- Viavi Solutions and Hanyang University will build a testbed for 6G research in Seoul to support future wireless innovation.
- The collaboration will focus on terahertz frequencies and AI-powered radio networks for next-generation mobile infrastructure.
What happened: The Seoul-based testbed will explore terahertz, AI radios and future wireless tech as Korea accelerates 6G plans
Viavi Solutions has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hanyang University to build a 6G research testbed in Seoul. The goal is to explore key technologies like terahertz spectrum, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, and AI-native radio networks. The testbed will support researchers, students, and industry players developing next-generation wireless systems.
Viavi’s test solutions will help simulate complex real-world network scenarios. Hanyang’s Electronic Engineering Department will lead academic input. The testbed will be located at the university’s Seoul campus. According to Viavi’s CTO, Sameh Yamany, this work will “lay the foundation for a robust and intelligent 6G infrastructure.” The agreement expands Viavi’s role in early 6G trials, adding to its other collaborations, such as its work with the 6G Flagship programme in Finland.
The project begins as South Korea ramps up its national 6G development efforts, aiming for commercial deployment around 2030.
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Why it’s important
South Korea has led many mobile network transitions, including 5G. This testbed aligns with its national 6G roadmap, which was updated in 2023 to invest over $500 million in early R&D. By working with Viavi, Hanyang is adding global industry insight to domestic research.
The testbed’s focus on terahertz frequencies—much higher than current 5G bands—targets faster speeds and lower latency. These features could support future applications like autonomous systems, extended reality, and real-time industrial automation. At the same time, adding AI-native radio networks may help telecom operators manage spectrum and energy more efficiently.
The collaboration also strengthens Viavi’s presence in Asia. In April 2024, Viavi partnered with NTT DOCOMO to explore Open RAN performance. This shows Viavi’s strategy to engage with early 6G leaders through academia and telcos.
