New Characteristics and Modeling of 6G Channels: Toward a Unified Channel Model for Standardization

TL;DR

This paper introduces an extended geometry-based stochastic model (E-GBSM) for 6G channels, capturing new technological features like ISAC, XL-MIMO, RIS, and multi-band characteristics, aiming to standardize future 6G channel modeling.

Contribution

It proposes a unified, flexible 6G channel model that incorporates novel features and maintains backward compatibility with 5G, supporting standardization and research needs.

Findings

The E-GBSM effectively models 6G channel characteristics.

Simulations validate the model's accuracy and flexibility.

The model supports standardization efforts for 6G channels.

Abstract

As 6G research advances, the growing demand leads to the emergence of novel technologies such as integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), new antenna arrays like extremely large MIMO (XL-MIMO) and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), along with multi-frequency bands (new mid-band, above 100 GHz). Standardized unified channel models are crucial for research and performance evaluation across generations of mobile communication, but the existing 5G 3GPP channel model based on geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM) requires further extension to accommodate these 6G technologies. In response to this need, this article first investigates several distinctive channel characteristics introduced by 6G technologies, such as ISAC target radar cross-section (RCS), sparsity in the new mid-band, and others. Subsequently, an extended GBSM (E-GBSM) is proposed, integrating these characteristics into a unified modeling framework. The proposed model not only accommodates 6G technologies with flexibility but also maintains backward compatibility with 5G, ensuring a smooth evolution between generations. Finally, the implementation process of the proposed model is detailed, and experiments and simulations are presented to validate its effectiveness and accuracy, providing support for 6G channel modeling standardization efforts.