Towards 6G Architecture: Key Concepts, Challenges, and Building Blocks

Marco Gramaglia; Ömer Bulakci; Xi Li; Anastasius Gavras; Mårten Ericson; Sylvaine Kerboeuf; David Larrabeiti; Mir Ghoraishi; Agapi Mesodiakaki; Harilaos Koumaras; Sebastian Robitzsch; Rodrigo Asensio Garriga; Antonio Skarmeta Gómez; Dimitris Tsolkas; Jose M. Alcaraz Calero

doi:10.5281/zenodo.15001378

Towards 6G Architecture: Key Concepts, Challenges, and Building Blocks

Marco Gramaglia
, Ömer Bulakci
, Xi Li
, Anastasius Gavras
, Mårten Ericson
, Sylvaine Kerboeuf
, David Larrabeiti
, Mir Ghoraishi
, Agapi Mesodiakaki
, Harilaos Koumaras
, Sebastian Robitzsch
, Rodrigo Asensio Garriga
, Antonio Skarmeta Gómez
, Dimitris Tsolkas
, Jose M. Alcaraz Calero

Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report

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Abstract

Executive Summary: We are entering the standardization phase for the 6th generation (6G) of wireless technologies. While valuable lessons have been learned from the design, deployment, and operation of 5G and Beyond in Europe, new requirements, emerging technologies, and evolving business models must be natively integrated into the next-generation mobile network architecture.

This white paper presents a comprehensive snapshot of the current architectural considerations explored by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU) projects. It aims to discuss the rationale for novel architectural components, the ongoing design efforts, and the future outlook for 6G.

We analyse the blueprint for next-generation mobile networks, building on past experiences while integrating cutting-edge advancements. The structure follows the IMT-2030 framework, categorizing insights into the key usage scenarios and
overarching architectural aspects.

• Usage Scenarios: We analyse the evolution of IMT-2030 paradigms, focusing on Immersive, Massive, and Hyper-Reliable Low-Latency Communications. We also explore novel 6G enablers, such as Ubiquitous Connectivity, AI-driven Communication, and Integrated Sensing & Communication.

• Overarching Aspects: The next-generation architecture must natively embed Security, Privacy & Trustworthiness, Sustainability, and Network Exposure Capabilities—ensuring these critical aspects are foundationally considered
rather than retroactively incorporated.

Finally, we conclude by outlining the essential building blocks shaping the next-generation mobile network architecture, highlighting the most promising research paths identified in this white paper.

Original language	English
Commissioning body	European Commission
Number of pages	193
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15001378
Publication status	Published - 30 May 2025

Bibliographical note

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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ArchWG-WhitePaper v1.3.1-FINAL
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Final published version, 9.72 MBLicence: CC BY 4.0

Cite this

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title = "Towards 6G Architecture: Key Concepts, Challenges, and Building Blocks",

abstract = "Executive Summary: We are entering the standardization phase for the 6th generation (6G) of wireless technologies. While valuable lessons have been learned from the design, deployment, and operation of 5G and Beyond in Europe, new requirements, emerging technologies, and evolving business models must be natively integrated into the next-generation mobile network architecture. This white paper presents a comprehensive snapshot of the current architectural considerations explored by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU) projects. It aims to discuss the rationale for novel architectural components, the ongoing design efforts, and the future outlook for 6G. We analyse the blueprint for next-generation mobile networks, building on past experiences while integrating cutting-edge advancements. The structure follows the IMT-2030 framework, categorizing insights into the key usage scenarios and overarching architectural aspects. • Usage Scenarios: We analyse the evolution of IMT-2030 paradigms, focusing on Immersive, Massive, and Hyper-Reliable Low-Latency Communications. We also explore novel 6G enablers, such as Ubiquitous Connectivity, AI-driven Communication, and Integrated Sensing \& Communication. • Overarching Aspects: The next-generation architecture must natively embed Security, Privacy \& Trustworthiness, Sustainability, and Network Exposure Capabilities—ensuring these critical aspects are foundationally considered rather than retroactively incorporated. Finally, we conclude by outlining the essential building blocks shaping the next-generation mobile network architecture, highlighting the most promising research paths identified in this white paper. ",

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note = "This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).",

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AU - Gramaglia, Marco

AU - Bulakci, Ömer

AU - Li, Xi

AU - Gavras, Anastasius

AU - Ericson, Mårten

AU - Kerboeuf, Sylvaine

AU - Larrabeiti, David

AU - Ghoraishi, Mir

AU - Mesodiakaki, Agapi

AU - Koumaras, Harilaos

AU - Robitzsch, Sebastian

AU - Asensio Garriga, Rodrigo

AU - Skarmeta Gómez, Antonio

AU - Tsolkas, Dimitris

AU - Alcaraz Calero, Jose M.

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N2 - Executive Summary: We are entering the standardization phase for the 6th generation (6G) of wireless technologies. While valuable lessons have been learned from the design, deployment, and operation of 5G and Beyond in Europe, new requirements, emerging technologies, and evolving business models must be natively integrated into the next-generation mobile network architecture. This white paper presents a comprehensive snapshot of the current architectural considerations explored by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU) projects. It aims to discuss the rationale for novel architectural components, the ongoing design efforts, and the future outlook for 6G. We analyse the blueprint for next-generation mobile networks, building on past experiences while integrating cutting-edge advancements. The structure follows the IMT-2030 framework, categorizing insights into the key usage scenarios and overarching architectural aspects. • Usage Scenarios: We analyse the evolution of IMT-2030 paradigms, focusing on Immersive, Massive, and Hyper-Reliable Low-Latency Communications. We also explore novel 6G enablers, such as Ubiquitous Connectivity, AI-driven Communication, and Integrated Sensing & Communication. • Overarching Aspects: The next-generation architecture must natively embed Security, Privacy & Trustworthiness, Sustainability, and Network Exposure Capabilities—ensuring these critical aspects are foundationally considered rather than retroactively incorporated. Finally, we conclude by outlining the essential building blocks shaping the next-generation mobile network architecture, highlighting the most promising research paths identified in this white paper.

AB - Executive Summary: We are entering the standardization phase for the 6th generation (6G) of wireless technologies. While valuable lessons have been learned from the design, deployment, and operation of 5G and Beyond in Europe, new requirements, emerging technologies, and evolving business models must be natively integrated into the next-generation mobile network architecture. This white paper presents a comprehensive snapshot of the current architectural considerations explored by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU) projects. It aims to discuss the rationale for novel architectural components, the ongoing design efforts, and the future outlook for 6G. We analyse the blueprint for next-generation mobile networks, building on past experiences while integrating cutting-edge advancements. The structure follows the IMT-2030 framework, categorizing insights into the key usage scenarios and overarching architectural aspects. • Usage Scenarios: We analyse the evolution of IMT-2030 paradigms, focusing on Immersive, Massive, and Hyper-Reliable Low-Latency Communications. We also explore novel 6G enablers, such as Ubiquitous Connectivity, AI-driven Communication, and Integrated Sensing & Communication. • Overarching Aspects: The next-generation architecture must natively embed Security, Privacy & Trustworthiness, Sustainability, and Network Exposure Capabilities—ensuring these critical aspects are foundationally considered rather than retroactively incorporated. Finally, we conclude by outlining the essential building blocks shaping the next-generation mobile network architecture, highlighting the most promising research paths identified in this white paper.

UR - https://zenodo.org/records/15001378

U2 - 10.5281/zenodo.15001378

DO - 10.5281/zenodo.15001378

M3 - Commissioned report

BT - Towards 6G Architecture: Key Concepts, Challenges, and Building Blocks

ER -

Towards 6G Architecture: Key Concepts, Challenges, and Building Blocks

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The 6G Architecture Landscape: European Perspective

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