Initial milestones include advances in measurement-based channel modeling and distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) simulation, helping researchers evaluate next-generation wireless concepts with greater confidence.
As 6G research progresses, the industry is placing greater emphasis on understanding how wireless systems perform in complex, real-world environments, including urban areas, indoor venues, and transportation corridors. Accurately replicating these conditions remains a challenge. Field testing can be expensive and difficult to replicate, while simplified laboratory models may not fully capture the propagation effects that influence beamforming, mobility, and reliability. More realistic channel modeling and scalable simulation are becoming increasingly important for evaluating next-generation wireless architectures with greater confidence before deployment.
As part of this collaboration, Keysight and DOCOMO are refining channel models using real-world radio propagation measurements, including channel impulse response (CIR) data, to better represent complex environments in lab-based wireless simulation. Simultaneously, Keysight and NTT are advancing simulation-based evaluation of distributed MIMO systems, in which geographically dispersed antennas cooperate to improve coverage, capacity, and reliability. By combining high-fidelity channel models with advanced ray-based propagation techniques, the teams aim to facilitate a more scalable and repeatable evaluation of next-generation 6G architectures. Initial results are being presented this week at the EuCNC & 6G Summit 2026 in Málaga, Spain.
Peng Cao, vice president and general manager of Keysight's Wireless Testing Group, stated, "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 the transition from research to deployment."
