2026-04-17T01:17:35Zhttps://recercat.cat/oai/request

oai:recercat.cat:2117/4387992026-02-02T06:37:08Zcom_2072_1033col_2072_452950

00925njm 22002777a 4500 dc Gkonis, Panagiotis author Giannopoulos, Anastasios author Nomikos, Nikolaos author Trakadas, Panagiotis author Sarakis, Lambros author Masip Bruin, Xavier author 2025-06-01 As the discussions on sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks progress at a rapid pace, various approaches have emerged over the last few years regarding new architectural concepts that can support the 6G vision. Therefore, the goal of this work is to highlight the most important technological efforts in relation to the definition of a 6G architectural concept. To this end, the primary challenges are first described, which can be viewed as the driving forces for the 6G architectural standardization. Afterwards, novel technological approaches are discussed to support the 6G concept, such as the introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning for resource optimization and threat mitigation, cell-free deployments, and novel physical layer techniques to leverage high data rates. In the same context, open-access protocols for flexible resource integration, security, and privacy protection in the 6G era, as well as the digital twin concept, are discussed as well. Finally, recent research efforts are analyzed, with an emphasis on the combination of the aforementioned aspects towards a unified 6G architectural approach. To this end, limitations and open issues are highlighted as well. Peer Reviewed Postprint (published version) Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Informàtica::Intel·ligència artificial Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria de la telecomunicació::Telemàtica i xarxes d'ordinadors 6G Resource management O-RAN artificial intelligence Machine learning Threat mitigation Organic 6G networks Massive MIMO systems Cell-free networks Security and privacy A survey on architectural approaches for 6G networks: implementation challenges, current trends, and future directions