Essex’s 6G Lab showcases research on the world stage

A new type of wireless technology which could make future networks faster and able to handle more users at once has been showcased by University of Essex researchers at the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC), the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event.

Members of the 6G Lab at the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Dr Mehmood Alam, Dr Zilong Liu and Professor Leila Musavian, were selected by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Future Communications Research Hub (TITAN) to promote their research at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona in March.

The lab team displayed their advanced testbed, which can handle lots of data at once and offers new multiple access techniques.

It allows larger numbers of devices to communicate simultaneously, without waveforms and signal sequences interfering with one another and slowing down processing.

The research aims to help with everyday activities such as download speed, streaming, and video calls, as well as ensuring networks are more energy efficient.

Applications of this wireless technology are diverse, e.g., in smart homes/cities, factories of future, vehicle-to-everything networks, satellite IoT, etc.

Dr Zilong Liu, the 6G Lab Manager, said: “At Essex’s 6G Lab, we’re developing a series of exciting and truly impactful 6G technologies.

"These will make future networks not only faster, but smarter and more resilient as the amount of data that needs processing increases.

“Our research pushes the boundaries of connectivity, from advanced signal design and massive machine communications to integrated sensing and intelligent signal processing, because the world we’re moving towards will rely on networks that can adapt, learn and respond in real time.

“Showcasing our work at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with global partners and help shape a sustainable, inclusive and high-performance 6G future.”

The Mobile World Congress Barcelona is one of the world’s largest and most influential technology events, bringing together global leaders, innovators and researchers to showcase the latest advances in connectivity, AI, next-generation networks and digital transformation.

The 2026 edition, titled The IQ Era, focused on intelligent, AI-powered infrastructure and future technologies such as 6G, smart enterprise systems and inclusive digital innovation, alongside major exhibitions, keynote talks and international networking opportunities.