AI-Driven Cell-Free Networks for the Future of 6G 

Ico_CTTC

Led by CTTC, the FREE6G project brings key 6G innovations based on the following three pillars in collaboration with key industrial players:  

  • FREE6G – Radio Edge (Keysight): Focuses on advancing Cell-Free MIMO within the O-RAN framework. Innovations include distributed lossy computation for scalability, AI-assisted MIMO-DPD for flexible fronthauling, and probabilistic forecasting of resource usage. The subproject culminates in an O-RAN DU-CU load balancing demo. 
  • FREE6G – Regional Edge (Cellnex, NearbyComputing): Develops automated edge/cloud orchestration for network slice federation in 5G/6G. Demonstrations include core network slice management and dynamic resource allocation. The infrastructure, deployed in Castelloli (Spain), integrates orchestrated (NearbyOne) and manual (Druid 5G Core) elements. 
  • FREE6G – Security (NTT Data, UOC): Enhances 6G security with smart contracts for multi-tenant network slicing. Key innovations include blockchain-enforced federated learning, homomorphic encryption, and zero-knowledge proof solutions for privacy and security. 

Contact us: mwc25@cttc.es