Extra non-terrestrial: Open RAN, AI, and satellite tech shaping the bridge from 5G to 6G

The future of wireless technology is taking shape with Open RAN, AI integration, and non-terrestrial networks emerging as key components likely to transition from 5G to 6G systems. As 6G research continues, these complementary technologies are already demonstrating their potential to transform wireless infrastructure through disaggregation, intelligent automation, and expanded coverage capabilities—creating a roadmap for the next generation of connectivity.

The big picture: Open RAN technology has reached an inflection point in its development cycle and is “starting to take off,” according to Kalyan Sundhar, VP and GM of Wireless Network Infrastructure and O-RAN at Keysight Technologies.

• Speaking from Mobile World Congress 2025, Sundhar highlighted significant progress in interoperability, suggesting the technology is finally ready to deliver on its promise.
• This momentum comes at a crucial time as the wireless industry begins charting the technical foundation for 6G while still deploying and enhancing 5G networks.

Key technologies crossing generations: Fronthaul specifications that separate baseband processing from radio functions are maturing well and will likely carry forward into 6G architecture.

• While the fundamental concept of disaggregation will remain, Sundhar expects enhancements to support more complex antenna arrays and advanced beam-forming techniques in future wireless systems.
• The RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) application ecosystem, including rApps and xApps, represents another innovation area expected to transition into 6G implementations.

AI’s expanding role: Artificial intelligence is rapidly infusing itself into wireless network operations, particularly for improving spectral efficiency within disaggregated Open RAN deployments.

• The combination of network disaggregation and AI creates both opportunities and challenges, with automation becoming essential to manage increasingly complex systems.
• “Automation is the only way to make sure that things continue to operate and work the way that they should be,” Sundhar explained, pointing to AI as a critical enabling technology.

Beyond terrestrial limitations: Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) that integrate satellite-based connectivity for ubiquitous coverage will continue as a development priority into the 6G era.

• The current momentum behind always-connected devices for global industrial applications and disaster recovery is driving NTN’s importance in future wireless technology roadmaps.
• This trajectory reinforces the industry’s commitment to achieving truly universal connectivity regardless of geographic constraints.