Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) implements real-time visuals of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) flying between cities while seamlessly connecting to terrestrial and satellite networks through a testbed composed of ground base stations, satellite base stations, integrated terminals, and a 6G core./ETRI

Domestic researchers have successfully demonstrated the 6G ultra-spatial communication technology that integrates terrestrial and satellite networks in real-time for the first time. This technology is expected to be utilized as a key infrastructure that connects land and satellites seamlessly, as well as for next-generation mobility services like urban air mobility (UAM).

The Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on the 8th that it successfully implemented in real-time the visualization of UAM flying between cities while consolidating its connection to terrestrial and satellite networks seamlessly.

The demonstration applied 'dual steering technology' to the integrated terminal and the 6G core. Dual steering is a technology that controls both terrestrial and satellite networks simultaneously to transmit data along the optimal path. It was designed to automatically select either terrestrial or satellite signals depending on the situation, thereby providing stable communication.

To maximize the demonstration effect, the researchers visually represented changes in the wireless link between ground UAM and satellite UAM by integrating computer graphics (CG) based animation with actual demonstration equipment. Additionally, they precisely recreated an environment similar to real wireless conditions using a device that simulates wireless channel links. They also allowed users to experience ultra-spatial 6G services from a perspective as if onboard a UAM using a head-mounted display (HMD).

Baek Yong-soon, head of the ETRI 3D Communications Research Institute, noted, "In the 6G era, the boundaries between ground and sky will be erased, and true 'ultra-spatial communication' that connects anytime, anywhere will be realized," and added, "This demonstration firmly proves Korea's technological leadership."

Lee Moon-sik, head of the ETRI Satellite Communications Research Headquarters, also said, "While terrestrial and satellite networks were separated up to 5G, 6G aims to fully consolidate both." He emphasized that "close collaboration among civilian, military, industrial, academic, and research sectors, as well as securing international competitiveness, is more important than anything else."

ETRI has also achieved results related to the 6G ultra-spatial communication technology demonstrated this time, including the publication of 14 papers in Science Citation Index (SCI)-level journals, the application for 48 domestic and international patents, and the adoption of 43 international standards by 3GPP.