FAQs

There are several features that set the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed apart from other available testbeds:

• It’s end-to-end while many other testbeds only focus on one portion of the network.
• It can be used 24/7 in a completely virtual mode, while many other testbeds use physical components in a single location, which can be costlier and more time consuming.
• Although the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed is not an open-source project, the virtual network we integrated uses all open-source components. Since we don’t rely on fixed, proprietary IP from individual companies, our open-source-based architecture will get regular updates, and its flexibility allows both standard and non-standard implementations, as well as the possibility for customization of the network components.
• We offer the flexibility to collaborate in both private and shared environments – no requirements that all testing/data be revealed publicly or to other consortium members, and companies can protect their IP from being exposed to other participants. Participants can connect physical hardware at their sites, if desired.
• We have physical access points that connect to the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed and agreements with a growing list of partners that connect their physical facilities to our digital hub through APIs. These connections allow the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed to serve as a central, digital hub that is interconnected with other testbeds to realize market-specific or multinational testing.
• IEEE is a global and open/impartial/neutral organization, and our testbed is not focused on the interests of any single nation. Meanwhile, IEEE’s global reputation for technical excellence, trust and collaboration will ensure strong governance and a user-focused strategy for future development and functionality.

Currently we do not restrict how many users per organization can be provided access. Each organization will nominate an admin for their account, and the admin can assign sub-accounts to other users on the organization’s staff.

Yes, and you can also conduct tests with other companies/subscribers that connect their hardware and devices.

If your partners are also subscribers to the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed, you can invite them into your environment for collaborative work, or vice versa. If a separate collaborative environment is necessary, the IEEE team can assist.

If your partners are also subscribers to the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed, you can invite them into your environment for collaborative work, or vice versa. If a separate collaborative environment is necessary, the IEEE team can assist.

Each account will have a standard cap/limit on the amount of compute resources allowed per month, with upgrades available for an additional fee.

New users will get access to a New User Onboarding Guide and deployment documents.

Each subscriber owns all rights to any IP they develop while using or connected to the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed. IP rights for joint activities a subscriber chooses to engage in with IEEE, such as standards development, certification programs, will be governed by the terms of that arrangement.

Any customizations done by user companies that have a dedicated/private branch of the network will be saved until that user company removes or deletes them. If you need additional instances of the network environment to work on multiple customized projects, IEEE can assist.

IEEE intends to continually improve the platform and bring in new functionality and features. Our leadership team will seek feedback from the user community to set the roadmap for future development.

Yes.

Yes. Companies can create their own certification programs using the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed (subject to usage limits). Participants in certification programs will need to have their own subscription to the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed.

There are no requirements to publish. Subscribers can choose to keep test results confidential or publish them, based on their business needs.

Yes, any company, organization, or institution can join the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed.¹

¹ Persons, groups, entities, or nations prohibited by the United States Treasury Department through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) may be prohibited.