Open6GCore explores future core-network architectures while maintaining interoperability with current 5G systems. Its software-based design rethinks how
core-network functionality is structured, composed and extended. To validate this approach in a complete end-to-end environment, Open6GCore supports standard
5G UEs, RAN equipment and UPFs. This integration demonstrates compatibility with existing 5G components while providing a practical basis for evaluating new 6G equipment, protocols and interfaces.
As illustrated in the figure, the integration layer connects Open6GCore to existing 5G UEs and gNBs through established interfaces while also providing extension points for experimental 6G access and device concepts. The user-plane connection completes the end-to-end path, enabling current equipment and emerging components to be combined in the same experimentation environment. This allows researchers to compare interface alternatives, introduce new protocol mechanisms incrementally and validate their effects across access, control-plane and user-plane functions.
