KDDI and Samsung Break New Ground in AI-Powered 5G Network Optimisation in Japan

Samsung and KDDI conduct an AI-based network optimization trial on a commercial 5G Standalone network in Japan, delivering up to 52% better result in a 5G experience.

Telecommunications have become smarter, quicker and more efficient. Samsung Electronics and KDDI announced today that they have achieved a major milestone in the mobile industry by completing the large-scale trial of an AI-powered network optimization solution on KDDI's commercial 5G Standalone (SA) network in Japan. The outcome highlighted how AI can enhance the functioning of networks while reducing operational effort for telecommunication providers.

It underscores an industry shift toward 5G networks that leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the backbone for intelligent, self-optimizing management systems.

Latest 5G Performance Gains Powered by AI-Driven Innovation

The test was based on Samsung RAN Speed Optimizer (RSO), a new artificial intelligence solution that automatically optimizes Radio Access Network (RAN) performance. The tests were performed in multiple environments within and around Tokyo, including urban centers, suburban communities, and rural locations.

The AI solution from Samsung used 100 MHz of 3.7 GHz spectrum with hundreds of live network cells to study real-world traffic patterns and network conditions.

The results were impressive:

• 5G downlink throughput improvement of up to 52% in dense urban areas
• 31% average increase in download speeds across the overall trial region
• Increased network efficiency during peak traffic periods
• Faster and more stable user experiences compared to conventional optimization methods 

These gains show that AI-powered optimization can help operators get more out of their existing networks without requiring massive infrastructure upgrades.

How Samsung RAN Speed Optimizer Works

Traditionally, network optimization methods apply similar settings across clusters of network cells. While effective, this clustering approach does not fully account for the unique conditions of each cell site. Samsung's RAN Speed Optimizer (RSO) goes a step further.

The system uses proprietary AI prediction models that continuously analyze:

• Network traffic patterns
• User density
• Signal quality
• Geographic conditions
• Environmental factors 

It then recommends and automatically applies customized settings based on each individual cell. This tailored optimization enables networks to adjust automatically to changing conditions and deliver enhanced performance where it matters most.

The RSO solution is part of Samsung's Cognitive Network Operations Suite (NOS) — a collection of AI-based automation tools designed to simplify network management and improve overall business performance.

Benefits for Mobile Operators

As 5G networks continue to expand, managing thousands of network cells manually becomes increasingly difficult and expensive.

AI-powered optimization helps operators:

Reduce Manual Network Management

Your AI-driven automation works 24/7, proactively watching and shutting controls throughout the network to maintain performance so that manual intervention is not required. This saves time for network teams, reduces repetitive tasks, and allows them to turn their focus to more strategic operations.

Improve Operational Efficiency

It learns to perfectly react in real time according to traffic conditions, or user demand at any given moment. Network optimization allows operators by automatically optimizing network resources to maximize spectrum usage and ultimately boost general performance.

Lower Operating Costs

Intelligent automation minimizes the amount of rigorous manual diligence and detection activities. In turn, this enables operators to improve network performance with lower operational expenses and resource requirements.

Accelerate Future AI-Native Networks

AI powered optimization forms the basis of intelligent, self-learning next-generation networks that learn from data and self-heal issues with automatic adaptation. These are very important capabilities, which will enable future automated and self-healing network infrastructure.

Better Experiences for Mobile Users

Not only do operators benefit operationally, but consumers also gain direct advantages from AI-improved networks.

Users can expect:

• Faster mobile data speeds
• Improved video streaming quality
• More reliable phone and video calls
• Reduced network congestion during peak hours
• Enhanced browsing and gaming experiences 

As users increasingly stream high-definition content, attend video conferences, and engage in cloud gaming, the role of AI-powered network optimization becomes even more critical.

Long-Term Partnership Between Samsung and KDDI Continues

The trial is the result of a longstanding partnership between KDDI and Samsung Electronics. The two companies have previously collaborated on virtualized network deployments and next-generation mobile infrastructure projects.

KDDI leadership believes that individual cell optimization powered by AI addresses one of the telecommunications industry's longstanding challenges by enabling fine-grained tuning at scale.

Following the success of this project, both organizations plan to evaluate additional AI-based technologies for broader commercial deployment across future network environments.

Samsung's Vision for AI-Powered 5G and Beyond

Samsung remains one of the leading players in the global telecommunications industry, delivering integrated network solutions that include:

• 5G chipsets
• Radio units
• Virtualized RAN (vRAN)
• Open RAN solutions
• Cloud-native core networks
• Private 5G networks
• AI-powered network automation platforms 

The company continues to invest strategically in technologies such as AI-RAN, advanced automation systems, and the development of future 6G networks.

Conclusion

The successful collaboration between Samsung and KDDI marks another significant step toward intelligent network operations. By leveraging AI-powered optimization, the trial demonstrated substantial improvements in 5G network performance while showcasing the potential of automated network management.

As telecommunications providers worldwide seek scalable solutions to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and deliver superior customer experiences, innovations such as Samsung RAN Speed Optimizer (RSO) are helping shape the future. This breakthrough not only strengthens today's 5G networks but also paves the way for tomorrow's AI-native, autonomous communication systems.

FAQs

1. What is AI-Powered Network Optimization?

AI-Powered Network Optimization: Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to autonomously assess network conditions and make settings changes for optimal performance, efficiency, and user experience.

2. What is a 5G Standalone (SA) Network?

A 5G Standalone Network represents an isolated 5G infrastructure that does not depend upon any of the existing 4G networks. Provides reduced latency, faster rates and improved network capabilities.

3. How does Samsung's RAN Speed Optimizer improve network performance?

Samsung's RAN Speed Optimizer (RSO) employs AI-driven prediction models to proactively automate optimization of individual network cells, allowing for smart decisions for better throughput in real time and with lower congestion levels to enhance overall network performance.

4. What benefits do mobile users get from AI-powered 5G networks?

It delivers higher average download speeds, enhanced streaming quality, superior call reliability and reduced latency during peak network usage times and a more seamless connectivity experience.

5. Why is AI important for the future of 5G and 6G networks?

Artificial intelligence is going to make networks smarter, more automated, and self-optimizing. It enables operators to address the increasing complexity of their networks and position themselves for AI-native 5G and 6G technology that will follow.