- Deutsche Telekom’s 6G-TakeOff project has built demonstrators integrating terrestrial towers, UAVs, and satellites.
- The initiative explores seamless handover, edge computing, and feederlink technology for future 6G networks.
What happened: Three demonstrators showcase key 3D networking capabilities
Deutsche Telekom (DT) has announced significant progress in 3D networking, an approach that combines terrestrial, airborne, and satellite layers to form a unified communications network. The work was carried out under the 6G-TakeOff project, launched in 2022 with a $14.3 million budget, 73% funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
The project produced three demonstrators, each targeting a different aspect of 3D network architecture. The first tested device handover between terrestrial base stations, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and satellite equipment installed on a 146-metre tower at the University of Bremen. This setup allowed researchers to examine how network layers can communicate seamlessly.
The second demonstrator explored non-terrestrial network (NTN) mobile edge computing (MEC), showing that edge services can operate even when deployed in the air or space. The third tested feederlink technology, using lightweight directional antennas and advanced beam-steering techniques to maintain stable connections between UAVs and ground stations.
The project also produced seven patent applications, reflecting technological innovation across network orchestration, beamforming, and integration methods. Participants included Airbus, Fraunhofer Institute, Telefónica Germany, NXP Semiconductors, and Rohde & Schwarz.
Also Read: MT Networks accelerates fibre broadband in rural Kansas
Also Read: MTel advances Macau fibre network amid AI and cloud push
Why it’s important
3D networking is a critical element for future 6G systems, where devices will rely on a combination of terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructure. By enabling seamless handover and edge computing in dynamic environments, DT and its partners are addressing key challenges in service continuity, capacity, and resilience.
Thomas Lips, SVP of RAN disaggregation and enablement at Deutsche Telekom, said the project provides “valuable insights on how future 6G systems could improve service continuity, resilience and capacity wherever needed.” The demonstrators also lay the groundwork for cross-industry collaboration, which will be essential as Europe and other regions develop operational 6G networks.
While 6G-TakeOff represents a modest step toward full 6G deployment, it highlights the scale and complexity of integrating multiple network layers and underscores the importance of joint innovation in telecommunications.
