{"ID":2823411,"CreatedAt":"2026-06-01T04:54:23.091178241Z","UpdatedAt":"2026-06-01T04:54:23.091178241Z","DeletedAt":null,"paper_url":"https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.00251","arxiv_id":"2601.00251","title":"Evolution of UE in Massive MIMO Systems for 6G: From Passive to Active","abstract":"As wireless networks continue to evolve, stringent latency and reliability requirements and highly dynamic channels expose fundamental limitations of gNB-centric massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) architectures, motivating a rethinking of the user equipment (UE) role. In response, the UE is transitioning from a passive transceiver into an active entity that directly contributes to system-level performance. In this context, this article examines the evolving role of the UE in mMIMO systems during the transition from fifth-generation (5G) to sixth-generation (6G), bridging third generation partnership project (3GPP) standardization, device implementation, and architectural innovation. Through a chronological review of 3GPP Releases 15 to 19, we highlight the progression of UE functionalities from basic channel state information (CSI) reporting to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-based CSI enhancement and UE-initiated beam management. We further examine key implementation challenges, including multi-panel UE (MPUE) architectures, on-device intelligent processing, and energy-efficient operation, and then discuss corresponding architectural innovations under practical constraints. Using digital-twin-based evaluations, we validate the impact of emerging UE-centric functionalities, illustrating that UE-initiated beam reporting improves throughput in realistic mobility scenarios, while a multi-panel architecture enhances link robustness compared with a single-panel UE.","short_abstract":"As wireless networks continue to evolve, stringent latency and reliability requirements and highly dynamic channels expose fundamental limitations of gNB-centric massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) architectures, motivating a rethinking of the user equipment (UE) role. In response, the UE is transitioning fr...","url_abs":"https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.00251","url_pdf":"https://arxiv.org/pdf/2601.00251v1","authors":"[\"Kwonyeol Park\",\"Hyuckjin Choi\",\"Geonho Han\",\"Gyoseung Lee\",\"Yeonjoon Choi\",\"Sunwoo Park\",\"Junil Choi\"]","published":"2026-01-01T07:57:05Z","proceeding":"cs.IT","tasks":"[\"cs.IT\",\"eess.SP\"]","methods":"[]","has_code":false}