, including making contributions in the initial stages, reviewing theactivities, and participating in meetings. Specific activities for Release 18, which started in 2022, are as follows:・ Participation in the discussion of SA2 (architecture) related issue "5G Timing Resiliency and TSC &URLLC enhancement [FS_5TRS_URLLC]" (Space-Time Standards Laboratory).
・ Participation in discussions on "Study on enhanced support of Non-Public Networks phase 2[FS_eNPN_Ph2_SEC]" related to SA2 (architecture) and "Access Traffic Steering, Switching andSplitting support in the 5G system Architecture [FS_ATSSS_Ph3]" (Wireless Systems Laboratory).
・ Contribution to the development of RAN-related "TR (Technical Report) 38.867 v0.2.0 for Study on NR
network-controlled repeaters" (Resilient ICT Research Center).

Figure 6.3 3GPP standardization process

In preparation for Release 19, service requirements and use cases that will serve as the basis for Release
19 were discussed at the TSG 96th meeting in June 2022 to establish related technical issues in the future, andthe 13 issues shown in Figure 6.4 were established as the main issues. Since then, the formulation of each TR
has been in progress, and is now in the process of moving forward to the consideration of developing TS. It is
assumed that workshops will be held in the RAN and SA around June 2023 to discuss technical issues related
to Release 19, and that future discussions will proceed in the direction of deciding the initial 3GPP issues to beconsidered by the end of the same year. For the establishment of technical issues for Release 19 and the next
Release 20, it is necessary to foster a common understanding of future issues among 3GPP members for future
proposals and further participation in discussions to reflect NICT-related technologies in 3GPP. For this reason,
it is important to strengthen the so-called "friend building" among 3GPP-related stakeholders, involving not only
NICT itself but also companies involved in joint research activities and partner companies.

52

Figure 6.4 Release 19 Study Item in 3GPP SA1

53

Chapter 7: Conclusion
In this white paper, five scenarios of social life after 2030 are created, and by backcasting from the futuresociety described in these scenarios, the concepts and use cases of Beyond 5G/6G and the elemental
technologies necessary for realizing Beyond 5G are summarized. The concept of socially implementing
research results and international standardization trends is also presented.
In order to develop, implement, and use the future technologies necessary to realize the social life and world
view depicted in the vision, it is necessary to focus on technological evolution not only in the information andcommunications field but also in a wide variety of other fields, to hold discussions with various stakeholders,
and to realize specific goals. We would like to continue discussing this white paper with many stakeholders.

54Appendix 1: Use Case Examples and Related Key Technologies
Scenario 1: Cybernetic Avatar Society
Use Cases and Key Technologies Required for Implementation
UC1-1: Mutual Understanding Promotion System (Across Barriers of Culture and Values)
What

kind

of

It is difficult for a wide range of people with different cultures and values to truly

system? Why isunderstand each other just through daily verbal exchanges. However, this system

it necessary?

analyzes the context, non-verbal information, and brain information to convey the true
meaning of the other person in an easy-to-understand manner. Even in remoteconversations with people from overseas using real avatars, the system will translate
and interpret the concepts that the words convey, taking into account differences inculture and customs, thus deepening the mutual understanding among people withdiverse cultures.

Usage



Conceptual translation is carried out by detecting inconsistencies in human-tohuman conversation.



Operation is performed by voice, brain-machine interface (BMI), multiple sensors,
etc.

Requiredkey(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability

technologies(ReferAppendix 2)(T3) Wired/Wireless Communication and Network Control

to(T7.1) Brain information reading, visualization, and BMI(T7.3) Real 3D avatar, multisensory communication and XR(T7.4) AI analysis and dialogue based on linguistic and extra-linguistic information(T7.6) Multilingual simultaneous interpretation, paraphrasing, and summarization(Technology not covered by NICT)XR hardware technology such as head-mounted display (HMD)

Figure S1.1 Mutual understanding promotion system

55

UC1-2: Support Avatars for Mind and Body (Overcoming Barriers of Age and Physical Ability)
What

kind

of

A nursing-care support avatar (AI or robot) reads verbal, non-verbal, and brain

system? Why is

information of the elderly and the physically challenged, and assists them with theirit necessary?

wishes and feelings. Caregivers can also remotely control the nursing-care support
avatar to provide assistance according to the wishes of the elderly or the physicallychallenged. Although the number of caregivers in Japan is limited, it will be possible forcaregivers from abroad to assist personal care by using the simultaneous interpretation
system.

Usage
RequiredkeyElderly and physically challenged people can use avatars.



Caregivers can remotely control avatars to support care-receivers.

(T3) Wired/Wireless Communication and Network Control

technologies(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability(Refer to(T7.2) Intuition measurement, communication, and assurance

Appendix 2)(T7.3) Real 3D avatar, multisensory communication and XR(T7.4) AI analysis and dialogue based on linguistic and extra-linguistic information(T7.6) Multilingual simultaneous interpretation, paraphrasing, and summarization(Technology not covered by NICT)
Hardware technologies such as home care robot and HMD

Figure S1.2 Mind and body support avatar

56

UC1-3: Working Style Revolution with Telepresence (Transcending Distance and Time Barriers)
What

kind

of

This system allows the user to instantly move around the world as well as in Japan withsystem? Why is

3D avatars while staying at home. Meetings with people overseas are made easy withit necessary?

XR and simultaneous multilingual interpretation. The avatar can instantly move tooverseas manufacturing plants and farms, and remote work can be done intuitively withmultisensory information. It is possible to take care of parents living far away whileworking. The avatars are secure and guaranteed not to be fake. Multiple operators canalso switch between avatars that are specific to each task.

Usage
RequiredkeyEnvironmental sensing information can also be collected and transmitted.

Multiple avatars can be switched by multiple operators.

(T3) Wired/Wireless Communication and Network Control

technologies(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability(Refer to(T7.2) Intuition measurement, communication, and assurance

Appendix 2)(T7.3) Real 3D avatar, multisensory communication and XR(T7.4) AI analysis and dialogue based on linguistic and extra-linguistic information(T7.6) Multilingual simultaneous interpretation, paraphrasing, and summarization(Technology not covered by NICT)
Hardware technologies such as remote-control robots and HMDs

Figure S1.3 Working style revolution with telepresence57

Scenario 2: City on the Moon
Use Cases and Key Technologies Required for ImplementationUC2-1: Lunar Base Connected by 6G
What

kind

of

The same 6G terminal as on the ground is connected at the lunar base, enabling

system? Why ispositioning and location. The environment is severer than on the ground and requires

it necessary?

higher reliability and security for human life.

Usage



Can be used in harsh environments on the Moon.



Can be maintained remotely.

Requiredkey(T2) Low latency and ultra-multiple concurrent connections

technologies(ReferAppendix 2)(T1) Ultra-high-speed and high-capacity wireless communication

to(T3.1) Network control (Zero-touch automation)(T3.2) Frequency allocation and sharing management(T4.1) Satellite and non-terrestrial communication platforms(T4.2) Optical satellite communications(T4.5) Cooperative control of multi-layered networks(T5) Space-time synchronization(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability

Figure S2.1 Lunar base connected by 6G

58

UC2-2: 6G leading up to the Moon
What

kind

of

A system used for communication between lunar avatars and users on Earth. High-system? Why is

speed communication is possible from Earth to the lunar base, and the same 6G

it necessary?

terminal as on Earth is connected.

Usage



Communication via the lunar gateway is required.



Target transmission speed of 5 Gbps or faster.



Earth-Moon delay must be taken into consideration.

Requiredkey(T4.2) Optical satellite communications

technologies(ReferAppendix 2)(T4.1) Satellite and non-terrestrial communication platforms

to(T4.5) Cooperative control of multi-layered networks(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability

Figure S2.2 6G leading up to the Moon

59

UC2-3: Avatar on the Moon/Street View in Space
What

kind

of

A user on the ground performs an activity on the Moon by plugging in an avatar on thesystem? Why is

lunar surface. Enables real-time work to be performed at lunar plants, construction

it necessary?

sites, and lunar laboratories (material evaluation, charge behavior in materials) whileon the ground. It can also provide entertainment services (for a fee) such as games
and education, and reduce the language barrier on the Moon by communicating in
multiple languages in areas such as mineral resource development and ownership,and space medicine (remote surgery by avatars), etc. In addition, real-time images of
the universe can be enjoyed from the ground via webcams mounted on satellites.

Usage



Conceptual translation is carried out by detecting inconsistencies in human-tohuman conversation.


Requiredkey

Appendix 2)(T1) Ultra-high-speed and high-capacity wireless communication(T2) Low latency and ultra-multiple concurrent connections

technologies(ReferOperation is performed by voice, BMI, multiple sensors, etc.

to(T4.1) Satellite and non-terrestrial communication platforms(T4.2) Optical satellite communications(T4.5) Cooperative control of multi-layered networks(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability(T7) Ultra-Realistic and Innovative Applications

Figure S2.3 Street view in space60UC2-4: Moon Travel
What

kind

of

This is a system for high-capacity communication with Earth and the lunar base duringsystem? Why isan actual trip to the Moon in the future. The system will provide safe and secure travel

it necessary?

that allows us to contact our grandparents on Earth without problems even during longtrips. We are entering an era in which people can enjoy space travel even for leisure,and can send photos taken during their trip to Earth via SNS.

Usage



Communication lines can be used without any special skills.

Measures are needed to ensure a safe return to the spacecraft even if thecommunication link for passengers is cut off during extravehicular activities.


Requiredkey

Appendix 2)(T1) Ultra-high-speed and high-capacity wireless communication(T2) Low latency and ultra-multiple concurrent connections

technologies(ReferMeasures against blackouts are needed when returning to Earth.

to(T4.1) Satellite and non-terrestrial communication platforms(T4.2) Optical satellite communications(T4.5) Cooperative control of multi-layered networks(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability(T7) Ultra-Realistic and Innovative Applications

Figure S2.4 Moon Travel

61

Scenario 3: Transcending Space and Time
Use Cases and Key Technologies Required for ImplementationUC3-1: Vertical Flow of People, Things, and Information
What

kind

of

Flying cars are a dream-inspiring technology. Drone delivery services are alreadysystem? Why isstarting around us, and delivery from the stratosphere may become practical in theit necessary?

future. When moving three dimensionally in space, we cannot rely on 2D maps; threedimensional navigation is essential. And if we’re carrying people or heavy objects,
navigation must be extremely reliable. In addition to the conventional global navigation
satellite system (GNSS), it is important to use multiple positioning and navigation
systems with the assistance of a large number of base stations that enable edge
computing, and to increase the stability and accuracy of the clock and inertial sensor
of the flying car.

Usage

Building invisible but solid “roads” in space means developing highly accurate spacetime synchronization technology and spatial and frequency multiplexing of positioningbase stations. Of course, it is also important to improve the accuracy of various sensors
and the sophistication of cyber security in order to ensure the safety of vehicles travelingin the sky.

Requiredkey(T2) Low latency and ultra-multiple concurrent connections

technologies(ReferAppendix 2)(T1) Ultra-high-speed and high-capacity wireless communicationto(T5) Space-time synchronization(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability(T7.5) Edge AI behavioral support(T7.7) Autonomous driving(T7.8) Drone/Flying car
Large warehouse in
the stratosphere

Figure S3.1 Vertical Flow of People, Things, and Information62

UC3-2: Resilient Village Forest (Satoyama)
What

kind

of

Flood control is a difficult problem to solve amid population decline. In some cases,

system? Why ison-the-spot human judgment alone may not provide the optimal solution. A high-it necessary?

density precipitation sensor network that can provide accurate and wide-ranging
information is needed to help speed up and improve the efficiency of evacuation ofresidents. In addition, by parallelizing irrigation channels and sluice gates andconnecting them via a network, it will be possible to carry out smart drainage from thetown. Thinning work is also important to strengthen the flood control function of forests.
By synchronously controlling multiple unmanned robots and efficiently carrying out
thinning operations, forests can be kept in good condition. This cooperative work ofrobots can also be deployed to agriculture as well as to the maintenance andmanagement of “Satoyama.”

Usage

By creating a large-scale network for flood forecasting, evacuation of residents, dam
discharge, and control of sluice gates in various irrigation channels, which have not been
sufficiently coordinated, we can plan cities that are resilient against floods without theneed for human resources. By synchronizing and cooperating with a large number ofunmanned robots, it will be possible to continuously preserve forests through thinning,
maintain “Satoyama,” and improve the efficiency of farming.

Requiredkey(T2) Low latency and ultra-multiple concurrent connections

technologies(ReferAppendix 2)(T1) Ultra-high-speed and high-capacity wireless communicationto(T5) Space-time synchronization(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability

Figure S3.2: Resilient Village Forest

63

UC3-3: Omni-Cloud Gateway
What

kind

of

Until now, the cloud has been the place to go for connectivity, but as edge computing

system? Why isadvances, we are entering an era of the omni-cloud, where we are surrounded by

it necessary?

cloud resources. The omni-cloud provides computing resources, information
resources, communications resources, and even power resources. The key will be thegateway that connects us to the cloud. For example, a drone that stays close to us will
become a security gateway, allowing us to receive advanced cloud services without
having to carry devices, while protecting our personal information.

Usage

High-precision positioning is achieved with an ultra-stable clock and transmitted radio
waves for drones. By combining images among multiple drones whose attitude iscontrolled by high-precision gyroscopes, the location of a user can be identified, andservices can be provided by video, audio, etc. It will also be possible to reallocate
resources more efficiently by redistributing security levels locally and dynamicallyaccording to the usage.

Requiredkey(T2) Low latency and ultra-multiple concurrent connections

technologies(ReferAppendix 2)(T1) Ultra-high-speed and high-capacity wireless communicationto(T5) Ultra-stable clock and high-precision synchronization(T6) Ultra-Security and Reliability(T7.8) Drone/Flying car(Technology not covered by NICT)
High-accuracy inertial sensor

Figure S3.3 Omni-cloud gateway64Scenario 4: The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World
Use Case Examples and Potential Challenges
UC4-1: AI Agent
Issue

For example, in a situation where an AI agent on Metaverse sells to a person face-to-face,

Summarytechnology development of an AI agent that can achieve a final purpose such as selling a
product by understanding the emotional state of the other person by reading the expression
and intonation of the voice, changing the personified personality according to the other person
according to the feeling and the progress of the conversation, and comfortably advancing theconversation to the end is considered to advance in the future. In such a case, it is notdesirable from the viewpoint of privacy protection to analyze personal interests, beliefs,
customs, temperament, etc. for a specific individual consumer and compile it into data.
Therefore, it is necessary to consider a mechanism that can balance the analysis andprotection of data.

“Eventually Metaverse Will Be Filled With ‘ELFs’ to Monitor You and Control Your Behavior,” TechCrunch,2022.1.23.
https://jp.techcrunch.com/2022/01/23/2022-01-12-the-metaverse-will-be-filled-with-elves/UC4-2: Issues of fairness, accountability and transparency (FAT), ethics and values in AI
Issue

In AI/machine learning (especially those using neural networks), even if a model that can be

Summary

predicted and inferred well is created, it is generally difficult to understand why the model canbe predicted and inferred by humans. In this case, it is impossible to theoretically explain why
an accident does not occur when an automobile or the like is fully automated by AI/machinelearning control. Therefore, it is possible to explain the process leading to the prediction andinference results by humans, and the algorithm itself is a mechanism that can be interpretedby humans. Research and development is underway. In addition, it must be possible toexplain that there is no bias in the prediction/inference results (fairness, accountability, andtransparency) as well as what is called the “FAT principle,” are being considered for humancentered AI social principles.
We're also using cars. In the case of AI control, AI and other machines will be substituted forthe operation of driving based on the driver's sense of values and ethics. In this case, it isconsidered that future studies will be carried out on how the sense of values and ethics should
be reflected (or not reflected in the first place) in the control algorithm.

“Human-centered AI Social Principles,” Cabinet Office Integrated Innovation Strategy Promotion Council,
2019.3.29.
https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/ai/aigensoku.pdf
Ethically Aligned Design
https://ethicsinaction.ieee.org/#ead1e65

UC4-3: Avatar Identity Verification
Issue

Since the avatar in the Metaverse cannot be seen, there are cases where it is necessary toSummary

clarify who is manipulating the avatar based on whether it is human or AI, and, for example,
labor management needs in the Metaverse. In such cases, technology will be developed toreliably authenticate the avatar of the person through multiple biometric authentication.

UC4-4: Nudge Changing Behavior to Solve Social Issues
Issue“Nudge” is a way to change people's perception and encourage action. It is not an economic

Summary

incentive but a policy tool to encourage people to voluntarily choose a behavior that is betterfor society, the environment, and themselves based on the knowledge of behavioral science.
In Beyond 5G, too, it is expected to lead to the achievement of the SDGs by introducing amechanism to encourage behavior change for social solutions through nudges in cyber andphysical loops.

“Developments in CSR: Behavioral Changes Brought by ‘Nudge' Realization of SDGs,” Japan ResearchInstitute, 2019.7.4.
https://www.jri.co.jp/page.jsp?id=34742

66

Appendix 2: Elemental Technologies for Beyond 5G/6G
T1 Ultra-high-speed and high-capacity communication
T1.1 Terahertz wave
1

Technology

The word “terahertz” generally means an intermediate frequency band between radio
and light waves (approximately 100 GHz to 10 THz), which has not been fully employedin telecommunications due to technical difficulties.

2

PurposeSince the frequencies of terahertz waves are an order of magnitude higher than thosetypically used for conventional radio-wave communications, wireless communications
with more than 10 times the speed and capacity are anticipated. The wirelesstransmission of high-definition video such as 4K and 8K has already been demonstrated.
In addition, terahertz waves are expected to be robust against radio interference whenused for wireless communications due to their unique (short-range and ultra-wideband)characteristics.

3

Background

Technologies for handling terahertz waves are not yet mature. However, thedevelopment of fundamental technologies for 300 GHz band wireless communications
including terahertz signal generation, modulation, and demodulation using both
semiconductors and photonics devices are rapidly progressing [1][2].

4Conditions

The foundations of terahertz wireless communications call for various peripheral

required fortechnologies related to semiconductor devices, electronic circuits, and antennas,

Beyondenabling low-noise signal generation and high-speed measurement such as A/D

5G/6G

conversion of the terahertz waves themselves. Flexible approaches from both radiowave and optical domains also need to be taken. In addition, practical techniques toreduce power consumption as well as device size are required, particularly for consumer
applications.

[1] NICT Press Release: Successfully developed a 300 gigahertz single-chip transceiver using silicon
CMOS integrated circuits capable of transmitting data at 80 gigabits per second," February 19,
2019.https://www.nict.go.jp/press/2019/02/19-1.html[2] NICT Press Release: Successful 300 GHz terahertz wireless communication using ultra-small
antenna,” January 13, 2021.https://www.nict.go.jp/press/2021/01/13-1.html

Figure T1.1 Key technologies for handling terahertz

67

T1.2 High-capacity optical fiber communication
1

Technology

This technology concerns optical fiber, which is a thin glass fiber. It is possible to transmit
a large amount of data at high speed to another country thousands of kilometers away.
It is widely used for home and corporate networks, mobile phone networks, submarine
cables connecting Japan and overseas, and so on.

2

PurposeAs the number of people who work remotely at home or enjoy movies and anime throughvideo streaming services increases, more data is transmitted and received over
networks, causing data congestion. For this reason, high-capacity fiber-optic
communications are needed to ensure smooth data transmission.

3

Background

Current optical fiber communication systems provide transmission capacity of up to 10
Tbps per optical fiber [1].

4

Conditions

In order to support the ever-increasing volume of data in the future, basic networks inrequired forthe 2030s will require a transmission capacity of at least 100 Tbps per optical fiber,

Beyondfollowed by a transmission capacity of at least 1 Pbps.

5G/6G[1] Report of Study Group on Future Network Infrastructure (Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications)68T1.3 Optical and radio convergence
1

Technology

This technology is used to distribute large amounts of data generated in wirelesssections such as IoT devices, mobile terminals, and so on, to optical fiber networks,
and large amounts of data processed in data centers and edge servers to wirelesssections via optical fiber networks.

2

PurposeIn daily life, people often move around such as when exercising and shopping, but
expect the quality of communications not to drop. To realize a sophisticated cyberphysical society in the future, it is necessary to utilize high-availability, high-flexibility
and high-capacity communications while successfully converging wireless with opticalfiber communications.

3

Background

The ITU-T SG 13 FG-NET-2030 Network 2030 Vision White Paper discusses the needfor Tbps class high-capacity communication as a holographic society.

4

Conditions
required

A communication system is needed that enables high-capacity communication fromfor

100 Gbps to Tbps, which is equivalent to 10 to 100 times the capacity of 5G, with low

Beyondlatency between optical fiber communication sections and wireless communication

5G/6G

sections in an area for dedicated moderate range communication (DMRC) of several
tens of kilometers. Additionally, there is a need for a massively integrated device
technology for the convergence of optical and radio waves, to support the constructionof this system.

Figure T1.3 Cyber-physical society based on all-optical network

69

T2 Ultra-low latency and ultra-multiple simultaneous connections
T2.1 Edge computing
1

Technology

This technology uses devices embedded in the city and computers in the network toprovide ICT services with ultra-low latency and high reliability.

2

PurposeFor example, if a computer that is running a process to avoid a vehicle accident at acorner is actually located in the cloud far away via the network, it will not be able torespond in time. In addition, communication may be delayed by network congestion.
Furthermore, even when it is convenient, people do not want to leak sensitive information
including bio-information to external networks or the cloud. Therefore, security is alsoessential.

3

Background

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is conducting
standardization for edge computing by multi-access edge computing (MEC) as well as
the regulation of 5G provision. “Network Vision 2030” presented by the Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications states the need for ultra-low latency and highcapacity communications using edge computing. The White Paper of 5G Americas
proposes the future direction of edge computing architecture including collaboration withinformation-centric networking.

4

Conditions

Ultra-low latency response, trade-off solution for information integrity, reliability, andrequired for

security, and scalability to realize network computing in which a large number of devices

Beyondconnect to and interact with the network are required.

5G/6G

70

T2.2 Adaptive wireless access
1

Technology

This technology controls the radio wave type, communication timing, relay path, etc. inorder to realize high-level operation through the cooperation of radio equipment
according to the conditions and requirements.

2

PurposeThis technology is indispensable for various wireless systems, including IoT and monocentric systems. It can satisfy the following requirements: 1) To improve communication
efficiency by adjusting high-speed transmission and robustness in response tocommunication environments. 2) To enable low-power operation and low-delaytransmission while avoiding collisions and congestion by controlling the communication
timing. 3) To expand communication coverage areas by exchanging control information
between radios and establishing relay routes autonomously and dispersedly.

3

Background

There are standards such as IEEE 802.15.4 (physical layer and MAC layer) and IEEE
802.15.10 (L2R), which NICT took the lead in standardizing. Furthermore, Wi-SUN, theworld's first certified standard that references these standards, has already been
established (NICT is a founder member).

4

Conditions

It is essential to be able to satisfy requirements beyond the human scope, such as

required for

operation for 10 years or more without battery replacement, and to be capable of

Beyondautonomous distributed operation in order to realize a very large number of radio

5G/6G

communications.

Beacon interval (BI)Active period(a.k.a. Superframe duration; SD)
Data frame
Sleep periodtOn-demand beacon signals

Figure T2.2a Intermittent waiting action for saving power

Figure T2.2b Demonstration of low-power operation (left: fishery, right: farming)

71

Heterogeneous channel allocation:
D1 cannot receive nor send simultaneously
Control to D4
CS

CS

D2
D1

D4
D3
Control target

t

D1

D3

t

Sensing from D3

D4

Sensing from D4Control support

Figure T2.2c Application of in-network heterogeneous radio

72

t
t

T2.3 Adaptive wireless application
1

Technology

This technology handles session management, time synchronization, and applicationinterface in order to realize advanced functions through the cooperation of multiple
radios according to the situations and requirements.

2

PurposeThis technology is indispensable for various wireless systems, including IoT andmono-centric systems. It can satisfy the following requirements: 1) Optimize
information exchange by session management and traffic adjustment in considerationof priorities. 2) Realize communication between radios via wide-area backbone
networks, etc., and perform control to compensate for time synchronization between
radios according to assumed services. 3) Realize an application interface thatvisualizes the connection of a group of radios that establishes communication andallows an operator to appropriately and efficiently set up a large number of radios.

3

Background

There are standards such as ECHONET LITE (session layer or higher).

4

Conditions

It is necessary to establish an appropriate user interface in addition to timerequiredforsynchronization on the application to ensure the upper layer operation.

Beyond 5G/6G[1] ECHONET Lite, http://www.echonet.gr.jp/spec/

Figure T2.3a App interface for visualizing radio device operation (left: radio devices, right: connection status)

Mesh rootR
L2R routers

A B C DA

B DIEEE 802.15.4 PAN links

B

Paths to the mesh root
Data frame from device mto the mesh root

C

D

m

C

D

Concatenated data frames
m n from devices m and n to
the mesh root

Figure T2.3b Overview of frame consolidation applications73T2.4 Autonomous localization, tracking and reservation for radio wave radiation space1

Technology

Mobile devices that intend to transmit information using radio waves calculate theminimum necessary radio wave emission space by autonomous or cooperative methods
with other devices, and based on the results, localize the radio wave emission spaceand perform tracking control along with movement. This technology shares spectrum
resources by predicting the future behavior of mobile devices and making precise
reservations (schedules) for the space and time required to use radio wave resources.

2

PurposeBy minimizing the physical radio wave emission space, it is possible to simultaneously
increase the robustness against interference (reliability) and security under the ultrahigh-density inter-device communication environment. In addition, by integrating thistechnology with the technology for predicting the movement of devices in cyberspace, itwill be possible to secure communication quality in preparation for future communication
congestion.

3

Background

Electronic localization and tracking technology for radio wave emission space has been
put into practical use in mobile phone systems and Wi-Fi systems as passive or active
beamforming technology. It has become a core technology as massive MIMO technology
in 5G wireless communication systems.

4

Conditions

It is necessary to reduce the effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of radio waves inrequired for

an unplanned space to a level where information cannot be restored even by an ultra-

Beyondhigh-sensitivity receiver, and to automatically track objects as they move (walking-speed

5G/6G

level). It is also necessary to accurately predict the arrival time of devices at future
destinations and the radio wave propagation environment at such destinations, so thatthe optimal radio wave emission space can be reserved with microsecond accuracy.

[1] 5G Multi Antenna Technology, NTT DOCOMO Technical Journal Vol. 23 No. 4, Jan. 2016.

74

T2.5 Autonomous M2M network construction with super multi-connection
1

Technology

This technology autonomously builds machine-to-machine (M2M) networks of ultramulti-hopping relays by connecting various ubiquitous social resources (fixed resources
and mobile resources) inside and outside the building, or a large number of devices
equipped with them, autonomously (or upon request), by passing communication
systems that automatically share information when devices pass each other.

2

PurposeEven in areas where facilities such as base stations and communication infrastructure
operated by mobile operators are not readily available, or in areas where installation
itself is difficult, ultra-wideband delay-tolerant networks can be configured in an
extremely eco-friendly manner over a wide range. (This provides a platform forautonomous participatory sensing and network building objects.)

3

Background

There are multiple communication standards and methods that allow multiple devices
located in the vicinity to autonomously connect to each other. As an example, in the fieldof smart meters in Japan, networks operating with several hundred to one thousand units
have been built, mainly using sub-gigabyte frequencies [1].

4

Conditions

1) Autonomous M2M network with super multi-connection must be capable ofrequired forautonomously discovering ultra-multi-hopping relays devices related to propagation

Beyondpaths, and frequencies suitable for information propagation according to environmental

5G/6G

conditions, etc., securing and managing resources, as well as have an API (Application
Programming Interface) and appropriate user interface for this purpose.
2) The ability to ensure a certain level of time synchronization performance, time tuning,
and reliability in securing and managing resources related to the above.
3) It is required to have a function that can autonomously remove the distribution of
information whose consumption value has already disappeared or information that
violates discipline, etc.

[1] Wireless Mesh Network Technology for Smart Meters, Mitsubishi Electric Technical Report, Vol. 86,
No. 11, 2012.

75

T3 Wired/Wireless communication and network control
T3.1 Network control (Zero-touch automation)
1

Technology

This network technology can continuously develop to meet various service requirements.
Specific examples include technology that automates the provisioning of E2E (End-toEnd) services across the domains of multiple networks of different types, such as core
networks, wireless access networks, and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), with zerotouch, and network operation full-automation technology using AI/ML-based advanced
data analysis mechanisms.

2

PurposeTechnology required to implement E2E services across multiple network domains ofdifferent types. For this purpose, E2E services are implemented by providing a layered
cross-domain management function on top of each network domain.

3

BackgroundThe zero-touch automation framework has been considered [1] by ETSI's zero-touch
network and service management (ZSM), a European standards body. Also, Open
Source MANO (OSM) that provides the virtualization of network function on an open
source basis is said to be prepared for a scalable architecture for severance and closedloop operations, leveraging a cloud-native version in Release 13 [2] announced in
December 2022.

4

Conditions

For example, when a passenger on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean wants to watch

required forvideo content from a network distribution server in a European country, the service needs

Beyondto go through European ground stations multiple times, connect to a satellite line once,

5G/6G

and then be received through HAPS or other network domains. In this case, this service
needs to go through different network domains, such as terrestrial and non-terrestrial
networks, and service providers need to provide E2E services through zero-touchautomation without being aware of the differences in the domains.

[1] ETSI GS ZSM 003 v1.1.1（2019-08） Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM); Endto-end management and orchestration of network slicing[2] https://osm.etsi.org/news-events/news/76-etsi-osm-launches-release-thirteen-with-a-new-scalablearchitecture-for-massive-closed-loop-operations76

T3.2 Frequency allocation and sharing management
1

Technology

This technology allocates frequencies to mobile operators, as well as enables sharing
and dynamic allocation among multiple parties, in line with the diversification ofcommunication applications and the use of high-frequency bands.

2

PurposeBeyond 5G/6G requires dynamic operation of spectrum sharing using databases andautonomous operation using new radio access methods in addition to the existing
spectrum sharing methods in which mobile operators occupy frequency bands for 4G or
a company holds a license for local 5G, in order to increase the spectrum utilization per
bandwidth by shortening the time to start the operation of the dynamically allocatedspectrum.

3

Background

In Japan, in addition to the bands allocated for mobile operators, shared bands areallocated for local 5G operators [1]. For Beyond 5G/6G, many experts have suggested
that users should be able to acquire the necessary frequencies by spectrum sharing [2].

4Conditions

It is necessary to develop software (broker/middleware) that automatically acquires therequired forspectrum resources required for users, visualize spectrum operation, and allocate

Beyondresources by calculating the radio interference with simulators utilizing dynamic

5G/6G

database, block chain, and digital twin technologies.

[1] https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000711788.pdf[2] https://www.6gworld.com/videos/spectrum-sharing-in-6g-6gsymposium/77T3.3 Private wireless system management (Local Beyond 5G)
1

Technology

The local 5G is a unique Japanese-system advanced 5G technology for private wirelesssystems. It is also expected that the functions can be customized according to local
needs.

2

PurposeThe system offers both stability and confidentiality. It is also expected to be used inindustrial and regional applications such as plant automation systems and disasterprevention and reduction systems through infrastructure monitoring.

3

Background

In Japan, 4.6–4.9 GHz and 28.2–29.1 GHz have been allocated and their deployment
has started [1]. Other countries, such as Germany, have similar systems.

4

Conditions

Even at present, it is necessary to coordinate the operation with local 5G networks

required for

operated by other companies in the neighborhood. In the future, it will be important to

Beyondcreate a system that assumes the cooperation with the public network and a wide range

5G/6G

of local 5G. It will also be important to utilize other technologies, such as CPS, in orderto create a system that maintains customizability and confidentiality while avoiding
interference. One of the technologies to further enhance the local 5G is full-duplex
wireless communication, which operates both uplink and downlink at the same time andat the same frequency, and it is theoretically possible to double the communication
capacity

comparedwithconventional

FDD

and TDD,

so-called

half-duplex

communication. However, when transmitting and receiving at the same time and at thesame frequency, its own strong transmission signal flows around the receiving circuit as
self-interference, resulting in the strong interference of weak received signals. In
addition, inter-cell interference with the base stations and terminals of other cells also
increases. Therefore, it is necessary to properly incorporate interference detection andcontrol technology. Since local 5G is expected to be used in various cases based on
spot operations, it is considered that an environment exists in which full duplex can beeasily applied.
[1] Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Guidelines for Introduction to Local 5G, latest
revision in December 2020.https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000722596.pdf

Figure T3.3 Private wireless system management (local 5G)78

T3.4 Advanced wireless emulation
1

Technology

This technology enables highly accurate evaluation of new technology and large-scale
system verification to be conducted in a short time and at a low cost by simulating theradio wave propagation between wireless devices based on the assumed scenario ofusers in a virtual space. Three major elemental technologies are required to realize
advanced wireless emulation. The first is a modeling technology for radio wave
propagation and a real environment. The environment to be constructed in a virtual
space is precisely modeled in 3D, and a radio wave propagation model to accurately
reproduce radio wave propagation in that environment is developed. The second is asimulated radio system to verify radio communication using a virtual environment incyberspace. Therefore, in order to perform evaluation and verification using an actual
wireless device existing in the physical space, a technology for converting the analog
signals of wireless communication into digital signals is required. In order to verify anadvanced 6G wireless communication system, it is also necessary to develop an
implementation technology that enables the operation of 5G, IEEE 802.11ax, and othercutting-edge systems. The third is the virtual environment verification platform, whichliterally becomes the heart of radio wave emulation.

In the large-scale virtualenvironment verification platform, which is a large-scale computer environment, an
externally connected radio and a radio virtually mounted on the platform, refer to theactual radio wave propagation models. The results of the interaction are output in realtime.
2

PurposeIt is difficult, both financially and physically, to conduct field tests on new technologies
for effectively using frequencies and tests on large-scale systems with several thousand
units. The use of an advanced wireless emulator enables highly reproducible evaluationsand verifications in various environments.

3

BackgroundA representative example of this is the SC2 project [1] of the US Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which set multiple scenarios in line with the realworld and held spectrum sharing technology competitions.
In Japan, an ongoing project led by NICT on the research and development of a wirelessemulator that realizes advanced wireless emulation is underway. In addition to thedevelopment of the three elemental technologies described in Item 1, we are also
developing a verification environment that interconnects virtual radios and actual radios
built in a virtual environment. If it is realized, large-scale verifications of more than 1,000
devices will be possible. Implementation of basic functions related to the calculation andanalysis of radio wave propagation has been completed. At the 2021 Symposium on
Utilization of Wireless Emulators [2], a demonstration was presented that visualizes radio
wave propagation in ITS and smart office environments.

4

Conditions

Quasi real-time emulation to set mobile routes during running scenarios, large-scale79required forsystem verification capability of 10,000 units, radio wave emission pattern emulation of

Beyondbeamforming, and 400 MHz band signal processing assuming Beyond 5G/6G.

5G/6G[1] DARPA, “Spectrum Collaboration Challenge (SC2),” https://archive.darpa.mil/sc2/[2] Symposium on the utilization of wireless emulatorshttps://pco-prime.com/cps_promo/

Figure T3.4a Advanced radio wave emulation

Figure T3.4b Overview of wireless emulation in large-

Figure T3.4c Visualization of wirelessscale virtual environment verification infrastructurecommunication status through wireless emulation80

T4 Multi-layer wireless systems – NTN
T4.1 Satellite and non-terrestrial communication platform
1

Technology

This technology enables wireless communication systems to seamlessly connect fromthe ground to mobility, high-altitude platform station (HAPS), satellites, and deep-spaceprobes in three dimensions.

2

PurposeBy making it possible to communicate with all areas, people will be able to use various
communications in a future society where the environment will be continuously
changing.

3

Background

Satellite communications are increasing in capacity (high-throughput satellites), flexible
and digitalized, and low-latency (low-Earth-orbit satellites) [1], development of HAPSis accelerating [2]. The standardization of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) is advancing
in 3GPP [3], [4].

4Conditions
required

For practical use, wireless communication equipment on each platform needs highfor

speed, large-capacity, hybrid of radio waves and light, flexibility and digitalization to

Beyondseamlessly connect non-uniform systems, miniaturization and cost reduction, and 3D

5G/6G

spectrum sharing to allow multiple vertical platforms to share radio waves. In addition,
it is necessary to allocate frequencies so that the platforms do not interfere with eachother, and at the same time, the platforms can cooperate with each other. It is also
required to have functions for improving three-dimensional spectrum sharing andfrequency utilization efficiency.

[1] Rep. ITU-R M.2460-0[2] https://hapsalliance.org/[3] https://www.3gpp.org/release-17[4] https://www.3gpp.org/release18

Figure T4.1 Satellite and non-terrestrial communication
platforms and their requirements81T4.2 Optical satellite communication
1

Technology

This technology provides high-capacity wireless communication using light (laser) inspace, aiming for ultra-high speed, low latency, and broadband communication.

2

PurposeWhile the amount of data generated by Earth observation satellites is increasing, there
is a limit to high-speed communication in the radio frequency band. High-speed opticalwireless technology is powerful for large-capacity image transfer and long-distancedata communications.

3

Background

Optical communications of 1.8 Gbps [1] for inter-satellite optical communications using
geostationary satellites, 5.5 Gbps [2] for inter-satellite optical communications using
low earth orbit satellites, and 5.12 Gbps [3] for ground-to-satellite opticalcommunications have been demonstrated in space. The Government of Japanannounced its R&D efforts for satellite communications, which are expected to include
the construction of small satellite constellation networks and economic security [4].

4Conditions

In optical communications, the beam is sharp, so optical communication devices andrequired for

capture/tracking devices with capture/tracking/directional functions are required. For

Beyondpractical application, communication speeds of 10–50 Gbps class, which is an order

5G/6G

of magnitude higher than the present level, and communication technology connecting
multiple different networks are also required.

[1] https://www.satnavi.jaxa.jp/project/lucas/[2] https://earth.esa.int/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/t/terrasar-x,
http://satcom.jp/44/reportj2.pdf[3] https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=8357402[4]https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/101_kishida/actions/202112/28space.html

Figure T4.2 Use of optical satellite communications82

T4.3 Maritime communication
1

Technology

This technology provides M2M data transmission and high-speed, high-capacity
networks to ships on the ocean.

2

PurposeThe sharing of high-speed and high-capacity data over the ocean and land is effective
for automated navigation, efficient use of marine resources, maritime security, andonboard broadband.

3

Background

Several tens of Mbps are provided in the global service, but the size of thecommunication equipment and cost are obstacles due to the restrictions on installation
locations [1].

4

Conditions

A high-speed, low-cost, small-sized broadband communication system is needed acrossrequired forthe globe, including the Arctic region, with a view to future unmanned operations.

Beyond5G/6G[1] Toward the Spread of High-Speed Communications at Sea (Final Report), Ministry of Internal Affairs
and Communications, MLIT, MAFF, March 2018.

Figure T4.3 Image of maritime communications

83T4.4 Underwater and submarine communication
1

Technology

This technology provides communication under the sea where it is difficult to use radio
waves. Conventional communication using sound waves has problems with slow
communication speeds and large propagation delays. However, the use of radio waves
enables high-speed and low-delay communication.

2

PurposeFor bridge maintenance, IoT fishery, seabed exploration, etc., wireless communication
technology is necessary to complement communication that is difficult with sound andlight.

3

Background

The Aqua Local Area Network (ALAN) consortium has been established, and underwatercommunication using visible light in particular is drawing attention [1]. In addition tocommunications, wireless power transmission technology is also being developed for
powering underwater robots.

4

Conditions

Higher speeds of several Mbps or more, longer distances of several tens of meters, andrequired forsmaller and lighter antennas are required for mounting on ships and underwater robots,

Beyondtaking into consideration the water resistance. It is also necessary to use communication

5G/6G

technology from the ice to the sea in order to control robots that survey under the ice,such as at the North Pole.

[1] https://www.trimatiz.com/jp/consortium/alan.html

84

T4.5 Cooperative control of multi-layered networks
1

Technology

This technology links deep-space probes, geostationary satellites, low earth orbit
satellites, HAPS, aircraft, drones, ships, ground stations, Beyond 5G/6G, etc. in a multilayered and organic manner, and flexibly controls the platform and network connectionused according to the service.

2

PurposeIt is possible to build a system that avoids communication interruptions anywhere, suchas aircraft, ships, remote islands, deserts, mountains, planets, etc., in response to user
requests such as for Internet use, remote information collection, remote control,
emergency disaster countermeasures, and infectious disease countermeasures (remote
work, etc.).

3

Background

Regarding satellite 5G collaboration, the SATis5 Project [1] of the European Space
Agency (ESA) and the SAT5G Project [2] of the European Union have been
implemented. In 3GPP, the specification of a resource management scheme for 5G nonterrestrial networks (NTN) has been considered [3]. In Beyond 5G/6G technology, thestudy of further integration and fusion of NTN and terrestrial systems has begun [4]. In
Japan, a subcommittee of the Space ICT Promotion Forum [5] is studying new use cases
for collaboration between satellites and Beyond 5G/6G, and a Japan-Europe partnershipproject has begun [6].

4Conditions

Standardization of each platform and development of infrastructure for integrated

required for

network systems (such as satellite-ground resource management functions) are

Beyondrequired.

5G/6G[1] https://artes.esa.int/projects/satis5-0[2] https://www.sat5g-project.eu/[3] https://www.3gpp.org/release-17[4] https://www.3gpp.org/release18[5] https://spif.nict.go.jp/[6] https://www2.nict.go.jp/spacelab/en/pj_stit.html

Figure 4.15 Cooperative control of multi-layered networks

85

T5 Space-time synchronization
T5.1 Wireless space-time synchronization
1

Technology

This technology provides time synchronization and mutual positioning by wirelesstechnology for remote devices to work cooperatively. High-precision space-timesynchronization can be realized easily and inexpensively by incorporating advanced
technologies used to compare Japan Standard Time (JST) with Coordinated Universal
Time (UTC) into wireless communication devices.

2

PurposeFor example, by applying space-time synchronization to a 3D printer, it is possible tocreate shapes of any size without being constrained by the size of the frame, and it isalso possible to quickly create shapes by linking multiple robots. In addition, costeffective, easy-to-use and robust space-time synchronization technology is essential
for the diversification of computing resources.

3

Background

The 5G Technical Specification (3GPP TS v. 18) requires time synchronization with alow delay of less than 1 ms and jitter of less than 1 microsecond from end to end for
multi-robot collaboration. As a positioning technology, GNSS (GPS, etc.), beacons, WiFi/Bluetooth technology, etc. are combined to measure the position, and the position
measurement accuracy of 20 cm is required at the highest service level (see the 3GPP
document mentioned above).

4

Conditions
required

Case 1) Inventory in warehouse/indoor robot coordination:for・

Beyond
5G/6G

Time synchronization accuracy 1 microsecond, communication delay (end to end)
< 1 millisecond, position measurement accuracy 1cm

Case 2) Vertical traffic control:・Time synchronization accuracy 1 microsecond, communication delay (end to end)
< 1 millisecond, position measurement accuracy 5m

Figure T5.1 Space-time synchronized 3D printer86

T5.2 Chip-scale atomic clock
1

Technology

This technology provides a super stable clock signal that does not deviate in frequency.
The clock is an important piece of equipment that controls the operation of onboard
equipment. However, the control is only applied to the installed equipment because
traditional clocks vary depending on the environment in which they are used.

Bystabilizing the clock to the atomic frequency standard, it is possible to synchronize andcontrol the clocks of all devices in a single synchronization.
2

PurposeThe age of cloud computing and real-time processing of huge amounts of computation
by multiple computers will come. By synchronizing and tuning the clock, it will be possible
to use an infinite number of machines as if using a desktop PC. This will extend to
distributed avatars and connected cars.

3

Background

Microwave atomic clocks of several centimeters square are sold as modules mainly inEurope and America [1]. In Japan, similar atomic clock modules have been developed
under the leadership of AIST [2]. On the other hand, in the case of the clocks that are
several centimeters square, the market is small other than for dual use, and it is not easy
to promote social implementation in Japan. In the next phase of R&D, a scenario isneeded for further miniaturization and low-power-consumption expansion.

4

Conditions

・ Edge computing: size < 5 cc, power consumption < several hundred mW

required for

・ Personal device: size < 1 cc, power consumption < several mW

Beyond5G/6G[1] R. Lutwak et.al., “The MAC-a Miniature Atomic Clock,” in Proc. IFCS2005, pp.752.
[2] (H. Zhang et.al., "ULPAC: a miniaturizes Ultralow-Power Atomic Clock," IEEE JSSC, 54(11), 2019,
pp.3135.

87

T5.3 Generating and sharing for reference time1

Technology

This technology creates and shares a highly disaster-resistant virtual standard time byusing a large number of clocks in a local network. It provides efficient intra-regional
communications. At the same time, network participants can easily synchronize withabsolute time such as standard time or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) by relying on
this shared time.

2

PurposeNext-generation data exchange requires flexibility to achieve both 1) high-speed andhigh-precision relative time differences over short distances, such as for automatic
driving, and 2) absolute time stamps between servers around the world. In information
systems, clock management is required to accommodate these requirements.

3

Background

With the emergence of local 5G, the concept of a local standard time is being recognized,
and in the future, ways to create and share it will be discussed and developed. On theother hand, the development of an optical frequency standard with high accuracy isadvancing in metrology research labs and universities in Japan and overseas. By
commercializing this product, it is possible to maintain synchronization with absolute time
for a considerable period of time in an isolated state, and to maintain the availability ofclock management.

4

Conditions

・

required for
Beyond5G/6G

High-speed and highly efficient data exchange in local networks requires relative
time accuracy at the picosecond level.

・Data exchange based on universal time stamps requires absolute time accuracy at
the microsecond level.

88

T6 Ultra-security and reliability
T6.1 Emerging security
1

Technology

This technology creates Beyond 5G/6G infrastructure and new services with security.

2

PurposeIn a society where Beyond 5G/6G has been realized, various data in real space will besent to cyberspace in real time, and control in the real space will be performed based on
the results analyzed in the cyber space (e.g., self-driving, digital twins). Integrated
security from the hardware layer to the software layer is important as infrastructure. In
addition, technologies are required to identify security issues and use them safely andsecurely for new technologies and services provided on this infrastructure.

3

Background

5G security is being discussed by various organizations, including the 3GPP Security
Working Group (SAWG3) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
NCCoE Project. However, the definition of Beyond 5G/6G has not been established andwill be discussed in the future. In the area of IoT security, R&D on supply chain risk
management measures is underway in the Cross-miniature Strategic Innovation
Promotion Program (SIP) project.

4

Conditions

Hardware (sensors, drones, satellites, etc.) security technology (anti-tamper technology,

required for

hardware trojan detection technology, measurement and control security technology,

Beyondetc.). Security technologies for real data processing software and clouds (vulnerability

5G/6G

detection, data-protection technologies, adversarial attack resistant AI technologies,
DoS attack protection technologies, etc.). Beyond 5G/6G infrastructure security
technology, and security technologies for new technologies and services (automateddriving, unmanned delivery, XR, satellite and HAPS communications, etc.) are required.

89

T6.2 Cyber security based on real attack data
1

Technology

This technology provides large-scale attack observation and visualization to respond toincreasingly diverse and sophisticated cyber-attacks, and cross analyzes large-scale
aggregated information to derive countermeasures.

2

PurposeIn a society where Beyond 5G/6G has been realized, a huge number of devices will beconnected to each other with ultra-high speed, low latency, and large capacity. In otherwords, with the increasing number of devices subject to attack, if an attacker takes overmany devices, a large-scale attack becomes possible. Therefore, technology for realtime, large-scale observation and analysis of attacks and automatic countermeasures isnecessary for the stable use of Beyond 5G/6G.

3

Background

The Center for Applied Internet Data Analysis (CAIDA) in the U.S. and NICT haveconstructed one of the largest darknet monitoring systems in the world for monitoring
worldwide indiscriminate attacks. While R&D is actively being conducted around theworld on the integration of cyber security and AI, there are technical challenges toautomation, including countermeasures, and ease of interpreting the output of AI.

4

Conditions

Technology to observe diverse cyber-attacks, including indiscriminate attacks andrequired fortargeted attacks, visualization technology to grasp the situation from observed

Beyondinformation, and technology to analyze vast amounts of observation data in real time

5G/6G

using AI technology and derive automated countermeasures.

90

T6.3 Quantum cryptography
1Technology

This technology is an encryption method that uses a shared secret key to encrypt andtransmit data using the properties of quantum mechanics. It is possible to attain
information-theoretic security that in principle cannot be deciphered by any computer,including a quantum computer. This is the most secure cipher known today.

2

PurposeIn the network of Beyond 5G/6G, important information will increasingly be placed incyberspace. Quantum cryptography can protect national secrets and security. It canprotect information that requires ultra-long-term confidentiality in fields such as medicine,finance, infrastructure, and smart manufacturing.

3

BackgroundResearch and development, field verification, standardization, etc. are advancing invarious countries around the world, and practical application is starting. Japan has
achieved the world’s longest operation of a quantum cryptography network testbed andthe world’s first successful fundamental experiment on quantum communications using
ultra-small satellites. In addition, Japanese companies have begun to commercialize
quantum cryptography devices.

4

Conditions

Quantum key distribution (QKD) to share private keys, QKD networking, QKD using

required for

artificial satellites, as well as the establishment of standardization, evaluation, andBeyondcertification systems for actual commercialization are necessary. It is also important to

5G/6G

develop technologies for the entire security system using quantum cryptography, suchas the quantum secure cloud technology originally developed in Japan.

91

T6.4 Electromagnetic environment
1

Technology

This technology maintains electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) whereby wirelessdevices and the electrical and electronic devices around them can coexist without
interfering with each other. In addition, this technology evaluates the amount of radio
waves emitted from wireless devices and electrical and electronic equipment that areabsorbed by the human body (exposure), thereby creating an environment in which radio
waves can be used to the maximum without affecting health. This includes thedevelopment of measuring instruments and high-precision, high-reliability radio wave
measurement technology to realize these goals.

2

PurposeThis is necessary for safe and secure radio wave usage and for maintaining EMC.

3

Background

Regarding electromagnetic noise generated from electrical and electronic equipment,
the industry is conducting self-regulation (VCCI Council) with the expectation of using
frequencies up to 6 GHz. In the radio frequency radiation protection guideline of Japan,
frequencies up to 300 GHz are assumed to be used. There is currently no limit on using
the terahertz band.

4

Conditions

Technologies are required to reduce the impact of radio noise generated from electricalrequired forand electronic equipment on advanced wireless devices, to appropriately evaluate such

Beyondimpact, to accurately evaluate real-time and fluctuating exposure in diverse radio wave

5G/6G

applications, and to accurately evaluate exposure in the millimeter and terahertz bands
in order to extend the adaptive frequency range of the radio frequency radiation
protection guideline up to the terahertz band. As basic technologies for these, it isnecessary to establish laws and standards for measuring instruments in the terahertz
band, as well as for primary standards, measuring methods, and evaluation methods.

92

T6.5 Resilient ICT
1

Technology

This technology provides temporary and continuous use of communication infrastructure(network, data observation, and analysis, etc.) even when the environment changes
rapidly due to various failures and disasters.

2

PurposeAn emergency network infrastructure is required in order to carry out recovery work bysending in a group of robots where human entry has become difficult due to a disaster.
At the same time, network infrastructure that continuously supports the observation andanalysis of natural environmental data and the distribution of local information isnecessary to ensure security and safety at anytime and anywhere.

3

Background

The ITU-T Technical Report [1] describes resilience as one of the requirements for future
networks. In addition, Japan’s 6th Basic Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation
states that in order to reduce risks due to sudden changes such as natural disasters, theGovernment will focus on strengthening resilience by using cutting-edge ICT in suchareas as observation and prediction of natural disasters and emergency response.

4

Conditions

As an emergency information-sharing platform, we aim to realize the communication

required forrequirements (end-to-end (E2E) delay of 0.1ms or less) required for remote control of a

Beyondrobot group at the space ratio and time ratio of 99.99% or more, and as a continuous

5G/6G

information-sharing platform, we aim to realize an area coverage ratio and availability of
99.99% or more.

[1] FG NET-2030 Sub-G1, Representative use cases and key network requirements for Network 2030,
Jan. 2020.

93

T6.6 Sensing
1

Technology

This technology measures all types of phenomena in physical space (people, things,
environment, and their conditions).

2

PurposeIn the world of Beyond 5G/6G, every event in physical space is projected into
cyberspace, and the solutions found in cyberspace drive the events in physical space.
Sensing makes it possible to incorporate events in physical space into cyberspace.

3

BackgroundIn addition to conventional sensing technology (such as radar lidar), which uses
electromagnetic waves of various frequencies according to the purpose, research anddevelopment is also being conducted on passive sensing technology, which uses radio
waves for specific purposes such as communications and broadcasting. In addition,
research and development on the use of terahertz waves for sensing, which has been
expanding in use in recent years, is also active.

4

Conditions

The safe use of autonomous driving and drones requires not only high-precision

required for

positioning but also high-precision environmental measurements in specific areas. Also

Beyondrequired is technology development for passive sensing, which uses radio waves in

5G/6G

various frequency bands as a by-product, including high-frequency bands, which are
increasingly used in communications. It is also necessary to develop technologies formeasuring indoors and other closed spaces where radio waves are reflected,
technologies for using AI for advanced identification and recognition, technologies forusing large numbers of small, low-cost sensors, and technologies for communicating andcompressing large volumes of sensed data.

94

T7 Ultra-realistic and innovative applications
T7.1 Brain information reading, visualization, and BMI
1

Technology

This technology controls various devices and provides non-verbal communication(emotion, intelligibility, skills) by reading and analyzing brain information using noninvasive or low-invasive methods.

2

PurposeIn addition to mutual understanding among diverse people with different cultures andvalues, extra-linguistic communication and brain-based device control facilitate social
participation by the elderly and disabled people.

3

BackgroundThe social development of BMI systems using invasive and non-invasive methods isstarting both in Japan and overseas, particularly for medical applications. However, bothmethods have issues in terms of sensors, miniaturization, decoding, and wirelesscommunication technologies, and further advancement of each basic technology is
expected [1].

4

Conditions

Wireless communication of brain information requires ultra-high-speed broadband

required forcommunication, ultra-low latency, ultra-large number of simultaneous connections, ultra-

Beyondlow power consumption, ultra-security/reliability, and expandability.

5G/6G[1] Igaku-no-ayumi “Special Issue on Brain Machine Interface (BMI),” Rynsho-oyo-no-tenbo, inJapanese, 275(13), (2020)95

T7.2 Intuition measurement, transmission, and assurance
1

Technology

This technology measures the discomfort felt during work in cyberspace, such as
teleconferencing and remote control, from bio-signals including brain information tomaintain the intuition of users.

2

PurposeIn cyberspace work such as teleconferencing and remote control, which are rapidly
spreading due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the workload on the brain is high, unlike inphysical space. Therefore, technology that enables intuitive work in cyberspace isnecessary.

3

Background

Human-centric value creation is proposed for 5G/6G [1], but if intuition can be
dynamically controlled at the cognitive level of the brain, teleconferencing andteleworking with a smaller load on the brain will become possible.

4

Conditions

In order to maintain intuition, including at the unconscious level, it is necessary torequired forconstruct a brain model that estimates intuition from biological signals such as brain

Beyondinformation, and to perform dynamic delay and jitter control based on biological signal

5G/6G

feedback in wired and wireless integrated networks.

[1] 6G Flagship: Key Drivers and Research Challenges for 6G Ubiquitous
Wireless Intelligence, Univ. Oulu (2019)

Figure T7.2 Intuition measurement, communication, and assurance technologies

96T7.3 Real 3D avatars, multisensory communication, and XR
1Technology

This technology provides an ultra-reality communication that enables real and natural
remote XR interaction by instantaneously creating a 3D model of the body andenvironment and transmitting and reproducing it along with multisensory information(visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, etc.).

2

PurposeUltra-reality communication technology will enable remote communication thattranscends space, time, and physical barriers, and will contribute to the realization of asuper-aged society in which labor productivity and richness of the mind are dramatically
improved.

3

BackgroundIn the post-Covid-19 society, there is a demand for the development and realization ofavatars, multisensory communication, and XR technologies for various purposes suchas remote medical care, nursing care, education and collaboration [1].

4

Conditions

Ultra-reality

communication

technologies

such

as

3D

avatars,

multisensory

required forcommunications, and XR that guarantee a quality of experience (QoE) equivalent to the

Beyondreal world are required for various tasks performed remotely by humans.

5G/6G[1] Research on service contents using VR/AR technologies (Mitsubishi Research Institute, 2018,entrusted by MIC)

Figure T7.3 Ultra-reality communication transcending space, time, and physical barriers

97

T7.4 AI analysis and dialogue using language and extra-linguistic information
1

Technology

This technology analyzes and organizes large amounts of information and knowledge
on the Internet. It also helps users expand and refine their world view, through various
forms of multi-modal dialogues using linguistic and extra-linguistic information, based on
the results of analyzing information and knowledge on the Internet.

2

PurposeIn the midst of a serious shortage of human resources due to the aging of society and a
declining birthrate, this technology is necessary to make the most of each individual’sabilities. In particular, it is essential for elderly care, R&D, education, and other areas
facing serious human resource shortages.

3

Background

Although AI speakers are increasingly used by ordinary households and the accuracy ofmachine reading technologies is now exceeding that of humans, there is no technologythat covers all aspects of dialogue and no methodology that can expand and refine theuser’s perception of the world through dialogue.

4

Conditions

When individual users request the analysis of a large amount of data on the Internet, in

required fororder to avoid third parties obtaining the analysis results, the data needs to be analyzed

Beyondon the users’ devices. As such, this technology requires a network capable of transferring

5G/6G

in real time large amounts of unanalyzed data.

98

T7.5 Edge AI behavioral support
1

Technology

This technology integrates edge computing and AI to enable machine learning andinference based on high-capacity, low-latency, and ultra-diverse data in IoT devices inthe edge environment. Edge AI has various functions, from learning and inference in thecloud and edge, to using it only in the edge environment. Edge AI is expected to evolve
the Internet of Things into the Internet of Intelligent Things.

2

PurposeCurrent AI, especially machine learning, is supposed to be used in the cloud with
sufficient computing resources and storage. However, since it is practically difficult tosend a large amount of private information from a user's IoT device to the cloud, it will
be possible to build a machine learning model on the edge side using a huge data
stream. Examples of alternative applications include cooperative automatic driving,support for actions in smart spaces (smart cities, homes, campuses, offices, hospitals,etc.), environmental monitoring with the combination of a wide variety of sensors,
bidirectional interaction between real and virtual, human-robot collaboration, and so on.

3

BackgroundAI is broadly divided into “AI on edge” and “AI for edge.” In the former, R&D is being
carried out on resource-saving, communication-saving, and low-latency machinelearning methods (associative learning, decentralized learning, model division learning,and distributed reinforcement learning) suitable for edge environments. In the latter, R&D
is actively being carried out on the optimization of network configuration and resource
allocation in edge environments. In addition, international standardization such as IEEE
3652.1-2020 and ETSI ISG MEC is also being carried out.

4

Conditions

Since users' IoT devices are highly autonomous in edge environments, edge AI needs

required for

to optimize machine learning processing according to the availability of opportunistic

Beyondresources based on the network conditions, resources available on connected devices,

5G/6G

and application requirements. It is also necessary to develop technologies to improverecognition and prediction performance by combining ultra-diverse data streams, andreal-time and secure distributed learning technologies. In addition, the dynamic
deployment of machine learning models to various devices in edge environments andthe technology to support actions that are optimized according to the situation by using
digital twins and simulation is required.

99

T7.6 Simultaneous multi-lingual interpretation, paraphrase, and summarization
1

Technology

This technology converts between different languages to assist communication between
Japanese and foreigners with good time efficiency. To enable this, the context and extralinguistic information are also referred to, and intra-language conversion is included.

2

PurposeJapanese and non-Japanese can live and do business in normal times without stress,
and Japanese and non-Japanese can co-exist without barriers even in emergencies
such as disasters.

3

BackgroundIn this field, NICT is in competition with GAFA (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple) and
BATH (Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent, Huawei), but NICT is dominant thanks to a public-based
framework represented by translation banks [1].

4

Conditions

Hardware and networks that enable parallel execution of single-device learning andrequired forcloud-based learning with low latency will enable ultra-precise model learning tailored to

Beyondindividual users for the first time.

5G/6G[1] Global Communication Plan 2025 (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, March 31, 2020)

T7.6 Secure remote simultaneous interpretation

100

T7.7 Autonomous driving
1

Technology

This technology automates the movement of vehicles (mobility) in various fields such ascars and trucks used for the transportation of people and goods, industry and agriculture,
robots that compensate for the labor shortage at medical sites, and wheelchairs that help
the movement of the disabled and the elderly.

2

Purpose

We will be able to realize a vibrant and bright society by creating a safe and secure traffic
environment free from accidents, eliminating labor shortages and declining productivity
due to the aging population and low birth rate, and encouraging the participation andindependence of the disabled and the elderly who are worried about mobility.

3

Background

Efforts to realize autonomous driving are being made in various fields of transportation,communication, and industry [1].

4

Conditions

It is essential to construct an ultra-precise environmental map to check the moving

required forspace, to avoid obstacles and prevent collisions, to take measures against sensor

Beyondabnormalities caused by solar activity, to remotely monitor emergency measures

5G/6G

including local weather conditions such as wind and rain. and to develop distributed
sensor technologies such as roadside infrastructure. To realize these technologies,
cooperation between vehicles and networks, large-capacity information communication(over several tens of Gbps), and real-time communication technology (1 ms or lessdelay) are required.

[1] Regarding future initiatives of MLIT towards realization of automatic driving, initiatives of Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications towards 5G and ITS/automatic driving towards 2020, etc.,“Initiatives Report and Policies towards Realization of Automatic Driving” Version 4.0, Autonomous
Driving Business Study Group.

101

T7.8 Drones and flying cars
1

Technology

This technology is based on an unmanned aircraft that can fly through the sky freely,from inside to outside the area of visual observation, using an automatic control program.
It is also known as a flying smartphone and flying IoT, making it possible to network
three-dimensional spaces that have not been used before. It is also called the “Industrial
Revolution in the Sky,” but in the future the technology will be developed into flying carsthat constitute a “Mobile Revolution in the Sky.”

2

PurposeDramatically improves the efficiency of infrastructure management, aerial photography,
logistics, observation, disaster/distress communication, etc. In addition, it can reduceenergy consumption and human involvement in all social activities, which is necessary
for the realization of an ecosystem through energy conservation and a new society
resistant to virus infections.

3

BackgroundThe government has led the formulation of the Roadmap for the Industrial Revolution in
the Sky, which is updated every year. The government and the private sector jointly
revise the system and develop technologies to realize safe unobserved flight. In the areaof technology development, R&D projects led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (New Energy andIndustrial Technology Development Organization) are being promoted. In the area of
institutional reform, revisions to the Civil Aeronautics Act and the Radio Act are being
implemented one after another. Europe, the United States, China, South Korea, andother countries are conducting their own R&D. The International Telecommunication
Union (ITU), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) have also been promoting the standardization ofcommunications and airframe safety technologies.

4

Conditions

Highly reliable and low-cost wireless communications that support the safe flightrequired for

operation of drones, spectrum sharing and frequency expansion technology for thisBeyondpurpose, technology for preventing sensor abnormalities associated with solar activity,

5G/6G

technology for monitoring local weather conditions such as wind and rain, andcollaboration and fusion with terrestrial, space, and HAPS networks are required.

102

Appendix 3: Pseudocode Example (Service Enabler)
As a specific example of the use of a service enabler, when equipment repair is performed by utilizing anavatar robot in a factory in a remote location, a case is considered where a plurality of engineers from all over
the world are connected to the avatar robot and cooperatively operate it. In this case, it is considered that delay
compensation by AI is necessary in order to share the sense of presence and to alleviate the sense ofincongruity caused by the difference in the communication delay between workers in order to enable real workfrom various viewpoints among the working members. The implementer of the service can easily construct theservice by simply describing the program code of the main function to be realized, such as “group superpresence sharing,” “delay compensation remote control” and function, and “AI/ML processing” of optimum
control.
As an example of how to use a service enabler, Appended Figure C3.1 shows an image of a program
implementation in pseudocode. Regarding the instances, “av” of the Avatar class, service enablers for GroupVR
and DelayCompensateAI are added, and the necessary parameters are set.
#create instances for Avater Class and ServiceEnabler Class
Avatar av;
ServiceEnabler vr, delay;#create an instance for avatar
av.createAvatar(myProfile, FACTORY, JAPANESE);#create two instances for service enabler
vr.setMode(RealPresenceMode);
vr.setGroup(userList);delay.setMode(DelayCompensateAI);delay.setMode(FactoryRobot, 0.1ms);#add service enablers to avatar and run it
av.addServiceEnabler(vr);av.addServiceEnabler(delay);
av.run();Figure C3.1. Example of Service Enabler Call for Remote Control of an Avatar Robot103

Acknowledgment
The NICT Open Summit 2020 was held for two days, January 20–21, 2021, to present the first release of thisWhite Paper and engage in discussions with the experts listed below. NICT expresses its deep gratitude to themfor their valuable advice on the R&D direction of Beyond 5G/6G R&D that NICT should pursue.
Dr. KONISHI Satoshi (KDDI Research/KDDI CORPORATION)
Prof. SAMPEI Seiichi (Osaka University)
Prof. NAKAO Akihiro (University of Tokyo)
Dr. NAKAMURA Takehiro (NTT DOCOMO)
Dr. MATSUI Yasunori (Sony Corporation)
Dr. WAKIKAWA Ryuji (SoftBank Corp.)
Prof. Andreas Dengel (Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz)Prof. Matti Latva-aho(Univ. of Oulu)
Dr. Onur Altintas (Toyota Motor North America R&D)

Authors (in alphabetical order)
ABE Yuma, ANDO Hiroshi, ASAEDA Hitoshi, AZUMA Mitsuhiro,CALLAN Daniel, DOI Miwako, EGUCHI
Tomoyuki, FUJII Katsumi, FUJITA Satoshi, FUJIWARA Mikio, FURUKAWA Hideaki, FURUSAWA Kentaro,
FUSE Tetsuharu, HACHISU Hidekazu, HAGIHARA Yuichiro, HAMADA Rira, HANADO Yuko, HARA Motoaki,
HARA Shinsuke, HARAI Hiroaki, HASHIMOTO Yasuhiro, HIROTA Yusuke, HOSAKO Iwao, HOSOKAWA
Mizuhiko, IBUKA Kazuo, ICHIKAWA Ryuichi, IDO Tetsuya, IIDA Ryu, IMAI Koji, INOUE Daisuke, IRIMAJIRI
Yoshihisa, ISHIJIMA Hiroshi, ISHIZU Kentaro, ISOGAI Mitsuo, ITOH Hiroshi, JOACHIMCZAK Michal, KAN
Tomoshige, KANNO Atsushi, KASAMA Takahiro, KASAMATSU Akifumi, KATO Akihito, KAWAMURA Seiji,
KAWASAKI Hikaru, KOJIMA Fumihide, KOJIMA Syoichiro, KOMADA Genki, KOTAKE Hideaki, KUBOTA Minoru,
LIU Juan, MATSUDA Takashi, MATSUMOTO Atsushi, MATSUMURA Takeshi, MATSUZONO Kazuhisa, MIURA
Amane, MIURA Ryu, MIYAZAWA Takaya, MIZUNO Maya, MOROHASHI Isao, MURAKAMI Homare, NAGANO
Hidehisa, NAKAGAWA Takuya, NAKAZAWA Tadateru, NARUSE Yasushi, NEZU Hiromi, NISHINAGA Nozomu,
OH Jonghoon, OKURA Takuya, ONO Fumie, OODO Masayuki, OTAKE Kiyonori, PYO Chang-Woo, SAITO Yuki,
SAKAGUCHI Jun, SASAKI Masahide, SATOH Kohei, SAWADA Kaori, SEKINE Norihiko, SHIGA Nobuyasu,
SHOJI Yozo, SUGA Ryotaro, SUGIBAYASHI Kiyoshi, SUMITA Eiichiro, SUZUKI Takafumi, SUZUKI Yoichi,
TAKEOKA Masahiro, TAKIZAWA Kenichi, TEMMA Katsuhiro, TERANISHI Yuuichi, TERUI Toshifumi,
TORISAWA Kentaro, TOYOSHIMA Morio, TSUJI Hiroyuki, UCHIMOTO Kiyotaka, WAKE Kanako, WATANABE
Hiroki, WATANABE Issei, YAMAGUCHI Shingo, YAMAGUCHI Hiroaki, YAMAMOTO Naokatsu, YAMAMOTO
Shuntaro, YASUDA Satoshi, YOKOTA Yusuke, YOSHIDA Maki, YOSHIDA Yuki, YOSHIMURA Naoko, Zettu Koji

104

Update History
2021.3.31

Release of Japanese Version 1.0

2021.8.31

Release of English Version 1.0

2022.3.30

Release of Japanese Version 2.0
・Updated architecture in Chapter 2 from an open platform perspective.
・Added one scenario on ELSI in Chapter 3.
・Added and organized the elemental technologies in Chapter 4.
・Updated Chapters 5 and Chapter 6 taking into account the latest situations.

2022.6.30

Release of English Version 2.0

2023.3.31

Release of Japanese Version 3.0
・Added information about the architecture in Chapter 2 regarding updates to theorchestrator, and service enabler function and digital twins collaboration.
・Moved the various use cases for the scenarios in Chapter 3 to Appendix 1 and added
Scenario 5.
・Moved the elemental technologies in Chapter 4 to Appendix 2, and added thedescription of key elemental technologies.
・Added the concept of socially implementing research results in Chapter 5.
・Updated international standardization trends in Chapter 6 to the latest information.

2023.6.28

Release of English Version 3.0

105

ISBN 978-4-904020-32-6

Beyond 5G/6G White Paper (English Version 3.0)
Published in June 2023
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B5G-inquiry@ml.nict.go.jp

URL

https://beyond5g.nict.go.jp/

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ISBN 978-4-904020-32-6