Last week in Barcelona MWC 2026It would be no exaggeration to say that it was a true showcase of "communication networks completed by AI." Leaving behind the excitement of the first 5G introduction and the painful lessons learned from the 28GHz band, the industry is now looking for smarter and more efficient solutions. 6GWe are starting our journey in earnest.
1. Beyond the Lessons of 5G to 6G: What's Changing?
In the 5G era, we have experienced how physical limitations (radio range, construction costs) can hinder the spread of technology.
6G is not simply a technology that increases the frequency band. It is a technology that overcomes physical limitations. Overcoming with AI and softwareThis is the era of ‘intelligent integrated infrastructure’.
| division | 5G (the beginning of hyperconnectivity) | 6G (Intelligent Integrated Infrastructure) |
| Main frequency | 3.5GHz / 28GHz | THz (terahertz) band |
| Core technology | Massive MIMO, virtualization | RIS (Intelligent Reflective Surface), AI-RAN |
| infrastructure | Hardware-centric packaging | AI-Native & Software-Defined |
| Delay time | $1ms$ | $0.1ms$ or less |
2. MWC 2026 Field Report: "AI is Eating the Network"“
This year, the Fira Gran Via exhibition hall in Barcelona is more about ‘connection’ than ‘connection’ itself. ‘How to Make Connections Intelligent’was full of enthusiasm for it.
In particular, the HPE booth boasted an overwhelming scale, as if to show off the power of 'HPE Networking', which was integrated after the acquisition of Juniper Networks.
Instead of being enthusiastic about new smartphones like before, we are moving the network behind the scenes. ‘Agentic AI’ The sight of so many engineers gathered in front of the demonstration hall was impressive. From the massive capacity of the core network to the efficiency of the edge, HPE's integrated roadmap was enough to demonstrate the reality of the 6G era.
3. HPE's 6G Innovations at MWC: "From the Aorta to the Capillaries"“
At this exhibition, HPE unveiled three core solutions covering the entire spectrum of 6G infrastructure, setting the standard for next-generation communications networks.
① The main artery of the 6G backbone network: The next-generation PTX series
The first thing that must be prepared to usher in the 6G era is a powerful infrastructure that can handle the explosive traffic.
- 1.6T interface support: Juniper PTX12000In the future 1.6T interfaceWith scalability that can accommodate up to 6G, it is ready to handle the terabit-level backbone network traffic that will pour in after the standardization of 6G without bottlenecks.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Next generation Express 5 Silicone Power efficiency through technology 49% ImprovementThus, the burden of energy costs, which was the biggest concern for telecommunications companies, was drastically reduced.
② The Brain of Autonomous Operations: Juniper Routing Director
It is the power of software that makes the strong aorta move intelligently.
- Non-Disruptive Routing Guide: AI directly guides highly complex routing tasks, reducing operational complexity.
- Minimize downtime: When applying new settings, AI simulates and verifies the path in real time, Prevent service interruptions due to configuration errorsThis is the core engine that enables 6G's 'Zero-Touch' operation.
③ Edge Diet: 'Single-Box' and Software Routing (CNR)
Finally, at the edge, we demonstrated integrated innovation that goes beyond the limitations of hardware.
- Software-Defined Router (Juniper CNR): CNR is a routing software that runs in a container form inside a server, rather than a physical box. This allows it to be used in the field. You can completely eliminate separate routing equipment.
- Overwhelming integrated performance (EL140 Gen12): new HPE ProLiant EL140 Gen12 The server has this CNR built in, so that on a single server Double the network trafficper server in a 2U form factor. 72 CPU coresIt integrates routing and computing into one.
- The pinnacle of TCO: By eliminating hardware routers, operators maximize profitability by simultaneously reducing acquisition costs, floor space, and energy consumption.
“6G is not a battle of radio waves, but a ‘battle of intelligence.’.
HPE's strategy of liberating routing from hardware boxes to software (CNR) and connecting it to the powerful "main artery" of the 1.6T PTX is the perfect solution for the 6G era.‘
HPE's roadmap, unveiled at MWC 2026, goes beyond simply combining equipment and will serve as a clear milestone for companies preparing for the 6G era, showing where the future of infrastructure is headed.