[Edaily Reporter Choi Oh-hyun ] SamsungElectronics has successfully developed and validated a user-customized communication quality optimization technology based on an artificial intelligence radio access network (AI-RAN) in collaboration with Japanese mobile carrier NTT DoCoMo.

SamsungElectronics announced on the 10th that it had validated the AI-based communication quality optimization technology developed with NTT DoCoMo on commercial networks and 5G test networks in Japan. AI-RAN is a next-generation communication technology that utilizes AI to enable wireless access networks to autonomously assess and optimize network environments.

The technology developed by the two companies is characterized by AI analyzing individual users’ movement paths, service usage patterns, and real-time wireless network environments to predict potential service quality degradation in advance and automatically configure the optimal network settings.

In existing communication networks, it was common practice to apply the same network settings uniformly to all smartphones connected to a single base station. As a result, connections could be lost or data transmission speeds could drop in areas with weak signals or sections where network conditions changed rapidly.

The new technology applies different network settings—such as frequency bands—tailored to each user’s specific situation. For example, if data transmission speeds drop while streaming video, potentially causing buffering or reduced video quality, the AI detects this in advance and switches to the optimal network settings.

SamsungElectronics and NTT DoCoMo conducted simulation tests in January of this year using data collected from NTT DoCoMo’s commercial network and a local 5G test network. As a result, the frequency of service speed drops decreased from 13.1% to 7.2%, cutting it nearly in half.

The two companies also jointly developed a data processing method that reduces network load during AI-RAN operations. Previously, wireless environment information had to be collected and processed in bulk; however, the new method selects and processes only the information necessary for each specific problem situation experienced by the user.

SamsungElectronics and NTT DoCoMo are continuing their collaboration on 6G standardization, including jointly submitting this data processing procedure to the 3GPP mobile communications standardization body last February.

Jeong Jin-guk, Vice President and Head of the Next-Generation Communications Research Center at Samsung Research, stated, “This validation demonstrates that AI can tangibly improve the service experience for individual users,” adding, “We will continue to collaborate with NTT DoCoMo on the advancement and standardization of AI-RAN technology to lead the way in user-centric future communications technology.”

Masafumi Masuda, Head of the 6G Technology Department at NTT DoCoMo, added, “The achievements of both companies represent a significant step forward in realizing a user-centric communications experience in future networks,” and noted, “We will deliver new value to customers by enhancing AI-based technologies and service quality.”