Towards a Unified Coding Scheme for 6G

TL;DR

This paper discusses the need for a unified, versatile coding scheme for 6G wireless systems that combines high error correction with low complexity to meet future demands.

Contribution

It proposes a vision for a unified coding scheme for 6G, analyzing challenges and potential solutions for versatile error correction.

Findings

Identifies new challenges in 6G channel coding

Analyzes potential coding solutions for 6G scenarios

Highlights the importance of low-complexity, energy-efficient codes

Abstract

The growing demand for higher data rates necessitates continuous innovations in wireless communication systems, particularly with the emergence of 6G. Channel coding plays a crucial role in this evolution. In 5G systems, rate-adaptive raptor-like quasi-cyclic irregular low-density parity-check codes are used for the data link, while polar codes with successive cancellation list decoding handle short messages on the synchronization channel. However, to meet the stringent requirements of future 6G systems, a versatile and unified coding scheme should be developed - one that offers competitive error-correcting performance alongside low complexity encoding and decoding schemes that enable energy-efficient hardware implementations. This white paper outlines the vision for such a unified coding scheme. We explore various 6G communication scenarios that pose new challenges to channel coding and provide a first analysis of potential solutions.