AI-Native 6G Core Network and E-MIMO Technology Unveiled for the First Time
Intelligent Transparent RIS and Low-Orbit Satellite Communication Technology Innovations Revealed,
A demonstration of the world’s first dual steering-based terrestrial/satellite integrated 6G ultra-space POC. (Courtesy of ETRI. Resale and DB prohibited) 2026.2.26/News1,
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, ‘(Daejeon=News1) Reporter Lee Dong-won = The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) has announced that it will participate in the ‘Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026’ in Barcelona, Spain, unveiling six core future ICT technologies: AI-based 6G core network, AI-Native 6G wireless transmission, AI-utilized base station technology, intelligent transparent RIS, next-generation low-orbit satellite communication, and real-virtual fusion technology.’,
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, ‘ETRI revealed the ‘intelligent service programmable mobile core network’ technology, where AI learns and controls autonomously, implementing a self-driven 6G core network that improves session handling efficiency by over 40% compared to existing technologies. The ultra-massive multiple-input multiple-output (E-MIMO) system achieves more than a tenfold increase in capacity at the 7GHz band by reusing the base station locations of the existing 3.5GHz band compared to 5G. This technology, suitable for the 6G environment, features a wireless network structure applied with AI, enabling ultra-high capacity data processing along with energy savings.’,
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Overview of ETRI’s developed transparent RIS technology presented at MWC 2026 (Courtesy of ETRI. Resale and DB prohibited) 2026.2.26/News1,
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, ‘Base station technology features include ‘Neural Receiver,’ which uses AI to analyze wireless signals in real-time to correct distortions and noise, and AI-based low-power Open RAN software. The ‘Neural Receiver’ improves reception performance by up to 18%, while the low-power Open RAN enables up to 20% energy savings through traffic prediction. These technologies lay the foundation for the advancement of next-generation 6G intelligent networks.’,
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, ‘The intelligent transparent RIS technology enhances indoor transmission performance of high-frequency signals without additional power supply and maintains visible light transparency while adjusting wave reflection and refraction characteristics, improving communication quality without damaging building facades. It is used to reduce radio shadow areas in environments like smart buildings and factories.’,
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, ‘Furthermore, it introduces next-generation satellite communication technology integrating low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites with terrestrial communication networks and Korea’s first IoT satellite ETRISat technology. This aims to establish a more stable communication environment even in areas lacking communication infrastructure, along with revealing domestic core component technologies for satellite communication.’,
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ETRI researchers demonstrating intelligent wireless access technology. (Courtesy of ETRI. Resale and DB prohibited) 2026.2.26/News1,
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, ‘Mixed reality (VR/MR) technology that connects real and virtual environments in real-time is also introduced. ETRI’s campus has been constructed as a mixed reality space through digital twin technology, allowing users connected via 5G networks to interact in real-time with AI NPCs and dynamic objects. The technology’s potential application spans various fields such as training, education, defense, and entertainment thanks to multimodal haptic feedback technology.’,
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, ‘ETRI President Bang Seung-chan stated, “MWC 2026 is an important platform to showcase Korea’s next-generation communication technology to the world, and we will continue to lead future networks and digital innovation through ongoing research, development, and global cooperation.”\n’