6G-SANDBOX SNS/Horizon Europe project

I’m happy to share that my research group FRONT at NCSR “DEMOKRITOS”​ is starting a new SNS/Horizon Europe project, in which I am the Principal Investigator and the Athens Platform Leader, the 6G-IA/SNS 6G-SANDBOX [Stream C]! The Athens platform supported by FRONT research group is an advanced large-scale experimental facility for 5G SA networks located in two different locations in Athens, namely the Cosmote/OTE Academy campus and the NCSR Demokritos campus, which are interconnected with a dedicated 10G dark fiber. The network at the NCSR Demokritos campus includes two radio access networks connected to different 5G cores, enabling research in inter-PLMN handover and roaming scenarios. The platform also features a satellite/NTN-emulator that allows for multi-operator and multi-access scenarios with low cost and agility. ATSSS enables efficient use of multiple RATs in a multi-connectivity scenario, and MPTCP is used to combine multiple network paths in a single TCP connection, potentially improving QoS for users with hybrid access.

The key assets in the current infrastructure

• Automated experimentation: NCSRD has coordinated the ICT-17 5GENESIS project, which has developed the first 5G experimentation facilities across Europe that support fully automated execution of 5G Experimentation, using the Open5GENESIS experimentation framework.
• SA/NSA 5G Infrastructure: NCSRD is offering a fully operational 5G system, coupled with different 5G Core technologies and MEC capabilities that has supported the execution of various vertical trials and experiments, such as 5G-enabled drones and first responders. Also, beyond the commercial 5G UEs that we have available, we offer a variety of 5G UEs, ranging from programmable ones to 5G CPEs with WiFi6 support.
• 5G/B5G Network Programmability: The first 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Network Exposure Function (NEF) Emulator has been developed to support SMEs on 5G programmability. The NEF Emulator implements the standardized NEF APIs in a configurable emulated environment, where the user can define specific simulation environments. Such specifications include the number and type of user devices and the position of gNBs.
• Network Slicing: The Network slicing capabilities are provided by KATANA network slice solution, a centralized software component that provides an interface for creating, modifying, monitoring, and deleting slices.
• Deployment at NCSRD campus for fully controlled experimentation
• Deployment at COSMOTE premises for real industrial scenarios
• FDD and TDD bands in sub-6GHz are supported
• Satellite emulator can emulate a complete DVB-RCS2 – DVB-S2 system with mesh and star configuration schemes, multispot and multi-gateway topologies, and IPv4, IPv6, and Ethernet connectivity. It offers configuration and monitoring tools for evaluating emulated scenario performance and can interconnect with real equipment and applications.

More info is available at 6G-SANDBOX web site.

5G Field Trials at the Stadium of Egaleo City

In the framework of the H2020 5G!Drones project, on 19 and 20 October 5G field trials were performed at the stadium of Egaleo City in Athens, Greece. The trials included many different tests, such us coverage measurements, semi-automated flight, but also fully autonomous flight with C2 over 5G. Different C2 modes were applied, considering both instantaneous and sequential execution of the flight plan.

Job Openings at NCSR Demokritos/Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications

In the framework of an Horizon 2020 Research Project in 5G Communications, two job openings are announced for MNL Lab as described below. The final candidates will be selected via a publicly open process. We offer a competitive remuneration on contract basis, based on qualifications and experience.

Please express your interest by filling in the following form (google account is required)
Deadline for submission: 30th September

Position 1: R&D Project Manager / IT Engineer

We are looking for a person who is outstanding in responsiveness, integrity and reliability, with excellent analytical, problem solving and organizational skills, as well as strong ability to work in teams for supporting R&D projects funded by the European Commission (EC) H2020.

Your Tasks

• Management of the implementation of EC funded IT H2020 projects;
• Editing and writing of deliverables and reports for Η2020 R&D projects;
• Working closely with the technical coordinator to achieve the project’s objectives.

Requirements

• University degree in IT/ Engineering
• Postgraduate qualification at MSc level
• Preferably with postgraduate qualification at PhD level;
• At least 4 years’ experience in working directly with software technical teams or IT consulting teams, with proven track record;
• At least 6 years’ experience in the management of H2020/ICT projects.

Extra skills that will be considered as an advantage are:

• Experience in software design and development, especially in the field of SDN/NFV and 5G;
• Experience in designing H2020 proposals .

Position 2: Software Engineer

We are looking for a person to lead, maintain and evolve the virtualized 5G Core infrastructure of the 5G private network at MNL Lab, utilizing open-source 5G Core projects, such as Free5GC, Open 5GS. The candidate will be required to be hands on, collaborative, adaptive, detailed oriented and forward looking leader.

Your Tasks

• Design, implement, deliver, and maintain infrastructure to support 5G Core system, such as Free5GC, Open 5GS.
• Participate in on-call / production support rotation

Requirements

• Programming experience with Python (Flask, Django), Go, REST API Development.
• Experience in Linux, the shell and bash scripting.
• Experience with Docker.
• Experience with Git and Git-workflows
• University degree in IT/ Engineering

Extra skills that will be considered as an advantage are:

• Experience with OpenStack
• Experience with SDN/NFV
• Architect and own DevOps, and CI/CD best practices
• Experience in H2020 projects.
• Postgraduate qualification at MSc level

6G research white paper/pre-print on “Validation and Trials for Verticals towards 2030”

The second visionary 6G research white paper/pre-print on “Validation and Trials for Verticals towards 2030” is now available online by the 6GFlagship.

In this collaborative work from international experts, we describe drivers in the respective verticals and the expected change toward B5G and 6G. We also highlight the features within the verticals that may require 6G capabilities and consequently make a first attempt to provide a set of key performance and value indicators for the vertical businesses that highlight the divergence in requirements to be experienced in the 2030.

Download the visionary 6G research white paper on “Validation and Trials for Verticals towards 2030” in PDF or from 6G Flagship Initiative of the Oulu University