6G-PathToVLC
Advancing 6G Technologies
FEB, 25 2025 | 8 min.
Pioneering the Future of Connectivity
6G-PATH project is designed to define and validate future 6G technologies by developing the most advanced pre-6G infrastructure in Europe. This initiative spans four key verticals, ensuring a comprehensive approach to next-generation connectivity.
As part of this broader effort, 6G-PathToVLC proposal falls under Track A: Infrastructure Deployment, aiming to extend cutting-edge infrastructure by integrating the widely recognized Beyond-5G (B5G) testbed at Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) into the 6G-PATH ecosystem.
In May 2023 UPV became the first university in Spain licensed as a private network operator. With the 6G-PathToVLC initiative, the UPV testbed will expand further by incorporating 5G Rel-17 technology in both radio and 5G core networks, including 5G-mMTC RedCap capabilities.
Our role
To ensure the success of 6G-PathToVLC and the comprehensive validation of B5G technologies, at Fivecomm we bring our expertise in 5G and IoT device development. With a strong track record in EU projects, we contribute with:
5G Rel-16 and Rel-17 devices
RedCap devices for use case experimentation
6G-PathToVLC focuses on two out of the four key verticals from 6G-PATH: smart cities and education. For each of these verticals, the testbed will provide a specialized and customized pilot site, supported by a centralized 5G core and edge server, featuring both open-source and professional solutions.
Smart Cities
At Fivecomm, we play a pivotal role in advancing smart city applications by leveraging our expertise in 5G and IoT device integration. We contribute to the development of a realistic smart city testbed within the UPV campus, which hosts over 30,000 people and mirrors the infrastructure of a small city. This allows for real-world experimentation in urban connectivity solutions.
During the project, we will actively support the integration of RedCap-enabled IoT applications, enabling a comprehensive evolution for future smart city use case experimentation.
Education
Our role extends beyond smart cities into the realm of education, where we support the development and deployment of cutting-edge immersive learning environments by providing 5G devices to support its future use cases. Through our technological contributions, the education pilot site benefits from:
Two B5G pico-cells
An immersive communications laboratory
Fivecomm 5G devices
This laboratory is equipped with:
Telepresence and mixed reality (XR) technology
Volumetric and 360° video capture
Haptics and holographic applications
AI-driven personalized learning experiences
The lab also offers SDKs and API frameworks, enabling remote access for developers, integrators, and organizations across multiple verticals.
By driving technological development in Valencia, 6G-PathToVLC will position Fivecomm and UPV as essential contributors to the 6G ecosystem, fostering a more sustainable and efficient digital future.
Financing and partners
The 6G-PathToVLC has indirectly received funding from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, via the 6G-PATH – Open Call #1 issued and executed under the 6G-PATH project (Grant Agreement no. 101139172).
