New Radio Network Topology
Overview
NRNT is a novel network topology that spatially distributes transmission and reception points (TRPs), such as base station antennas, to increase line-of-sight (LoS) availability and diversify communication paths between the network and user equipment (UE).
"Conventional mobile communication networks have been designed with non-overlapping cells centered on base stations.
In contrast, NRNT overlays cells of various sizes formed by multiple TRPs and increases the number of available connectivity paths through cooperation among TRPs, relay nodes, and UEs."
This approach enhances communication reliability and flexibility.
However, an increase in the number of TRPs also introduces challenges related to increased inter-TRP interference.
In NRNT, advanced techniques such as mathematical optimization, machine learning, and AI are applied to perform efficient interference management and coordination.
By effectively controlling interference, overall system-level performance is improved, enabling a more stable and efficient radio communication environment.
Furthermore, the availability of multiple alternative transmission paths contributes to improved service continuity, enhanced communication quality, and reduced power consumption.
As a key enabling technology for future 6G communication networks, NRNT facilitates the realization of flexible network architectures capable of accommodating diverse communication requirements.
NRNT configuration technologies and their elements (such as relays, distributed antennas, and RIS function as new TRPs, contributing to improved communication quality and reduced power consumption).
Create value
The value created by NRNT lies in its ability to form multiple connectivity paths, thereby extending line-of-sight (LoS) coverage and enhancing resilience against service disruptions caused by obstacles and blockages.
By shortening communication distances, NRNT also contributes to reducing power consumption for both user equipment (UE) and the overall network.
Furthermore, by exploiting a large number of connectivity paths, the effectiveness of MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) techniques is significantly enhanced, resulting in substantial improvements in system capacity and enabling high-throughput, large-capacity communications.
In the deployment of 6G networks, integration with other wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, will be essential.
In this context, NRNT places a strong emphasis on Quality of Experience (QoE) and performs balanced optimization across heterogeneous access technologies.
NRNT also contributes to more efficient network deployment by aiming to reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX).
In addition to wireless relaying and the use of reflective surfaces, leveraging existing urban objects—such as signboards and street infrastructure—as TRPs enables flexible and cost-efficient network construction.
Through these technologies, NRNT is expected to support a wide range of use cases and enable the provision of more affordable, reliable, and stable wireless communication environments.
Key External Activities
<Press Release>
- Successful 40 GHz band distributed MIMO demonstration of maintaining radio communication quality even when interference occurs due to movement of multiple users
— Progress in realizing high-capacity communications at event venues and factories where many radio terminals are active — - DOCOMO and NTT Expand 6G Collaborations with SK Telecom and Rohde & Schwarz
— Highlighting trial progress with Nokia, Fujitsu and Keysight Technologies — - NTT Corp., NTT DOCOMO and NEC Demonstrate Distributed MIMO Technology for High-Frequency 6G Communications in Automobiles and Trains
— Stable communications even when vehicle is traveling at high-speed or shielded by other vehicles —
<Media Coverage>
<Domestic Technical Events>
Demonstrations of transmissive metasurface technologies at major Japanese telecom exhibitions.
Showcased millimeter-wave coverage enhancement and network topology control technologies.
<Conference Presentation>
IEEE VTC 2025 Spring
Presentation on hybrid beamforming algorithms for RIS-enabled 6G systems.
