Migration Matters: The Shift from 5G to 6G

Authors

  • Congchi Zhang Lenovo Research, Beijing, China
  • Mingzeng Dai Lenovo Research, Beijing, China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
  • Apostolis K. Salkintzis Lenovo Research, Greece
  • Dimitrios Dimopoulos Lenovo Research, Greece https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3722-2825
  • Haiming Wang Lenovo Research, Beijing, China https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3930-9999
  • Yin Xu Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/jicts2245-800X.1333

Keywords:

Migration, 5G, 6G, spectrum sharing, standalone, non-standalone, CN-based multiaccess

Abstract

As the telecommunications industry gears up for the development of 6G mobile networks, the transition from the current 5G infrastructure requires careful and strategic management. This article examines the evolution from 4G to 5G, drawing valuable analysis on lessons learned and proposes strategies for the forthcoming 5G to 6G migration. We analyse standardized solutions from previous generational shifts, identifying their applicability and limitations in the context of emerging 6G technologies. By emphasizing cost-effective and strategic approaches, we provide insights to interested partners for navigating the complexities of this transition while leveraging emerging advancements for the next era of mobile communications.

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Author Biographies

Congchi Zhang, Lenovo Research, Beijing, China

Congchi Zhang is a senior wireless researcher at Lenovo Research. He gained an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Engineering from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, in 2017. Since 2018, Zhang has been actively contributing to 5G standardization efforts. Currently, he represents Lenovo as a delegate in the 3GPP RAN2 and RAN3 working groups, concentrating on wireless communication architecture and protocols. His research interests span artificial intelligence, mobility management, dual connectivity, and V2X communications.

Mingzeng Dai, Lenovo Research, Beijing, China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China

Mingzeng Dai received his master’s degree in telecommunication from Hangzhou Dianzi University in 2008. He is currently a Principal Researcher and 3GPP RAN delegate at the wireless research lab in Lenovo Research. He has over 17 years’ experience in 3GPP standardization. He also serves as the co-leader of the Native AI and Cross-Domain AI in the O-RAN nGRG. His research interests primarily focus on 6G RAN architecture, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), and AI/ML-enabled RAN. Mr. Dai owns about 400 granted patents in wireless communication.

Apostolis K. Salkintzis, Lenovo Research, Greece

Apostolis K. Salkintzis received his Diploma and Ph.D. degree from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. In 1999, he was a sessional lecturer and postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada. He is currently working for Lenovo on defining and standardizing B5G/6G mobile communication systems and has been an active 3GPP contributor for 25 years. His research interests include mobile networking, IoT, and multi-access communication. He has served as lead guest editor for several special issues, has published numerous original papers and four book chapters, and has authored and edited two books: Mobile Internet: Enabling Technologies and Services and Wireless Multimedia. Dr. Salkintzis is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece.

Dimitrios Dimopoulos, Lenovo Research, Greece

Dimitris Dimopoulos received his M.Sc. degree from the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, NKUA, Greece. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in the same department while being with Lenovo where he assists in mobile networks research. He was previously a senior R&D engineer with Nokia Greece, focusing on 5G network assessment and optimization. His research interests are in the area of wireless/mobile communication systems.

Haiming Wang, Lenovo Research, Beijing, China

Haiming Wang received his Ph.D. degree in signal and information processing from Peking University, China, in 2003. His research interests include the key technologies in 5GA and 6G, such as convergence between AI and wireless communication, integrated sensing and communication and ambient IoT, etc. Now he serves as director of the wireless research lab in Lenovo Research, who are responsible for advanced wireless technology research and standardization. Dr. Wang owns 400+ granted patents in the wireless domain and has published more than 80 papers in various key journals and conferences.

Yin Xu, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China

Yin Xu received his B.Sc. degree in Information Science and Engineering from Southeast University, China, in 2009. Subsequently, he obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Communication and Information Systems from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) in 2011 and 2015, respectively. In 2011, he served as a visiting scholar at McGill University and INRS. Currently, he is a Professor at SJTU. His research interests span key technologies such as channel coding and modulation, new waveforms, broadcast/multicast, and AI-assisted communications, along with the development of prototype systems for diverse communication systems including 5G, broadcast, and short-range communications. He serves as an Associate Editor of Transactions on Broadcasting and is a recipient of the ‘6G Star Youth Scientist Award’. He also serves as co-chair, session chair, and keynote speaker at various major IEEE international conferences. Notably, he is actively involved in communication system standardization, serving as the chief 3GPP Standard delegate representing SJTU and holding the vice-chair position of Implementation Team 5 under the American Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC). His contributions to core physical layer technologies have been incorporated as key components into multiple globally reputable communication standards, including 3GPP 5G, ATSC 3.0, and SparkLink.

References

GSMA Intelligence, “The State of 5G 2024 Introducing the GSMA Intelligence 5G Connectivity Index.”, 2024.

RP-240823, “Additional Considerations for 6G Timeline”, 2024.

3GPP TS 38.104, “Base Station (BS) radio transmission and reception,” v18.7.0, 2024.

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K. Chen et al., “An Experimental Analysis of Channel Similarity in the UMa Scenario for 6G FR3 Communications,” 2024 IEEE 7th International Conference on Electronic Information and Communication Technology (ICEICT), Xi’an, China, 2024, pp. 1075–1080.

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Published

2025-12-19

How to Cite

Zhang, C. ., Dai, M. ., Salkintzis, A. K. ., Dimopoulos, D. ., Wang, H. ., & Xu, Y. . (2025). Migration Matters: The Shift from 5G to 6G. Journal of ICT Standardization, 13(03), 281–300. https://doi.org/10.13052/jicts2245-800X.1333

Issue

2025: Vol 13 Iss 3

Section

Articles