Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Graph Neural Network-Based LDPC Decoding for Beyond 5G Communication Systems

Ambar Bajpai

Published Jul 28, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract In the evolving landscape of wireless communication, particularly in Beyond 5G (B5G) systems, channel coding must meet increasingly demanding requirements for reliability, adaptability, and low latency. Traditional decoding algorithms such as Belief Propagation (BP), while effective in structured environments, lack the flexibility to adapt to dynamic and noisy channel conditions. This paper presents a novel Graph Neural Network (GNN)-based approach for decoding Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes, leveraging the inherent bipartite graph structure of Tanner graphs. The proposed decoder learns data-driven message-passing strategies that outperform BP across a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and block lengths.Our implementation integrates Python-based GNN modeling with MATLAB-based LDPC encoding and benchmarks the decoding performance under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels. Experimental results demonstrate that the GNN-based decoder achieves significantly lower bit error rates (BER), faster convergence, and superior robustness to noise variability compared to BP, particularly at medium-to-high SNR levels. Furthermore, an ablation study validates the architectural efficiency of shallow GNNs with attention mechanisms and skip connections. This work highlights the potential of machine learning-enhanced decoders in redefining the physical layer of next-generation wireless networks and sets the foundation for scalable, adaptive, and intelligent decoding systems in B5G and 6G architectures.

DOI
10.21203/rs.3.rs-7150386/v1

Related papers

Intelligent LDPC Decoding Using Graph Neural Networks for Beyond 5G Communication Systems

Ambar Bajpai

With changing scenarios in Beyond 5G (B5G) systems, channel coding methods will be faced with stronger requirements for reliability, flexibility, and low latency.Conventional decoding algorithms such as Belief Propagation (BP) are efficient in structured contexts but not sufficiently flexible to respond effectively to dynamic and noisy channel conditions.In this study, we introduces a new Graph Neural Network (GNN)-based solution to decode Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes by taking advantage of the intrinsic bipartite graph representation of Tanner graphs.The proposed decoder learns a data-driven messagepassing algorithm that performs better than BP over a large range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and block lengths.The experimental results show that the GNN-based decoder yields much lower bit error rates (BER), faster convergence, and better resistance to noise variability than belief propagation, especially at medium to high SNR levels.Thus, our findings highlight the foundation for scalable, adaptive, and intelligent decoding systems in B5G and 6G architectures.

Journal of information and communication convergence engineering•Dec 31, 2025•0 citations

Intelligent Channel Coding Using Graph Neural Networks: A Machine Learning Perspective

K S Koushik, M. Thilakeshwari, T. Likith Vignesh +2 more

Wireless communication is rapidly evolving, and this evolution has led to increasing demands for better error correction, lower latency, and higher adaptability, particularly in Beyond 5G (B5G) networks. Traditional channel coding methods like Low-density Parity-check (LDPC) and Turbo codes often struggle to meet these advanced requirements. To address this challenge, we explore the use of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to enhance LDPC decoding. By imposing the structured nature of the Tanner graph, GNNs improve decoding accuracy, optimize bit error rate (BER), and adapt to changing signal conditions in real-time. We implement and evaluate our approach using MATLAB and Python, training our ML-based decoder on varying SNR levels to ensure robustness. The results show that integrating machine learning into LDPC decoding significantly enhances error correction and communication reliability. This work highlights the potential of ML-driven techniques in shaping the future of wireless networks.

IEEE Space, Aerospace and Defence Conference (SPACE)•Jul 21, 2025•0 citations

Graph Neural Networks for Channel Decoding

Sebastian Cammerer, Jakob Hoydis, Fayçal Ait Aoudia +1 more

In this work, we propose a fully differentiable graph neural network (GNN)-based architecture for channel decoding and showcase a competitive decoding performance for various coding schemes, such as low-density parity-check (LDPC) and BCH codes. The idea is to let a neural network (NN) learn a generalized message passing algorithm over a given graph that represents the forward error correction (FEC) code structure by replacing node and edge message updates with trainable functions. Contrary to many other deep learning-based decoding approaches, the proposed solution enjoys scalability to arbitrary block lengths and the training is not limited by the curse of dimensionality. We benchmark our proposed decoder against state-of-the-art in conventional channel decoding as well as against recent deep learning-based results. For the (63,45) BCH code, our solution outperforms weighted belief propagation (BP) decoding by approximately 0.4 dB with significantly less decoding iterations and even for 5G NR LDPC codes, we observe a competitive performance when compared to conventional BP decoding. For the BCH codes, the resulting GNN decoder can be fully parametrized with only 9640 weights.

arXiv:2207.14742•IEEE Globecom Workshops (GC Wkshps)•Dec 4, 2022•58 citations

Optimizing LDPC Decoding with Machine Learning Using Learnable Weights: A Hybrid Framework Integrating Neural Networks with Iterative Message-Passing for Enhanced Error-Correction in 5G Systems

Niklas Savijoki

This thesis investigates the optimization of Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) decoding through machine learning techniques, with a specific focus on 5G communication systems. Traditional LDPC decoding algorithms face a critical trade-off: Belief Propagation (BP) offers excellent error-correction performance but with high computational complexity, while Min-Sum (MS) reduces complexity at the cost of degraded performance. To address this limitation, a hybrid neural network architecture is proposed that incorporates learnable normalization and offset weights into the message-passing framework of LDPC decoders. This approach integrates multiplicative (normalization) and additive (offset) weights into the Tanner graph structure, allowing the decoder to adapt to specific channel conditions. A novel weighted binary cross-entropy loss function is developed that prioritizes entire block recovery by assigning different importance to information and parity bits during training. Experimental results demonstrate that ML-assisted decoder consistently outperforms conventional Min-Sum decoding, approaching the error-correction capability of Belief Propagation while maintaining comparable computational efficiency to Min-Sum. Comprehensive evaluations across different weight configurations (scalar and vector-based) reveal that increased parametrization generally improves decoding performance. Analysis of the impact of iteration counts shows that the optimal number of decoding iterations varies between different code configurations with studied Basegraph 1 case requiring 15 iterations for optimal performance while studied Basegraph 2 case benefits significantly from 20 iterations. The proposed ML-assisted LDPC decoder represents a significant advancement for 5G systems, offering improved error correction at lower signal strengths while balancing latency and computational requirements. This research contributes to the ongoing evolution of wireless technology by demonstrating how machine learning can effectively enhance traditional decoding algorithms, providing a practical pathway toward more efficient and adaptive error correction in modern communication systems.

•Jan 1, 2025•0 citations

Deep Learning for Channel Coding

Kou Tian

Next-generation communication systems face challenges in meeting the growing demand of ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), which require advanced physical-layer designs, especially in channel coding. To satisfy the strict reliability and latency constraints of URLLC in 5G and emerging 6G networks, it is essential to use short codes with robust error-correction capabilities. This thesis explores the application of deep learning methodologies to develop advanced channel coding frameworks for short linear block codes. First, I propose a novel decoding algorithm for short block codes based on an edge-weighted graph neural network (EW-GNN). The EW-GNN decoder operates on the Tanner graph with an iterative message-passing structure, algorithmically aligning with conventional belief propagation (BP) decoding. The decoder is characterized by scalability, with trainable parameters independent of codeword length, and outperforms BP and existing deep-learning-based methods. I present a novel auto-encoder integrating deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and graph neural networks (GNN) for end-to-end channel coding. Code generation is modeled as a Markov decision process to optimize error rates and algebraic properties. An iterative joint training of the DRL-based code designer and the EW-GNN decoder is performed to optimise the end-to-end encoding and decoding process. Simulation results show significant improvements over traditional coding schemes including LDPC and BCH codes. Finally, I design a supervised learning framework using an integrated auto-encoder architecture with a systematic code generator and matrix-based adaptive double-weighted (MA-DW) decoder. This approach achieves superior performance compared to conventional systems while reducing training complexity through joint optimization of code design and decoding parameters.

•Jan 1, 2025•0 citations

Learning About Syndrome Awareness and WMS Algorithm for Adaptive Neural Decoding for 6G LDPC Base Graph Enhancement

Noor Salih Mohammed, Ahmed Ghanim Wadday, Bashar Jabbar Hamza

6G wireless communication networks require low-latency, ultra-reliable error correction capabilities that adapt to dynamic channel scenarios and block lengths. This study presents a new adaptive neural decoding workflow for 5G-New Radio LDPC base graphs (BG1 and BG2). It combines a weighted Min-Sum (WMS) algorithm with syndrome-aware learning that uses parity-check feedback to guide neural decoding in two key ways: syndrome-based loss and syndrome-conditioned message updates. This approach overcomes the limitations of traditional min-sum (MS) and belief propagation (BP) decoders. To improve message updates among iterations based on real-time parity-check feedback, we first introduce trainable parameters for better training on the most challenging error patterns; a unique data pipeline collects "uncorrected" frame samples at low SNR and generates log-likelihood ratios (LLRs) under the Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel and Rayleigh flat-fading channel. The training scheme has two stages: (1) an end-to-end supervised stage focused on minimizing both soft-BER and soft-FER loss across random noisy codewords, and (2) a boosting stage for learning residual corrections using mean-squared error on uncorrected frames. Performance is evaluated across various SNR levels, lifting factors, and code rates. Results show that BG1 outperforms BG2 in the AWGN channel by 1 dB and in the Rayleigh flat-fading channel by 2 dB. To balance reliability and decoding complexity, early convergence is achieved within 10 to 20 iterations. Additionally, lower rates and higher lifting factors produce sharper waterfalls and error floors below 10−7 and 10−8 for AWGN and Rayleigh, respectively. The proposed framework generalizes to different channel types and LDPC designs and offers a 0.3 dB waterfall gain compared to traditional neural Min–Sum decoders. These results demonstrate adaptable, high-performance error correction suitable for various wireless applications, highlighting the practicality of syndrome-aware WMS neural decoding for future 6G standards.

The Eurasia Proceedings of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics•Nov 30, 2025•0 citations
Abstract In the evolving landscape of wireless communication, particularly in Beyond 5G (B5G) systems, channel coding must meet increasingly demanding requirements for reliability, adaptability, and low latency. Traditional decoding algorithms such as Belief Propagation (BP), while effective in structured environments, lack the flexibility to adapt to dynamic and noisy channel conditions. This paper presents a novel Graph Neural Network (GNN)-based approach for decoding Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes, leveraging the inherent bipartite graph structure of Tanner graphs. The proposed decoder learns data-driven message-passing strategies that outperform BP across a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and block lengths.Our implementation integrates Python-based GNN modeling with MATLAB-based LDPC encoding and benchmarks the decoding performance under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels. Experimental results demonstrate that the GNN-based decoder achieves significantly lower bit error rates (BER), faster convergence, and superior robustness to noise variability compared to BP, particularly at medium-to-high SNR levels. Furthermore, an ablation study validates the architectural efficiency of shallow GNNs with attention mechanisms and skip connections. This work highlights the potential of machine learning-enhanced decoders in redefining the physical layer of next-generation wireless networks and sets the foundation for scalable, adaptive, and intelligent decoding systems in B5G and 6G architectures.
With changing scenarios in Beyond 5G (B5G) systems, channel coding methods will be faced with stronger requirements for reliability, flexibility, and low latency.Conventional decoding algorithms such as Belief Propagation (BP) are efficient in structured contexts but not sufficiently flexible to respond effectively to dynamic and noisy channel conditions.In this study, we introduces a new Graph Neural Network (GNN)-based solution to decode Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes by taking advantage of the intrinsic bipartite graph representation of Tanner graphs.The proposed decoder learns a data-driven messagepassing algorithm that performs better than BP over a large range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and block lengths.The experimental results show that the GNN-based decoder yields much lower bit error rates (BER), faster convergence, and better resistance to noise variability than belief propagation, especially at medium to high SNR levels.Thus, our findings highlight the foundation for scalable, adaptive, and intelligent decoding systems in B5G and 6G architectures.
Wireless communication is rapidly evolving, and this evolution has led to increasing demands for better error correction, lower latency, and higher adaptability, particularly in Beyond 5G (B5G) networks. Traditional channel coding methods like Low-density Parity-check (LDPC) and Turbo codes often struggle to meet these advanced requirements. To address this challenge, we explore the use of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to enhance LDPC decoding. By imposing the structured nature of the Tanner graph, GNNs improve decoding accuracy, optimize bit error rate (BER), and adapt to changing signal conditions in real-time. We implement and evaluate our approach using MATLAB and Python, training our ML-based decoder on varying SNR levels to ensure robustness. The results show that integrating machine learning into LDPC decoding significantly enhances error correction and communication reliability. This work highlights the potential of ML-driven techniques in shaping the future of wireless networks.
In this work, we propose a fully differentiable graph neural network (GNN)-based architecture for channel decoding and showcase a competitive decoding performance for various coding schemes, such as low-density parity-check (LDPC) and BCH codes. The idea is to let a neural network (NN) learn a generalized message passing algorithm over a given graph that represents the forward error correction (FEC) code structure by replacing node and edge message updates with trainable functions. Contrary to many other deep learning-based decoding approaches, the proposed solution enjoys scalability to arbitrary block lengths and the training is not limited by the curse of dimensionality. We benchmark our proposed decoder against state-of-the-art in conventional channel decoding as well as against recent deep learning-based results. For the (63,45) BCH code, our solution outperforms weighted belief propagation (BP) decoding by approximately 0.4 dB with significantly less decoding iterations and even for 5G NR LDPC codes, we observe a competitive performance when compared to conventional BP decoding. For the BCH codes, the resulting GNN decoder can be fully parametrized with only 9640 weights.
This thesis investigates the optimization of Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) decoding through machine learning techniques, with a specific focus on 5G communication systems. Traditional LDPC decoding algorithms face a critical trade-off: Belief Propagation (BP) offers excellent error-correction performance but with high computational complexity, while Min-Sum (MS) reduces complexity at the cost of degraded performance. To address this limitation, a hybrid neural network architecture is proposed that incorporates learnable normalization and offset weights into the message-passing framework of LDPC decoders. This approach integrates multiplicative (normalization) and additive (offset) weights into the Tanner graph structure, allowing the decoder to adapt to specific channel conditions. A novel weighted binary cross-entropy loss function is developed that prioritizes entire block recovery by assigning different importance to information and parity bits during training. Experimental results demonstrate that ML-assisted decoder consistently outperforms conventional Min-Sum decoding, approaching the error-correction capability of Belief Propagation while maintaining comparable computational efficiency to Min-Sum. Comprehensive evaluations across different weight configurations (scalar and vector-based) reveal that increased parametrization generally improves decoding performance. Analysis of the impact of iteration counts shows that the optimal number of decoding iterations varies between different code configurations with studied Basegraph 1 case requiring 15 iterations for optimal performance while studied Basegraph 2 case benefits significantly from 20 iterations. The proposed ML-assisted LDPC decoder represents a significant advancement for 5G systems, offering improved error correction at lower signal strengths while balancing latency and computational requirements. This research contributes to the ongoing evolution of wireless technology by demonstrating how machine learning can effectively enhance traditional decoding algorithms, providing a practical pathway toward more efficient and adaptive error correction in modern communication systems.
Next-generation communication systems face challenges in meeting the growing demand of ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), which require advanced physical-layer designs, especially in channel coding. To satisfy the strict reliability and latency constraints of URLLC in 5G and emerging 6G networks, it is essential to use short codes with robust error-correction capabilities. This thesis explores the application of deep learning methodologies to develop advanced channel coding frameworks for short linear block codes. First, I propose a novel decoding algorithm for short block codes based on an edge-weighted graph neural network (EW-GNN). The EW-GNN decoder operates on the Tanner graph with an iterative message-passing structure, algorithmically aligning with conventional belief propagation (BP) decoding. The decoder is characterized by scalability, with trainable parameters independent of codeword length, and outperforms BP and existing deep-learning-based methods. I present a novel auto-encoder integrating deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and graph neural networks (GNN) for end-to-end channel coding. Code generation is modeled as a Markov decision process to optimize error rates and algebraic properties. An iterative joint training of the DRL-based code designer and the EW-GNN decoder is performed to optimise the end-to-end encoding and decoding process. Simulation results show significant improvements over traditional coding schemes including LDPC and BCH codes. Finally, I design a supervised learning framework using an integrated auto-encoder architecture with a systematic code generator and matrix-based adaptive double-weighted (MA-DW) decoder. This approach achieves superior performance compared to conventional systems while reducing training complexity through joint optimization of code design and decoding parameters.
6G wireless communication networks require low-latency, ultra-reliable error correction capabilities that adapt to dynamic channel scenarios and block lengths. This study presents a new adaptive neural decoding workflow for 5G-New Radio LDPC base graphs (BG1 and BG2). It combines a weighted Min-Sum (WMS) algorithm with syndrome-aware learning that uses parity-check feedback to guide neural decoding in two key ways: syndrome-based loss and syndrome-conditioned message updates. This approach overcomes the limitations of traditional min-sum (MS) and belief propagation (BP) decoders. To improve message updates among iterations based on real-time parity-check feedback, we first introduce trainable parameters for better training on the most challenging error patterns; a unique data pipeline collects "uncorrected" frame samples at low SNR and generates log-likelihood ratios (LLRs) under the Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel and Rayleigh flat-fading channel. The training scheme has two stages: (1) an end-to-end supervised stage focused on minimizing both soft-BER and soft-FER loss across random noisy codewords, and (2) a boosting stage for learning residual corrections using mean-squared error on uncorrected frames. Performance is evaluated across various SNR levels, lifting factors, and code rates. Results show that BG1 outperforms BG2 in the AWGN channel by 1 dB and in the Rayleigh flat-fading channel by 2 dB. To balance reliability and decoding complexity, early convergence is achieved within 10 to 20 iterations. Additionally, lower rates and higher lifting factors produce sharper waterfalls and error floors below 10−7 and 10−8 for AWGN and Rayleigh, respectively. The proposed framework generalizes to different channel types and LDPC designs and offers a 0.3 dB waterfall gain compared to traditional neural Min–Sum decoders. These results demonstrate adaptable, high-performance error correction suitable for various wireless applications, highlighting the practicality of syndrome-aware WMS neural decoding for future 6G standards.