CTL 6G Communications Roadmap

Overview

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) is advancing Sixth-generation wireless communications (6G) through one of its strategic roadmaps, which will guide research investments over the next five to seven years. As 6G commercialization progresses, the R&D community must establish new standards and technologies for reliable, secure communications in the increasingly complex and dynamic wireless environments. CTL is addressing these challenges in 6G communications, including spectrum management, interference mitigation, and data privacy, to enable the seamless deployment of data-intensive consumer devices and mission-critical applications. 

6G Communications Roadmap Definition

6G communications represents the next frontier in wireless communications, delivering transformative advancements in speed, latency, capacity, and connectivity that surpass current 5G networks. 6G encompasses groundbreaking technologies, including integrated sensing and communication, advanced network architectures such as Open RAN, channel propagation and modeling, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications for communications, and innovative hardware architectures such as advanced antenna systems. It also examines security, spectrum science, edge computing, side link technologies, and Internet of Things (IoT) integration while addressing data availability, privacy, and usage.

These innovations enable ultra-fast data transmission, real-time responsiveness, high bandwidth, and seamless support for emerging applications such as autonomous systems, industrial control systems, and space-based connectivity. 
CTL leads the development of technologies, measurement capabilities, and other resources supporting 6G communications systems, conducts spectrum management research, and fosters industry collaboration.  

Specifically, CTL is advancing core and end-to-end network services, addressing 6G metrology gaps and contributing to standards development through: developing AI-native architectures, enhancing internet and O-RAN security and resilience, investigating novel approaches to automate and optimize network management, building a 5G/6G testbed, and developing next generation of channel measurements and propagation models. Through these projects, CTL ensures reliability, accessibility, and security, driving innovation and connectivity.

6G Communications Roadmap Timeline

Current Activities

Reliable, high-performance wireless communications are essential for U.S. economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness. As industry moves toward 6G, new challenges emerge in security, interoperability, and efficiency. 6G networks must support advanced applications such as autonomous systems, smart infrastructure, and AI-driven connectivity. CTL continues to prioritize several initiatives to address current 6G R&D gaps and will refine future 6G activities at the conclusion of the roadmapping process. These topic areas align with national priorities and key research domains, driving advancements that will strengthen industry capabilities and support applications across defense, public safety, and emerging smart technologies. Key projects and programs include:

• Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)
• Open-RAN
• Trustworthiness
• Sidelink (Device-to-Device Communications)
• AI-native Wireless Networks
• Spectrum
• Hardware

Stakeholder Engagement

During the roadmapping process, NIST CTL engaged external stakeholders in the industry sector through a working group to provide feedback on 6G Communications gaps to ensure a comprehensive and robust approach to defining CTL goals. Stakeholders with a wide range of expertise including spectrum testing and sharing, satellite navigation, space technology, and spectrum engineering, gathered to identify additional gaps, prioritize gaps according to industry need, and discuss technology trends and innovative opportunities for research.  

Gaps and Themes

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Goals

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6G Communications Resources

Coming Soon