Q: Please briefly introduce yourself, the Standards and Mobility Innovation (SMI) Lab at Samsung Research America, and the kind of work that goes on there. What projects are you working on?

My name is Eko Onggosanusi (Eko Ong), a Senior Principal Engineer and the Project Lead of the Next-Generation Communication Standards in the Standards and Mobility Innovation (SMI) Lab at Samsung Research America. Our project comprises a team of engineers currently tasked with developing innovative solutions for the 5G New Radio (NR) standards in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) furthering Samsung’s technical leadership by pioneering new technology areas. These efforts lead to new products, not only for Samsung but also for the wireless cellular industry at large. I also lead and coordinate 3GPP multi-input multi-output (MIMO) standardization efforts across various Samsung locations worldwide, including Seoul, the United States, Beijing, and Bangalore. In addition, since 2015, I have held the role of rapporteur for MIMO work in 3GPP, covering standards ranging from 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) to the latest 5G NR.

Q: Please tell us about the importance of your research field or technology.

The significance of my research field lies in its potential to revolutionize the way we experience wireless connectivity. MIMO technology signifies the use of multiple antennas at both the base station and handsets. By utilizing these multiple antennas on both sides, we can enhance signal reception reliability and dramatically increase data rates. For end-users, this translates to much faster file transfers, significantly higher-resolution video streaming, and drop-free video call connections. Although MIMO had a modest start in the early phase of 4G LTE around 2005, larger-scale MIMO, also known as “massive MIMO,” is becoming feasible with the advent of active antenna array (AAA) technology. This innovation integrates power amplifiers with antenna elements, eliminating the need for bulky connections. Massive MIMO will undoubtedly enable groundbreaking applications such as holographic audio-visual experiences, seamless communications, and instant file transfers (both upload and download). As we continue to refine this technology in the ongoing 5G NR standards development process, it will undoubtedly play an essential role in shaping the future of 6G standards across all cellular frequency bands, both existing and yet-to-be-allocated.

Q: Could you tell us about the main achievements and the most rewarding moments in your research or memorable episodes?

As an appointed internal lead/coordinator since 2015, I have facilitated communication and collaboration across three different time zones, which I believe were crucial to our success and incredibly rewarding.

Even more so is my role as the 3GPP MIMO rapporteur, also since 2015, where we have collaborated closely with numerous companies within the 3GPP Radio Access Network Working Group 1 (RAN1). The two main challenges here involve working with lead delegates from companies around the world, each with varying cultures, and reaching consensus or compromise among companies with different views and agendas on a multitude of topics, ranging from network operators to infrastructure vendors and device and semiconductor/chipset manufacturers. It is my privilege to engage with such talented engineers worldwide. Despite differing product-related agendas and views, we managed to progress and arrive at a technically sound consensus, as demonstrated by the quality of the 3GPP 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G New Radio (NR) standardizations. Moreover, through this arduous yet rewarding process, camaraderie and trust among delegates from different companies are nurtured.

Q: What is your vision for the future, and what goal would you want to achieve at Samsung Research?

My ultimate goal is to be instrumental in sustaining Samsung’s leadership in 3GPP, reflecting Samsung’s role as one of the key players in the wireless cellular industry. My vision includes advancing this leadership through internal initiatives beyond MIMO technology and fostering external collaborations with other industry key players within the 3GPP standardization. Ultimately, I aspire to broaden my involvement in 3GPP, not only as a “rapporteur” for MIMO but also by contributing to advancements in other cutting-edge technologies as 3GPP continues to develop next-generation radio technologies for 6G and beyond.