--- markdown_generated_at: "2026-10-14" title: "System Architecture" url: "https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g/system-architecture" description: "How will the mobile industry improve the performance and value of connectivity in the next generation of 6G? What role will AI and adaptive intelligence play? Here are techniques and proposals from Qualcomm’s R&D team for addressing issues that 6G is intended to improve or solve." canonicalUrl: "https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g/system-architecture" --- # System Architecture Every generation of mobile connectivity presents a chance to learn from the past and make significant strides into the future. At Qualcomm, our longstanding commitment to engineering human progress has driven us to pioneer next-generation technologies. We are excited to unveil our vision for 6G architecture, for the next big leap forward in mobile connectivity. ## Rethinking the control plane The evolution towards 6G has its origins in the convergence of two separate systems: data networks (Internet) and cellular networks (2G). While 4G adopted the IP model for the user plane, it continued to rely on a separate control plane. In 4G and 5G, the NAS and RRC protocol stacks in 5G have become even more complex. To overcome these challenges, we propose a user plane-first design approach for 6G to enable unified access to services. [Read the blog post](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/03/6g-foundry-rethinking-the-control-plane) [Control plane PDF](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/6G-Foundry-1-Rethinking-the-control-plane.pdf) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/diagram-01-rethinking?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## 5G to 6G migration The critical lessons learned from previous network evolutions highlight why a methodical approach to deploying 6G could be more beneficial than the fastest one. Learn about the advantages of a 6G Standalone solution, the importance of spectrum sharing, and the strategies for reusing existing infrastructure to ensure a cost-effective and smooth migration. [Read the blog post](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/05/6g-foundry-make-the-migration-from-5g-to-6g-a-rewarding-experience) [6G migration PDF](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/6G-foundry-2-5G-to-6G-migration.pdf) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/diagram-02-migration?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## Economic innovation for our mobile future While the constant increase in data usage opens exciting possibilities for users and operators alike, it also brings to the forefront the pressing issue of cost efficiency. We are focused on designing 6G from the ground up to maximize return on investment (ROI). Adopting innovative technologies and strategic deployment approaches will help significantly toward that goal. [Read the blog post](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/07/6g-foundry-why-economic-innovation-is-a-key-focus-for-our-mobile-future) [Economic future PDF](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/6G-Foundry-3-Economic-innovation-for-our-mobile-future.pdf) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/diagram-03-economic-innovation?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## AI-native 6G Networking protocols should not define user experiences, they should adapt to optimize them. To realize this vision, 6G is expected to learn and adapt over time. Using AI-native protocols that support adaptive intelligence, 6G promises to deliver bespoke experiences that evolve with the user, revolutionizing how we communicate, interact, and experience the world around us. [Read the blog post](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/09/6g-foundry-how-will-adaptive-intelligence-in-6g-transform-wireless-connectivity) [AI-native 6G PDF](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/6G-Foundry-4-Adaptive-intelligence-in-6G.pdf) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/diagram-04-AI-native-6G?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## Unlocking new value with digital twins Digital twins will be a key component of 6G networks, serving diverse purposes—enhancing network efficiency and performance on one side and enabling new services on the other. This is an important pillar of our vision as we set to make 6G a cornerstone in the convergence of the physical and digital worlds. [Read the blog post](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2024/12/6g-foundry-could-digital-twins-unlock-new-value-for-network-operators) [Digital twin PDF](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/6g-foundry-5-unlocking-new-value-with-digital-twins.pdf) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/diagram-05-digital-twins​?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## Securing the future of mobile connectivity Advancements in connectivity, compute and AI can create more sophisticated threat vectors and network security must evolve to keep pace. By addressing opportunities across the 6G radio access stratum and the RAN protocol stack, we are innovating upon the secure 5G foundation for a resilient and adaptable 6G future. [Read the blog post](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/06/6g-foundry-securing-the-future-of-mobile-connectivity) [6G security PDF](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/6g-foundry-securing-future-mobile-connectivity-pdf-r3.pdf) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/diagram-07-native-security?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Architecture-footer-image-2000?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/dark-blue-newsletter?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1800&fit=fit,1) ![](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/images/company/company/research/6g/icn-mail.png) Keep up to date Sign up for the wireless technologies e-newsletter [Sign up](https://assets.qualcomm.com/wireless-technology-newsletter-sign-up.html) ![](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/images/company/company/research/6g/icn-message-circle-question.png) Have Questions? Check out our 6G FAQ page [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/6g/faqs)