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SA2 #176: what was agreed

Final brief3GPP TSG SA WG2, 24 August to 28 August 2026, Prague. Last updated 2026-09-29.

SA2 #176 · 2026-09-29

Top 3 things that happened on 6G architecture at SA2 #176

The verdict

  1. Interim conclusion pCRs for control-signalling key issues KI#1.1 and KI#1.2 were approved into the study TR. Those approvals are not normative design decisions. (S2-2609156 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609156, Nokia, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Nokia. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609156.zip; S2-2609034 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609034, Samsung, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Samsung. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609034.zip)
  2. The AI study approved solution-variant updates for both a separated 6G core AI domain and intent handling embedded in other core network functions. Approval of both as study text does not select an architecture. (S2-2609044 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609044, Nokia, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Nokia. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609044.zip; S2-2609043 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609043, InterDigital, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © InterDigital. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609043.zip)
  3. The sensing study approved pCRs for a sensing UE mobility scenario, a non-3GPP sensing-data variant and a general 6G ISAC design. These are additions to the study TR, not a normative sensing architecture. (S2-2609119 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609119, ZTE, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © ZTE. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609119.zip; S2-2609215 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609215, Qualcomm, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Qualcomm. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609215.zip; S2-2609250 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609250, Xiaomi, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Xiaomi. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609250.zip)

What was agreed

KI#1.1 interim conclusion. An interim conclusion pCR for KI#1.1 was approved into the study TR. The register entry does not specify its technical principles.
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#1.1, Bullet all, Conclusion] Interim conclusion for KI#1.1. S2-2609156 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609156, Nokia, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Nokia. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609156.zip
KI#1.2 interim conclusion. An interim conclusion pCR for KI#1.2 was approved into the study TR. This is approval of study text, not a normative operator-services mechanism.
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#1.2, Conclusion] Interim conclusion for KI#1.2. S2-2609034 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609034, Samsung, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Samsung. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609034.zip
AI architecture variants. Updates covering a separated AI domain and intent handling embedded in other 6G core network functions were both approved as study TR text.
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#18, Solution Variant #3 update] New separated domain from PS domain, within 6G CN. S2-2609044 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609044, Nokia, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Nokia. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609044.zip
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#18, Solution Variant #18.2, Update] Intent handling capability embedded in other 6G CN NFs, to handle requests including intent. S2-2609043 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609043, InterDigital, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © InterDigital. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609043.zip
AI study summary and roaming. A high-level summary baseline for KI#18 solution variants and a roaming solution variant for the AI domain were approved into the study TR.
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#18, Solution variant #18.0, update] Baseline for high-level summary of solution variants. S2-2609136 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609136, Huawei, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Huawei. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609136.zip
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#18, Solution Variant #18.8 New]: Support of roaming for AI domain. S2-2609048 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609048, Google, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Google. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609048.zip
Sensing mobility and external data. A sensing UE mobility scenario and a new variant for non-3GPP sensing data were approved as study TR text.
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#20, Bullet 2, 20.0 new] Adding Sensing UE mobility scenario to 6.20.0. S2-2609119 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609119, ZTE, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © ZTE. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609119.zip
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#20, bullet 3, new] New solution variant for supporting non 3GPP sensing data. S2-2609215 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609215, Qualcomm, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Qualcomm. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609215.zip
ISAC design variants. A general 6G ISAC design update and a consolidated baseline for sensing sub-variant 20.2.3 were approved into the study TR.
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#20, solution variant#6.20.2.1. update] Solution on general design for 6G ISAC system. S2-2609250 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609250, Xiaomi, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Xiaomi. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609250.zip
pCR approved (text for the study TR, not normative); 23.801-01, Rel-20[KI#20, Solution Variant #20.2.3, baseline] Consolidated baseline for KI#20 solution sub-variant #20.2.3. S2-2609116 (pCR. Register status: approved at S2-176.). S2-2609116, NTT DOCOMO, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © NTT DOCOMO. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609116.zip

Who pushed what

Should 6G NAS evolve 5G NAS or separate signalling routing from mobility management?

In a proposal submitted but not treated, Ericsson proposed evolving 5G core and NAS. The approved Huawei and co-submitter pCR instead describes a dedicated Signalling Routing Function as a study variant, not a selected design.

EricssonEricsson proposed an evolved 5G core and NAS in a contribution not treated.
The core network and NAS signalling for 6G system is proposed to be an evolution for 5G core and 5G NAS respectively. [...]
S2-2607217, paragraph 58. S2-2607217, Ericsson, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Ericsson. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2607217.zip; register: not treated
Huawei (with HiSilicon, Deutsche Telekom, CATT, HONOR, vivo, ZTE, IIT Bombay, Reliance Jio, Xiaomi, ETRI, OPPO)Huawei and co-submitters placed signalling routing in a dedicated SRF.
In this reference architecture, 6G MM and signalling routing functionalities are separated into different network entities: 6G MM is kept in the 6G AMF, while [...]
S2-2609158, paragraph 72. S2-2609158, Huawei, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Huawei. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609158.zip; register: approved

How should operator-service discovery and authorization reach the UE?

Both approved study variants address common operator-service mechanisms. Huawei and co-submitters describe NAS signalling with an SDMF, while Samsung describes a new signalling interface to an intermediate network function.

Huawei (with HiSilicon, China Mobile, CATT, vivo)Huawei and co-submitters use NAS between the UE and SDMF.
The UE and the SDMF use NAS signalling to support the generic mechanism for service discovery and service authorization.
S2-2609035, paragraph 65. S2-2609035, Huawei, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Huawei. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609035.zip; register: approved
SamsungSamsung uses a new UE-to-intermediate-NF signalling interface.
A new signalling interface between UE and the intermediate NF is introduced to enable common service authorization and discovery for operator service.
S2-2609164, paragraph 29. S2-2609164, Samsung, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Samsung. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609164.zip; register: approved

How should intent handling relate to the 6G core architecture?

The Nokia-led approved pCR depicts separate PS and AI domains. The approved China Mobile and co-submitter pCR assumes an intent serving function that interacts with other core network functions over 6G SBI. These descriptions do not establish an exclusive choice.

Nokia (with NVIDIA, Federated Telecoms Hub, T-Mobile USA, AT&T, Qualcomm, Verizon, Deutsche Telekom, Turkcell, Ericsson, BT, Google)Nokia and co-submitters depict separated PS and AI domains.
Figure 6.18.3.1.1-1 provides an overview of the 6G CN architecture with separated 6G CN PS and 6G CN AI domains.
S2-2609044, paragraph 47. S2-2609044, Nokia, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © Nokia. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609044.zip; register: approved
China Mobile (with ETRI, IIT Bombay, CAICT, China Unicom, China Telecom, Huawei, HONOR, ZTE, CATT, OPPO, Xiaomi, Tejas Networks, Futurewei, vivo)China Mobile and co-submitters assume SBI interaction for an intent serving function.
NOTE X: It is assumed that the intent serving function interacts with other 6G NF via 6G SBI.
S2-2609247, paragraph 131. S2-2609247, China Mobile, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © China Mobile. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2609247.zip; register: approved

Should sensing UE mobility work be documented under sensing architecture variants or variant 20.5?

These proposals were submitted to the meeting but not treated. vivo argued that mobility solutions depend on architecture and do not belong under variant 20.5; ZTE proposed placing SenF re-location in clause 20.5.

vivovivo argued against documenting the mobility solutions under variant 20.5.
Also, based on Observation #2, one can see solutions for Bullet #2 are NOT independent of the architecture and hence, cannot be documented under Solution [...]
S2-2607730, paragraph 36. S2-2607730, vivo, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © vivo. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2607730.zip; register: not treated
ZTEZTE proposed a SenF re-location subclause in clause 20.5.
It proposes to add new sub-clause about SenF re-location to clause 20.5.
S2-2607527, Proposal 4, paragraph 90. S2-2607527, ZTE, 3GPP TSG SA WG2 #176. © ZTE. https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/tsg_sa/WG2_Arch/TSGS2_176_Prague_2026-08/Docs/S2-2607527.zip; register: not treated

Still open

What to watch next meeting

Sources

Coverage: SA2 #176 (Prague, 2026-08-24 to 2026-08-28), agenda items 20.6.1, 20.6.18, 20.6.20. Scout read 38 recorded decisions and 141 company positions or contribution passages on these agenda items (catalog synced 2026-09-29) and cites 12 decisions and 8 positions from 18 TDocs. Every quoted passage was matched verbatim against the TDoc text; the summaries around the quotes are Scout's reading. Register statuses are copied from the 3GPP TDoc register: not treated means a document was not handled on its own, though its content may have fed feature-lead summaries or merged revisions. Not covered: other agenda items and meetings, plenary TDocs and plenary decisions after the meeting, email discussions after the meeting, and anything not yet in the chair notes or register.

  • Decision evidence for these topics consists of register outcomes. The register entries do not expose the technical content of the approved interim conclusions or record explicit FFS decisions.
  • The sensing mobility documentation dispute is visible only in contributions marked not treated, so this brief does not present it as a meeting discussion or outcome.

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Built by 3GPP Scout from the public meeting record (2538 TDocs registered, catalog synced 2026-09-29). Significance scores rank topics by decisions, contention, breadth and volume. Excerpts are at most 25 words and link to the original on the 3GPP file server.