TR 23.801-01 — Study on Architecture for 6G System

Specification: TR 23.801-01
Work item: FS_6G_ARC
Group: SA SA2
Rapporteur: Malla Reddy Sama — NTT DOCOMO
WID: SP-251633
Runs: 5 Jun 2025 → 3 Mar 2027
Latest: underway
Status: Critical path

Where it stands

Eight work tasks, split in two

Connectivity: baseline 6G access architecture, interworking, non-terrestrial networks, cellular IoT. Beyond connectivity: AI, ISAC, data frameworks, and computing support coordinated across UE, core network and application server.

Progress

15 of 24 key issues resolved as of SA#113. Three candidate architectures remain on the table, with a decision due no later than SA2#178 in November 2026.

Operator position

A 17-operator set of principles argues for evolving the 5G core rather than replacing it.

Naming

An "H" reference-point naming scheme was proposed by the SA chair at SA#113. Watch for adoption.

Open questions

Which of the three architectures wins — Due at SA2#178, November 2026.
Service-based or point-to-point — SA2 is building a service-based system while RAN3 has reportedly chosen point-to-point for the RAN–CN connectivity interface. Different interfaces, so not a contradiction — but a real design boundary, and RAN3's drafts folder carries a conference block named CB #9_6G_SA2Reply.

Watch next

SA2#178, November 2026 — Architecture decision deadline.

Covered in

Edition 14, Edition 15, Edition 16

Sources

Primary3GPP — 6G architecture beyond connectivity

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