Samsung Research’s Younsun Kim Takes the Helm of 3GPP’s Radio Access Network Standardization
Samsung Electronics has announced a significant achievement in the realm of telecommunications. Dr. Younsun Kim, a prominent figure at Samsung Research, has been appointed as the Chair of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification Group for the Radio Access Network (TSG RAN). This group is pivotal in setting global standards for wireless technologies, including aspects like the physical layer, protocol, and radio resource management.
Dr. Kim’s appointment was confirmed during a plenary meeting in Incheon on March 12. As a Master at Samsung Research, Dr. Kim expressed his pride, stating, "My election as chair underscores Samsung’s leadership in mobile communication technology. The journey towards 6G standardization is not just about tackling technical challenges but also about fostering collaboration among all stakeholders in the mobile communication sector. I am committed to steering 3GPP’s TSG RAN towards successful 6G standardization."
Since its inception in 1998, 3GPP has been at the forefront of developing mobile communication technology standards, with participation from major global players like Samsung, Apple, Qualcomm, Huawei, Ericsson, and Nokia. These organizations work collectively to ensure the seamless evolution of mobile communication technologies.
Dr. Kim’s journey with 3GPP began in May 2021 when he was elected Chair of the Radio Access Network Working Group 1 (RAN WG1). This is the largest working group within 3GPP, focusing on developing physical layer specifications critical for radio access technologies. Under Dr. Kim’s leadership, the group has made significant strides in 5G physical layer technology, which has been instrumental in the widespread adoption of 5G networks.
With Dr. Kim now at the helm of TSG RAN, Samsung is poised to play a pivotal role in the standardization of 6G, the next frontier in mobile communication technology. His new role is a testament to Samsung’s significant contributions and leadership within the industry.
Currently, Samsung holds two chair positions in RAN WG1 and SA WG2, alongside four vice-chair roles in other working groups, including RAN WG2, SA WG4, SA WG6, and CT WG3. Dr. Kim’s election as Chair of TSG RAN ensures that Samsung maintains the highest number of chair positions within 3GPP, reinforcing its influential status among over 800 member companies.
The mobile communication landscape is at a crucial juncture, where mere enhancements in transmission speeds are not enough. The focus is shifting towards 6G standardization, aiming to create new values. 3GPP is set to embark on 6G research in the latter half of this year.
6G is envisioned to bring about significant advancements in mobile communication, focusing on sustainability and future-oriented technologies. This includes improving network energy efficiency, enhancing network quality through artificial intelligence, and introducing security measures to safeguard against quantum computing threats. Dr. Kim’s election, backed by international standards experts, is particularly significant at this critical milestone.
In parallel with these developments, Samsung has published a 6G White Paper titled "AI-Native & Sustainable Communication." This paper outlines the latest trends in next-generation mobile communication technologies and highlights Samsung’s leadership in 6G research and other key technological areas.
As Samsung continues its leadership in next-generation communication technology, Dr. Younsun Kim’s role as Chair of 3GPP is expected to drive the standardization of 6G technology. This leadership is set to make substantial contributions to the advancement of the mobile communication industry as a whole.
For those unfamiliar, the 3GPP is an umbrella organization that consists of three Technical Specification Groups (TSGs): Radio Access Network (RAN), Service and System Aspects (SA), and Core Network and Terminals (CT). Each TSG is further divided into several Working Groups (WGs), with a total of 15 working groups under its purview.
In conclusion, Dr. Kim’s appointment is a strategic move that aligns with Samsung’s vision of leading the way in the next era of mobile communications. As the world looks forward to the possibilities that 6G will bring, Samsung’s proactive role in its development ensures that it remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements in this field.
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