Towards Practical Cell-Free 6G Network Deployments: An Open-Source End-to-End Ray Tracing Simulator

The advent of sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication marks a transformative era in technological connectivity, bringing forth challenges and opportunities alike. This paper unveils an innovative, open-source simulator, meticulously crafted for cell-free 6G wireless networks. This simulator is not just a tool but a gateway to the future, blending cutting-edge channel models with the simulation of both physical propagation effects and intricate system-level protocols. It stands at the forefront of technological advancement by integrating large intelligent surface (LIS) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technologies, harnessing the power of the Unity game engine for efficient ray-tracing and graphical processing unit (GPU)-accelerated computations. The unparalleled flexibility in scenario configuration, coupled with its unique ability to dynamically simulate interactions across network layers, establishes this simulator as an indispensable asset in pioneering 6G systems' research and development.