Keysight Technologies and Ericsson Join Forces for Pre-6G Breakthrough

In a significant advancement for wireless communication technology, Keysight Technologies Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) and Ericsson have announced the establishment of a pre-6G radio access test setup. This collaboration aims to leverage the centimeter wave (cmWave) frequency band, a key component in the evolution of 6G networks. The announcement was made on February 28, 2025, and sets the stage for groundbreaking developments in wireless technology.

The cmWave spectrum, which spans frequencies between 7GHz and 15GHz, is being eyed for its potential to enhance the performance capabilities of future 6G networks. With large bandwidth availability and the promise of improved coverage, cmWave is positioned as an essential frequency range for the high data rate and low latency applications that 6G aspires to deliver.

However, the deployment of cmWave technology comes with its own set of challenges. Spectrum-sharing, coexistence with existing networks, and the need for advanced multiple input multiple output (MIMO) techniques are critical considerations due to the increased path loss when compared to current sub-6GHz networks.

Through their collaboration, Keysight and Ericsson are tackling these challenges head-on. The newly established testbed provides a controlled lab environment where researchers can explore new physical layer and protocol features essential for advancing 6G technology within the cmWave frequency bands. This initiative is not just about testing; it's about driving the innovation required for the next generation of wireless communication.

Freddie Södergren, Head of Technology & Strategy at Ericsson's Business Area Networks, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Evaluating the performance potential of new spectrum and exploring new and evolved technology concepts pre-6G standardization is a top priority for Ericsson.” He added that their partnership with Keysight enables significant progress toward realizing 6G by 2030.

Giampaolo Tardioli, Vice President of 6G and Next Generation Technology at Keysight, also highlighted the collaborative effort, noting, “Our close collaboration with Ericsson is allowing both teams to explore 6G technology ahead of the standardization process. This work gives us a testbed from which we can explore future 6G solutions, helping to accelerate our customers’ time to market.”

The fruits of this partnership will be showcased at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where a live demonstration of the pre-6G test setup will be presented. This event promises to attract significant attention, as industry leaders and technology enthusiasts alike gather to witness the latest advancements in wireless communication.

The collaboration between Keysight Technologies and Ericsson marks a pivotal moment in the race toward 6G technology. By addressing the challenges associated with cmWave deployment and creating a dedicated testbed for research and development, both companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of what is likely to be a revolutionary leap in wireless communication. As the world moves closer to the realization of 6G, innovations from this partnership are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of connectivity.