From Automation to Orchestration: The New Frontiers of Network Softwarization

Organizers:

• Gianluca Davoli, University of Bologna, [email protected], Gianluca Davoli is an Assistant Professor at the University of Bologna (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=kpSoQTkAAAAJ)
• Domenico Scotece, University of Bologna, [email protected], Domenico Scotece is an Assistant Professor at the University of Bologna (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=c7blKkAAAAAJ)
• Luca Foschini, University of Bologna, [email protected], Luca Foschini is a Full Professor of Computer Engineering with the University of Bologna (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=YY8U1BEAAAAJ)

Abstract

In an era characterized by pervasive connectivity and the convergence of 5G/6G, IoT, and Edge/Fog computing, network orchestration practises represent a fundamental toolset enabling innovation in communication networks. This tutorial has two main goals. First, it reviews how traditional network management and automation practices have evolved into a more comprehensive orchestration paradigm capable of integrating multi-vendor, multi-technology environments, in a seamless manner. Second, it shows participants that they too can be part of this software (r)evolution in communication networks, demonstrating how easy it can be to "build your own SDN controller" leveraging architectures and technologies which are already of common use. The tutorial addresses key challenges of network orchestration (e.g., interoperability, dynamic resource allocation, and automation) in scenarios where computing is increasingly shifting towards the Edge. To tackle these issues, the tutorial outlines network softwarization and its underlying concepts, and introduce a practical "playground" framework for designing and evaluating microservice-based SDN controllers. Through concrete examples, the tutorial shows how to develop, customize, and test critical functionalities in a sandboxed environment, leading to fully fledged SDN controllers. The ultimate objective is to facilitate participants in understanding the current developments and best practices, and anticipating the upcoming ones, in the broad domain of network softwarization.

Tutorial length: the tutorial is designed for a 3-hour long, half-day session

Prior history of this tutorial:

• NFV/SDN 2024: accepted and presented with around 20 attendees
• PERCOM 2025: accepted and to be presented
• NOMS 205: accepted and to be presented
• NetSoft 2025: accepted and to be presented
• ISCC 2025: accepted and to be presented

Title

Integrating Quantum Security in 6G Communication Systems: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The tutorial proposal focuses on the convergence of quantum threats in the domain of 6G networks. It aims to provide an in-depth study of this convergence, starting with background information on quantum attacks, post-quantum cryptography, and quantum key distribution. It will then explore its execution to 6G networks and their quantum-based threats. The tutorial will include a step-by-step demonstration of two of the demos to illustrate the practical implementation of these concepts. The tutorial is designed for participants with no prerequisite knowledge and aims to introduce them to the application of post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution to protect the 6G networks. As this topic is gaining significance and relevance in the telecommunications industry, the tutorial offers attendees the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge security issues for 6G networks and their specific applications from the cybersecurity perspective.

Duration and Structure

Total duration is 180 minutes. The tutorial will comprise five main parts in which PQC and QKD in 6G networks with the examples and case studies will be detailed:

• Introduction (30 mins)

• Overview of PQC and QKD (60 mins)

• Demonstrations (70 mins)

  • Testbed Setup and Installation (15 mins)

  • Running UE Applications with PQC (15 mins)

  • Quantum Secure UE Authentication (15 mins)

  • QKD Simulation for 6G (15 mins)

• Research Challenges and Future Aspects for quantum security for 6G (20 mins)

  • Gap Analysis (10 mins)

  • Challenges (5 mins)

  • Future Directions (5 mins)

Presenters

Engin Zeydan received a PhD degree in February 2011 from the Department ofElectrical and Computer Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken,NJ, USA. Since November 2018, he has been with the Services as Networks (SaS)Research Unit of the CTTC working as a Senior Researcher. He was a part-time>instructor at Electrical and Electronics Engineering department of Ozyegin University Istanbul, Turkey between January 2015 and June 2018. His research areas include data engineering/science for telecommunication networks and network security.

Dr. Abdullah Aydeger is currently an assistant professor at the Electrical Engineering  and Computer Science Department at FIT. Prior to joining FIT in August 2022, he was an assistant professor at the School of Computing at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, since 2020. Dr. Aydeger obtained a Ph.D. Degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Florida International University in 2020. His research interests are post-quantum cryptography, network security, and virtualization.

AI/ML Integration in 5G and Beyond 5G

Abstract

Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts are gradually being integrated in modern 3GPP standardized cellular networks. The process is initiated by introducing AI/ML functions in the 5G core network (5G CN) and from there, it is expanding towards AI-enabled 5G radio access network (RAN). AI/ML is currently at the early stage of design within 3GPP standardisation and many pathways for its impact are still open. In this talk, we present an overview of AI/ML integration in 5G and Beyond. Following the 3GPP perspective, we start from 5G CN and move towards 5G RAN, focusing on AI/ML impact on 5G and B5G physical layer design. We also cover complementary work done by Open RAN (O-RAN) Alliance. The final part of the tutorial we will demonstrate several use cases of AI/ML integration in 5G/B5G that are active topics in our research team.

Duration and Structure

Tutorial duration: 90 minutes (2 x 45 minutes)

The tutorial details integration of AI/ML in 5G/B5G through the following topics:

• Integration of AI/ML in 5G Core Network
• Integration of AI/ML in 5G Radio Access Network
• AI/ML for the 5G Physical Layer
• AI/ML in 5G Services and Applications
• AI/ML for 5G Network Management and Orchestration
• Examples of AI/ML in 5G/B5G Use Cases

Biography

Dr. Dejan Vukobratovic received a Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from University of Novi Sad, Serbia, in 2008, where he is currently a Full Professor. During 2009-2010, he was Marie Curie postdoctoral fellow at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, after which he was supported by a 3-year Marie Curie Reintegration Grant. He has published more than 50 journal papers and 100 conference papers in top-tier IEEE journals and conferences. He received a best paper award at IEEE MMSP 2010 and IEEE SmartGridComm 2017. He was TPC Co-Chair of IEEE VTC Spring 2020 (Antwerp) and IEEE SmartGridComm 2022 (Singapore), Symposia Chair on IEEE SmartGridComm 2021 (Aachen) and IEEE International Conference on Communications 2023 (Rome). He was General Chair for BalkanCom 2021 (Novi Sad), IEEE CSCN 2024 (Belgrade) and FCN 2025 (Belgrade). His research group was involved in a number of EU and national projects (H2020 C4IIoT, H2020 COLLABS, H2020 SENSIBLE, HE REMARKABLE), and he was the coordinator of the H2020 project INCOMING. He is Editor for IEEE Transactions on Communications. His research interests include wireless communications, signal processing, machine learning and information theory applied in mobile cellular systems (5G and beyond 5G) and IoT communications.

Dr. Carolina Fortuna has more than 15 years experience at the intersection of AI and communication networks. She is a research associate professor with the Jozef Stefan Institute where she leads Sensorlab. She was a post-doctoral researcher with Ghent University, Belgium and a visiting researcher at Stanford University, USA. She has led teams in EU funded projects such as HE NANCY, H2020 NRG5, eWINE, WISHFUL, FP7 CREW, Planetdata, ACTIVE, under various positions while participating in more than 20 such projects. She has advised/coadvised 10+ M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. She has consulted for public and private institutions and coauthored over 100 peer reviewed papers including in IEEE COMST, IEEE TNNLS, IEEE WICOM Magazine, IEEE OJCOMS. Dr. Fortuna contributed to community work as a TPC member, the track chair, and a reviewer at several IEEE conferences including ISWC, EuCNC, Globecom and ICC. Her research interest include developing the next generation smart infrastructures that surround us and improve the quality of our life.

Title

Exploring the Frontiers of Nanonetworks and Their Applications

Abstract

This tutorial aims to delve into the cutting-edge field of nanonetworks, emphasizing their diverse applications and the latest advancements driving innovation in this domain. Participants will gain insights into the theoretical foundations, practical implementations, and future potential of nanonetworks. The tutorial explores the forefront of nanonetworks, emphasizing their transformative applications and latest advancements. Attendees will delve into the performance of communication channels within the Internet of Bio-NanoThings, highlighting innovations impacting sectors like healthcare and environmental monitoring. The session on Metasurface Controller Networks will uncover novel routing algorithm designs that enhance the performane of artificial materials. Furthermore, participants will explore molecular communications through experimental setups using yeast, illustrating applications from biosensing to industrial biotechnology. This tutorial equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of current trends, challenges, and future possibilities in the dynamic field of nanonetworks.

Duration and Structure

Total duration is 90 minutes. The outline of the talks is as follows:

• Performance of Communication Channel and Latest Advances in the Internet of Bio-NanoThings

  • Explore the current state and emerging technologies in the communication channels of bio-nanonetworks. 

  • Discuss the Internet of Bio-NanoThings, focusing on its impact on healthcare, environmental monitoring, and other fields. 

  • Analyze performance metrics and challenges in developing efficient bio-nano communication systems.

• Metasurface Controller Networks - Routing Algorithm Design

  • Present advanced routing algorithms tailored for metasurface-based networks. 

  • Discuss the role of metasurfaces in enhancing signal propagation and network efficiency. 

  • Evaluate case studies and simulation results to highlight practical implementations and benefits.

• Harnessing Yeast to Facilitate Molecular Communications: Experimental Setup, Modeling, Validation, and Applications

  • Introduce molecular communication systems using biological entities like yeast. 

  • Detail the experimental setup and modeling techniques used to validate communication protocols. 

  • Explore various applications, from biosensing to industrial biotechnology.

Presenters 

Christos Liaskos is an Assistant Professor, University of Ioannina & FORTH, Greece. He received the Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Greece in 2004, the MSc degree in Medical Informatics in 2008 from the Medical School, AUTH and the PhD degree in Computer Networking from the Dept. of Informatics, AUTH in 2014. He has published work in several venues, such as IEEE Transactions on: Networking, Computers, Vehicular Technology, Broadcasting, Systems Man and Cybernetics, Networks and Service Management, Communications, INFOCOM. His research interests include computer networks, security and nanotechnology, with a focus on developing architectures and communication protocols for emerging technologies. 

Marios Lestas is an Associate Professor, Frederick University, Cyprus. He received the B.A and M.Eng degrees in Electrical and Information Engineering from the University of Cambridge U.K and the PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California in 2000 and 2006 respectively. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics of the School of Engineering at Frederick University, teaching undergraduate as well as postgraduate courses. He is also teaching courses at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and at the Marine Engineering Program. His research interests include application of non-linear control theory and optimization methods in Intelligent Networks such as Computer Networks, Transportation Networks, Power Networks, Molecular Nano-networks and Metasurfaces. In the aforementioned networks he has investigated issues pertinent to congestion control, information dissemination, network vulnerability, demand response and more recently privacy and security. He has participated in a number of projects funded by the Research Promotion Foundation and the EU. 

Nikolaos Ntetsikas received his 5-year Diploma (Integrated master's degree) from the ECE School of Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh) in 2020, in Xanthi, Greece. From 2021 to 2023, he had been a Research Assistant at the American College of Greece-Research Center (ACG-RC), Attiki, Greece. He is now a PhD candidate at Frederick University and a Research Assistant at Frederick Research Center in Nicosia, Cyprus. His main research interests include Molecular Communications for healthcare applications, Channel Modelling and AI for Communications.

Konstantinos Kantelis is currently an Assistant Professor specializing in Biological Nanonetworks at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki since August 2023. Previously, he served as a Manager Software Engineer at Piraeus Bank from July 2007 to August 2023. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science at Aristotle University (2012-2018), focusing on “Modeling and Performance Analysis of Information Diffusion in Communication Nanonetworks.” He holds a Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology and Nanosciences from Aristotle University (2012), and a Master’s Degree in Computer Systems Technology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2006). He completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Aristotle University in 2003. His research interests include information diffusion in nanonetworks and software performance optimization.