PREDICT-6G

PREDICT-6G continues to help shape 6G standardisation

By Sebastian Robitzsch (InterDigital Europe Ltd), with the collaboration of Rafael Rosales (INTEL), Petro Giardina (Nextworks), and Luis M. Contreras (Telefónica).

One of the key exploitation routes in PREDICT-6G is the impact of relevant Standardisation Development Organisations (SDOs) on the topic of deterministic networking. For that purpose, the project conducted a thorough assessment of the architectural proposition [1] as well as their Multi-Domain Data Plane (MDP) [2] and AI-Driven Control Plane (AICP) [3]. The outcome of this assessment resulted in a scientific paper which was accepted for presentation at the GLOBECOM 2024 Workshop on 6G Architecture (6G Arch) that will take place in December 2024 in South Africa.  The paper provides a holistic drawing of PREDICT-6G system proposition with the considered domains DetNet-Enabled 3GPP, TSN-Enabled 3GPP, Wi-Fi and TSN. The assessment of which SDO covers which system components is then overlayed in the figure and colour coding is used to depict the assessment; the figure below provides this assessment.

As one can observe, all key SDOs in the telecommunication space show up, i.e. 3GPP, IETF, IEEE and ETSI. Below, a selected set of SDO working groups (WGs) provide more insights on the standardisation activities of PREDICT-6G partners and the technology developed within the project.

IETF PCE

Telefónica (TID) and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) have been contributing to the IETF Path Computation Element (PCE) WG with the objective of extend the PCE so that can consider metrics defined statistically. With the current state of the art, the PCE is able of determining paths according to constraints expressed in the form of metrics.  The value of the metric can be signalled as a bound or maximum, meaning that path metric must be less than or equal such value.  While this can be sufficient for certain services, some others, such as deterministic services, can require the utilisation of Precision Availability Metrics (PAM). The PREDICT-6G contribution aims to define a new PCE object, namely the PRECISION METRIC object, to be used for path calculation or selection for deterministic networking services with performance requirements expressed as Service Level Objectives (SLO) using PAM.

IEEE 802.11

To improve determinism in Wi-Fi communications, Intel has proposed ideas to the 802.11 UHR Working Group (Wi-Fi 8) at the IEEE 802.11-23/0936r0 meeting in July 2023. The ideas are related to a medium efficient scheduled channel access in next generation 802.11. The proposed ideas could help to improve triggered and scheduled channel access for better medium utilization with: a) re-structure transmission opportunity to efficiently schedule bursty traffic together with others. b) upfront resource allocation/assignment, and c) reduction of OTA signalling overhead by reusing repeating information.

ETSI ISG MEC

During 2023/2024, Nextworks proposed and discussed some extensions to the ETSI MEC GS 037 related to the support of container-based applications, in several ETSI MEC ISG meetings. These extensions aim at enabling the support of a variety of industrial container-based applications, which can be orchestrated at the edge of the network, empowering the reliability while reducing the latency, in line with the industry requirements for wireless networks. Furthermore, the software containerization allows the orchestration of the applications faster than the correspondent in virtual machines, significantly reducing the relocation time and service downtime. The proposed extensions have been accepted.

ETSI ISG ISAC

The latest ETSI ISG on Integration Sensing and Communications (ISAC) received a use case by InterDigital on Digital Twinning-based collaborative robots, with stringent communications requirements to exchange sensing data between terminals and the network in a deterministic fashion. This use case has now been adopted and forms the basis for challenges and proposed solutions in the system space of 6G mobile systems.

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[1] - D1.2 PREDICT-6G framework architecture and initial specification, available at: https://zenodo.org/records/12167838

[2] - D2.2 Implementation of selected release 1 PREDICT-6G MDP innovations, available at: https://zenodo.org/records/12167751

[3] - D3.2 Implementation of selected release 1 AI-driven inter-domain network control, management and orchestration innovations, available at: https://zenodo.org/records/12167665 

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PREDICT-6G – Advancing Network Determinism and Time-Sensitive Communication

The PREDICT-6G project has made remarkable progress in advancing its mission to develop deterministic, predictable and time-sensitive network systems, positioning ourselves at the forefront of the research and technology development that will shape the future of wireless and fixed networks.

Achievements of the Past Year

Over the past year, PREDICT-6G has evolved from fundamental research to actionable technological innovation, as we moved from 6G use case analysis and system architecture definition to the actual development of the data plane and control plane technology. 

These are some of the key accomplishments during this period:

• Use Case Analysis and Architecture Development

In the past months, we focused on the in-depth analysis of potential 6G use cases covering areas that require extreme reliability, such as industrial automation and critical communications. These provided essential information on network determinism requirements for a novel architecture capable of supporting 6G’s time-sensitive services. Security implications were carefully considered, recognising that 6G networks will be heavily integrated into critical infrastructure. We also laid the groundwork for business analyses that would ensure the economic feasibility and sustainability of the developed solutions.

• Advancements in Data Plane Technology - The MDP

A core focus of our work has been the enhacement of existing network technologies, specifically 3GPP and IEEE 802.11, to meet the demands of time-sensitive communication. To reduce network jitter - a crucial requirement for many real-time applications - we developed new mechanisms at the Radio Access Network (RAN) level, for 3GPP and IEEE 802.11. In addition, we have designed and implemented bridging systems to connect IEEE 802.1 Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and 3GPP networks. This interconnection is essential to provide seamless end-to-end support for time-sensitive services, especially in mixed technology environments that integrate wireless and wired communication systems. 

Our most significant accomplishment in the Data Plane area has been the integration of various networking technologies into a unified Deterministic Networking (DetNet) based data plane. To achieve this, we developed multiple encapsulation mechanisms that allow different network standards to operate cohesively. This integration guarantees the transmission of deterministic data flows with strict latency and reliability,  key features for applications requiring real-time responses. Open APIs were defined to facilitate interaction between the Data Plane and the Control Plane, enabling a more efficient and dynamic network management.

• Control Plane and Management Functions - The AICP

The Control Plane, which orchestrates and manages the highly diverse technologies of the Data Plane, has been another critical area of development. Our efforts over the past year involved creating new abstractions that allow the different technologies comprising our Data Plane - 3GPP, IEEE 802.11, and IEEE 802.1 TSN - to interoperate seemessly. Moreover, the necessary management functions identified are now being translated into the implementation of essential services and corresponding APIs.

These management functions and abstractions enable greater flexibility and scalability in controlling time-sensitive services across heterogeneous networks, ensuring that the necessary quality of service (QoS) parameters are met.

Looking ahead - Demonstrating the technologies in the real-world

As we approach the final stage of the project, PREDICT-6G is focused on the implementation, demonstration and refinement of the technologies developed in real-world environments in collaboration with leading European research labs in Spain and Hungary. 

In the 5TONIC lab, located in Madrid, we are working towards a fully integrated Data Plane demonstration that includes the IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.1 TSN, and 3GPP domains. This demonstration will show the real-world capabilities of our technologies, focusing on a specific use case: gesture-based remote control of a robot. This application is particularly demanding in terms of latency and reliability, making it an ideal candidate to test the performance of our deterministic network solutions. The successful implementation of this use case will demonstrate how 6G networks can facilitate advanced human-machine interaction in highly time-sensitive environments.

At the Budapest Nokia Lab, we are working on a complementary demonstration focused on critical services enabled by digital twins. This demonstration will show how deterministic networks can support highly sensitive and mission-critical applications, such as industrial automation and remote operation, by ensuring that the digital twin remains perfectly synchronised with its physical counterpart.

We anticipate that these demonstrations will validate the unique capabilities of the PREDICT-6G technologies, providing evidence of their applicability to future 6G networks. By the end of this project, we expect to have made significant advances that will shape the future of 6G, not only in terms of technology, but also in supporting critical real-time applications across multiple sectors.

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PREDICT-6G’s PhDs: at the crossroads of industry and academia

In the rapidly changing world of technology, cooperation between academia and industry drives innovation and creates tangible societal benefits. The European Commission’s 'New Codes of Practice for industry-academia co-creation and citizen engagement for knowledge valorisation' encourages collaboration between research institutions and businesses. The guidelines promote knowledge valorisation,  knowledge transfer and co-creation, fostering an environment where innovative solutions can flourish. PhD students, at the intersection of deep academic knowledge and practical industry needs, play a pivotal role in bridging the gap.

PREDICT-6G nurtures a thriving research-industry collaboration, especially through the involvement of young researchers. As interviews with some of the PhD students involved in the project show, the experience can be transformative for them, offering them the opportunity to shape the future of technology participating in  cutting-edge projects  while at the same time perfecting their research skills.

Academia-Industry Collaboration: A Pathway for PhD Growth

For PhD students, participating in research projects involving academic and industrial partners brings unique benefits. As Alejandro Calvillo from UC3M, a PhD student in Service Management and Orchestration, notes, joint research offers "insights into the current situation of innovation in the industrial field" while helping researchers "focus ideas on real ground." This real-world application of their work sharpens research goals and enhances students' ability to think practically, solving challenges relevant to the industry.

David Rico, whose PhD focuses on time-sensitive networking (UC3M), echoes this sentiment, emphasising how PhD students bring "new and fresh energy" to projects, contributing innovative ideas while learning from industry veterans. For Rico, collaboration requires excellent communication skills, given the need to manage numerous relationships and timelines. He underlines that constant updates and communication between academic and industrial partners ensure that projects run smoothly and stay on track.

Beyond the technical and interpersonal skills gained, industry collaborations allow PhD students to see their research come to life in real-world scenarios. This is a crucial motivator for Marta Blanco, an industrial PhD candidate in Telematics (Telefónica), whose thesis on deterministic network solutions aligns with PREDICT-6G aim to develop a predictable and reliable 6G network. For Marta, working closely with industry provides valuable insights into the practical challenges that current research must address, shaping both her academic journey and the future of communications technology.

PhD Involvement in PREDICT-6G: A Case Study

The PREDICT-6G project is a prime example of how academia-industry partnerships can lead to technological breakthroughs, particularly in a fast-evolving field like 6G. PhD students, such as those involved in PREDICT-6G, play an essential role in driving research forward. Their work, guided by academic mentors and informed by industry needs, helps advance the project objectives while contributing directly to their doctoral research.

Alejandro Calvillo's involvement in Work Package 3 (WP3), which merges AI concepts with the control plane, is closely related to his thesis on management orchestration. He describes his work in PREDICT-6G as an essential component of his research, allowing him to test orchestration strategies that will shape future network management. Similarly, PREDICT-6G has enabled David Rico, who contributes to Work Package 2 (WP2), to explore real-life applications of time-sensitive networks, ensuring his research is based on practical results.

Marta Blanco, whose thesis aligns directly with PREDICT-6 G's goal of developing deterministic networks, values the project for providing her with in-depth knowledge of deterministic solutions. She is gaining experience not only through academic research but also by seeing how these solutions can be applied in industrial settings. She believes this practical experience will be an important asset as she moves forward in her career, opening up new avenues for research and collaboration.

All three PhD students - Alejandro, David and Marta - agree that participation in Horizon Europe projects such as PREDICT-6G will have a lasting impact on their academic and professional careers. They also stress the importance of encouraging more participation of PhD and postdocs in R&D projects, as young researchers bring new perspectives that can help achieve breakthroughs in 6G communication networks and other emerging fields.

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