Qualcomm has published a new blog post that explores how adaptive intelligence is set to become a foundational element of 6G, ushering in a transformative era for wireless connectivity. As the demand for seamless, high-performance connected experiences continues to surge, Qualcomm envisions a future where AI is embedded natively within both devices and networks. This fourth installment of the company’s ongoing 6G Foundry series highlights how adaptive intelligence—built on the AI advancements of 5G Advanced—will enable networks to respond dynamically to real-time conditions, delivering more personalized, efficient, and robust user experiences.
The blog post also examines the role of AI-enabled digital twins in managing the increasing complexity of wireless infrastructure. These digital replicas will help operators simulate, optimize, and scale networks with unprecedented precision. From contextual awareness at the device level to intelligent automation across network layers, Qualcomm outlines a vision where 6G evolves with the user, creating bespoke connectivity tailored to ever-changing needs. It’s a compelling glimpse into the future of wireless communication, where AI and connectivity converge like never before.
Building upon the Wireless AI Foundation in 5G Advanced
Qualcomm has highlighted that at the core of 6G‘s development is the evolution of AI capabilities introduced in 5G Advanced. Starting with 3GPP Release 16, AI features like the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), RAN data collection, and Self-Organizing Networks laid the groundwork for automation and intelligent network management. Subsequent releases, including Release 17 and the first 5G Advanced standard in Release 18, expanded AI and ML integration, particularly focusing on device involvement and end-to-end wireless system support.
Looking ahead, Release 19 will define a general framework for applying AI to the air interface, enabling smarter functions like beam management, positioning, and mobility. These advancements pave the way for future releases, including Release 20 and the foundation of AI-native 6G networks.
Realize robust coverage and performance with adaptive ML-based transceivers
Adaptive intelligence in 6G will significantly enhance wireless connectivity by employing adaptive ML-based transceiver chains, which will power the next-generation air interface. By leveraging AI/ML algorithms to optimize signal processing, these transceiver chains will improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and power efficiency. This technological advancement enables broader coverage and superior performance, even in challenging propagation environments.
AI/ML-based techniques are key to solving the complexities of 6G wireless communications, with capabilities like advanced error protection and adaptable code rate designs. By dynamically adjusting transmission parameters based on real-time channel conditions, these techniques mitigate signal distortions and errors, ensuring reliable data transmission. The ability to adapt to changing environments enhances user experience and network efficiency.
Deliver performance-driven user experiences with adaptive intelligence
In this section, the report has discussed that Adaptive ML-based transceivers could optimize performance and efficiency of 6G networks in real time. This adaptability is crucial in meeting the diverse requirements of various applications and services, ensuring that 6G delivers unparalleled performance for users and industries alike. AI-native 6G stands as a transformative leap in network technology, revolutionizing wireless connectivity and ushering in a new era of communication possibilities.
Adaptive intelligence in 6G will enable networks to move beyond one-size-fits-all designs, tailoring performance to the unique needs of individual users, applications, and devices. By leveraging AI-native protocols, 6G systems will continuously learn and adapt in real time based on factors like traffic load, user mobility, and interference levels, ensuring optimal and personalized performance.
Devices will also gain adaptive capabilities, dynamically adjusting behaviors—such as switching frequency bands—to maintain strong connections. A key innovation in 6G is the shift toward flexible performance targets, allowing network protocols to adapt their behavior based on application demands, rather than adhering to static criteria. This AI-driven, performance-first approach is essential for supporting emerging technologies like XR and AI. However, it also introduces new challenges in testing and validating high-level, application-specific performance metrics.
Operate reliable, efficient and scalable networks with digital twins
Digital twins—virtual models of physical network systems—are poised to play a critical role in enabling reliable, efficient, and scalable 6G networks. By combining real-time data with AI, these models can monitor network behavior, predict performance issues, and optimize resource allocation, enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency.
In 6G, the integration of AI with digital twins allows for advanced network planning and management. AI-driven analysis of digital twin data enables proactive decision-making, improved energy efficiency, load balancing, and cost savings. This powerful combination ensures 6G networks can scale effectively to meet growing traffic demands and support a wide range of next-generation applications.
Conclusion
Adaptive intelligence is a key enabler of 6G’s innovative capabilities, including efficient resource utilization, robust service delivery, user-specific and application-aware adaptivity, and fault-resilient network operation. These capabilities collectively elevate 6G technology to an AI-native platform, providing significant improvements in flexibility, efficiency and performance. The network intelligence embedded in 6G ensures that it can adapt to the varying needs of modern and future applications and services.
By leveraging adaptive intelligence, 6G technology will extend the capability of wireless connectivity to new dimensions, creating an intelligent, self-optimizing network of networks. This will open new use cases and applications, empowering industry and society to fully embrace the digital transformation. As 6G continues to evolve, adaptive intelligence will revolutionize how we communicate, interact and experience the world around us.