Keysight Technologies Partners with NTT to Propel 6G Advancements
1. Collaboration Aims to Revolutionize Wireless Communication
On June 1, 2026, Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) announced a strategic collaboration with NTT DOCOMO, Inc. and NTT, Inc. aimed at advancing realistic channel modeling and wireless simulation for the upcoming 6G technology. This partnership, part of an ongoing memorandum of understanding (MoU), seeks to enhance design, testing, and measurement technologies essential for the development of 6G wireless communications.
2. Addressing Challenges in 6G Research
As the telecommunications industry gears up for the 6G era, the need for comprehensive understanding of wireless system performance in complex real-world environments has never been greater. Urban landscapes, indoor venues, and transportation corridors present unique challenges that traditional testing methods often fail to adequately address. Field testing is costly and difficult to replicate, while simplified lab models may overlook critical propagation effects that can impact beamforming, mobility, and reliability.
Keysight’s initiative is therefore focused on developing realistic channel modeling and scalable simulation techniques, which are essential for evaluating next-generation wireless architectures before their actual deployment.
3. Key Milestones in the Collaboration
The partnership between Keysight and NTT DOCOMO is set to achieve significant milestones in the realm of channel modeling. The teams are refining channel models using real-world radio propagation measurements, particularly channel impulse response (CIR) data. This approach will enhance laboratory-based wireless simulations by accurately representing complex environments.
Simultaneously, Keysight and NTT are working on simulation-based evaluations of distributed Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. This technology involves the use of geographically distributed antennas that work in collaboration to improve coverage, capacity, and reliability in 6G networks. By integrating high-fidelity channel models with advanced ray-based propagation techniques, the partnership aims to facilitate a more scalable and repeatable evaluation process for next-generation 6G architectures.
4. Presentation of Initial Results
The initial findings from this collaboration are set to be unveiled at the EuCNC & 6G Summit 2026, which will take place in Malaga, Spain. This presentation will provide key insights into the advancements made and the potential impact on the future of wireless communication.
5. Insights from Leadership
Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight's Wireless Test Group, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in accelerating innovation within the 6G ecosystem. "Keysight is helping the 6G ecosystem accelerate innovation with greater confidence. By combining real-world measurement data with advanced modeling and simulation, this collaboration enables more repeatable validation of next-generation architectures and helps reduce the risk of transitioning from research to deployment," Cao stated.
6. Conclusion
The partnership between Keysight Technologies, NTT DOCOMO, and NTT marks a significant step forward in the journey toward 6G wireless communication. By focusing on realistic channel modeling and advanced simulation techniques, the companies aim to mitigate the risks associated with transitioning from theoretical research to practical deployment. As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, such collaborations will be crucial in shaping the future of connectivity.
