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
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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DEMO: Monitoring Data collection Integration with a Sensing-Enabled 3GPP Technology Domain
Use cases are at the heart of PREDICT-6G. They are the way for our research and use case providers to experiment, validate and demonstrate how PREDICT-6G technologies enable a reliable, predictable and time-engineered 6G network. Sebastian Robitzsch from InterDigital and Matteo Ravalli from Nextworks led the "Monitoring Data collection Integration with a Sensing-Enabled 3GPP Technology Domain" demo.
This demonstration presents a Multi-Domain Monitoring Data collection for the PREDICT-6G project. It automates the collection of Layer 4 latency and sensing data from a 3GPP domain, feeding it into an AI-driven control plane and a digital twin application. The demonstration integrates the AI-driven control plane (AICP) to manage service provisioning and data monitoring.
Key features include:
- Collection of node information, link characteristics and sensing data.
- Real-time data processing and storage for AI and digital twin processes.
- Creation and configuration of data sources and consumers with specific permissions.
- Measuring round-trip time and link latencies using probes.
Overall, the demonstration shows how to collect, process and use multi-domain data to improve network management in a 6G environment.
You can watch the demo here and below.
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DEMO: Real Time Gesture Based Remote Control Of A Digital Twin (UC3M)
Use cases are at the heart of PREDICT-6G. They are the way for our research and use case providers to experiment, validate and demonstrate how PREDICT-6G technologies enable a reliable, predictable and time-engineered 6G network. Antonio de la Oliva, Associate Professor at Univesidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), and PREDICT-6G coordinator, led the "Real Time Gesture Based Remote Control Of A Digital Twin" demo.
This demonstration shows how the combination of three different key technology enablers can allow us to remotely control a robotic dog using gestures. During the demonstration it can be seen how we have a full three-dimensional model of the robotic dog. It can also be seen how we have a full three-dimensional model of the robotic dog and the robot perfectly in real time, thanks to ultra-reliable, low-latency communications.
You can watch the demo here and below.
Deterministic services for critical communications
By Péter Szilágyi, Technical Manager
A communication may be considered critical if the functional capability, operational capacity, and safety of the communication endpoints and their implemented solution depend on the communication service’s availability, reliability, and performance. In such scenarios, the communication and thus the underlying network play an inseparable role in realizing an end-to-end solution. Example scenarios include cloud robotics; factory automation (e.g., implementing manufacturing or production workflows); AR/VR based interactions (potentially extended with cloud annotations); distributed sensor data collection, analytics, and command & control of physical devices; and many others. In such cases, the operation of the end devices, cloud application and the overall end-to-end solution imposes deterministic requirements on the network and communication service that interconnects them.
Mobile devices such as AGVs, drones, AR/VR headsets or even smartphone-based applications may also engage in collaborative tasks executed in the physical space requiring deterministic service. It requires that the network can provide deterministic communication within a dynamically evolving group, where devices are joining/leaving a group in an ad-hoc manner according to, e.g., the interest of their users, their interaction in the virtual space, their mobility or physical proximity.
Cloud applications may be responsible for the monitoring and control of the devices and serving as rendezvous points to enable cloud-based group communication and data sharing across a large set of distributed devices that share a common task, physical or virtual environment or mission. In all these cases, it is important that the devices and the cloud applications participating in the same collaborative relation stay synchronized concerning their shared application state and thus need to exchange information, data, commands, and contextual information through deterministic and reliable communication services.
The Nokia Open Lab will implement and demonstrate use cases related to the critical communication requirements, which may manifest in concrete scenarios such as real-time sensor data collection and machine control; group communication of multiple devices via a rendezvous point; or camera sharing across multiple devices.
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DEMO: Target Wake Time (POLITO)
Use cases are at the heart of PREDICT-6G. They are the way for our research and use case providers to experiment, validate and demonstrate how PREDICT-6G technologies enable a reliable, predictable and time-engineered 6G network. Claudio Casetti, Full Professor at Politecnico di Torino and a researcher in the PREDICT-6G consortium led the “Target Wake Time” demo.
This demonstration shows the evolution of Wi-Fi networks with the introduction of Target Wake Time (TWT), a feature that transforms the way devices communicate within a network. Traditionally, Wi-Fi networks were based on CSMACA principles, which allowed efficient collision resolution but introduced randomness in channel access and transmission timing. The demonstration delves into how TWT, initially introduced in 802.11 AH and later integrated into Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 AX), addresses these challenges.
Using simulations with 8 strategically spaced stations, the demonstration compares TWT-enabled communication with standard Wi-Fi, highlighting TWT's deterministic latency and significant energy savings.
You can watch the demo here and below.
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DEMO: Smart Factory (Gestamp and Ericsson)
Use cases are at the heart of PREDICT-6G. They are the way for our research and use case providers to experiment, validate and demonstrate how PREDICT-6G technologies enable a reliable, predictable and time-engineered 6G network. Marc Mollà, Chief Solution Architect at Ericsson and a member of PREDICT-6G, led the "Smart Factory" demo.
This demonstration shows the application of Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities in 3GPP networks, with a specific focus on a Gestamp -inspired smart factory use case. The objective is to move from a wired configuration to a wireless LAN scenario using a 5G network, emphasising the challenges of interconnecting numerous mobile components in a factory environment.
Overall, the demo highlights the potential integration of TSN enhancements into 5G systems, offering improved spectrum sharing, reduced network congestion, and enhanced reliability for mission-critical industrial applications, even without specialised TSN-supported hardware like commercial UE's or Ethernet-based protocols.
You can watch the demo here and below.
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One year of PREDICT-6G: 2023 review
By Antonio de la Oliva, Project Coordinator
The end of 2023 marks also the closing of the first year of the PREDICT-6G project. During this year, several key milestones have been achieved, setting the basis for the technical work of the second year. During the first months of 2023, PREDICT-6G focused on understanding the use cases which may benefit from deterministic networking innovations. The three use cases defined in the proposal - Smart manufacturing, Deterministic services for critical communications and multi-domain deterministic communications - have been extended to Localisation and Sensing, XR and IETF RAW and DetNet. With the inclusion of these new use cases, we believe the project sufficiently covers the requirements of current industries.
Based on the requirements and expected KPIs of the identified use cases, the main efforts of the year 2023 were dedicated to developing the system architecture and the principles of the Multi-Domain Dataplane (MDP) in WP2 and the AI-driven multi-stakeholder inter-domain Control Plane (AICP) in WP3. The work on the MDP and AICP design was synthetised into a full architecture specification, including E2E and domain level management service definition, E2E deterministic service architecture and lifecycle, MDP architecture and cross-domain U-plane integration enablers, system and service procedures, and Open APIs for technology integration with 3GPP and IETF DetNet domains.
Regarding the MDP, innovation areas were explored in the data-plane to enable cross-domain deterministic services, such as deterministic service continuity at domain borders, deterministic scheduler designs, cross-domain split of reliability and deterministic enablers, and time sync across multiple domains. Technologies consider 3GPP (with and without IETF DetNet integration support), IEEE TSC (with IETF DetNet), and novel Wi-Fi MAC capabilities. To support these technologies at the control level, the project follows an OpenAPI methodology defining the programmability layer on top of a network segment with the selected deterministic technologies, or even over network domains with no explicit support for determinism. The OpenAPIs are the interface between the PREDICT-6G MDP and AICP, enabling the technology-agnostic design for the AICP architecture. Current discussion within the project is the relation of the OpenAPIs with the DetNet component, and whether all different domains should be integrated below the DetNet control.
At its own pace, the AICP has also evolved significantly during 2023. The AICP follows a service-based architecture principle, where Management Services (MS) interact with each other via clearly defined APIs. MSs that share the same management scope are organised into Management Domains (MD). AICP defined a single MD for the E2E deterministic services, as well as separate MDs for each of the technology domains that are part of the initial release of PREDICT-6G’s MDP. This role split enables the AICP to govern any number of technological domains (i.e., 3GPP, IETF DetNet / IEEE TSN, Wi-Fi, and more) driven by the same end-to-end service focus. Individual Management Services implement capabilities such as service ingestion, service automation, path computation, digital twinning, AI-based predictions, measurement collection, and the exposure of topology, services, resources, and capabilities from domain level to end-to-end and from end-to-end to the consumer (e.g., user, operator) of PREDICT-6G.
At the end of 2023, the project also started the development and integration activities. Led by WP4, the first step was to define the methodology (sprint based agile development and integration cycles) and timeline for developing, integrating, and validating the PREDICT-6G system components. The design of Open Labs and the structure of the validation tests have also been central in this first year.
In conclusion, although the project is still in its infancy, we have a clear view on its merits and innovations, and the consortium is focused on achieving great impact in the industry, developing new technologies to create new deterministic networks.
Assessment of the first year of the project from the Partners' perspective
The PREDICT-6G consortium consists of 17 partners from seven countries working together to develop a multi-technology, multi-domain data plane that revises the reliability and time-sensitive design features existing in current wired and wireless standards.
While we all work towards a common goal, each partner has a specific role with concrete milestones. Thus, we have asked them about the highlights of PREDICT´s first year and what they expect to achieve in 2024.
UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III DE MADRID
At UC3M, we have been mostly focused on developing several components of the MDP, specially on developing an open source XDP based bridge, which can be used to develop novel scheduling policies. We have also deployed multiple technologies to start building the MDP, including Wireless TSN, Ethernet-based TSN, Open Air interface 5G network, and programmable P4 switches.
During the second year of the project, through this infrastructure, we will focus on developing the WP3 components and prove the new approaches for the PREDICT-6G data plane.
In the first year of PREDICT-6G, ATOS+ATOSP’s main focus was the design of the AI-driven Inter-domain Control-Plane (AICP). In particular, ATOS+ATOSP led the efforts related to the architecture design of the inter-domain and network control mechanisms, assuming the responsibility of defining Service Automation Management Services. Additionally, the company was an active contributor to the composition of the AI/ML layout, taking the lead in the development of the AI/ML framework, which will be used by the project as the basis for building complex AI/ML algorithms.
Looking towards PREDICT-6G second year, ATOS+ATOSP will concentrate their efforts in the implementation of the Service Automation and the AI/ML framework modules, which are considered core services for showcasing the potential of the AICP in PREDICT-6G Proof-of-Concepts (PoCs).
This year was very important for partners to build a close relationship that would underpin all the project work, including the implementation of communication and dissemination strategy. Consolidating the PREDICT-6G branding, setting up the digital tools - website and social media - and overall, positioning the project in the SNS JU, were some of the main accomplishments in the last 12 months. Moreover, AUSTRALO established the first contacts with relevant stakeholders in the SNS community with very positive results.
In Year 2, AUSTRALO will continue to foster the PREDICT-6G community. In addition to the communication activities, the engagement with relevant stakeholders through targeted actions will accelerate to ensure the impact of the project. The dissemination of outcomes, as PREDICT-6G matures and the first results emerge, will be one of the priorities. We expect to support PREDICT-6G to become a reference in the SNS system architecture.
During the first year of PREDICT-6G, our main objective and area of work has been to identify security threats to predictive, multi-domain and technological 6G mobile networks, and corresponding challenges that need to be assessed through specific mechanisms and protocols. Following the completion of this work, next year we will focus on designing and developing mechanisms and protocols to provide the necessary security solutions.
CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE
In this first year, the CNR activities started with a comprehensive exploration of the State of the Art (SoA) in deterministic networks, with specific focus on Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). The primary goal was to identify an effective methodology for assessing the performance of this emerging technology, particularly in terms of latency and jitter. Collaborative efforts were undertaken with all project partners to establish the architecture and define relevant case studies. In this sense, the definition of automation and robotics scenarios in line with the PREDICT-6G industrial case studies was done so as to allow gaining insight into the TSN application to information spreading and edge computing.
Subsequently, CNR people conceptualised a sophisticated software architecture designed to evaluate latencies in both individual devices and network infrastructures, incorporating scenarios with and without running synchronisation systems. At the same time, rigorous prototype implementation and test activities were conducted to assess TSN performance over WiFi. To this regard, some preliminary results of such activities have been presented in a paper published in the Proceedings of the IEEE ETFA 2023 International Conference.
In 2024, the CNR will investigate the framework described above to assess the performance of devices and analyse the results to create virtual counterparts for use in the Digital Twin. Installing a prototype hybrid wired/wireless/5G network to conduct test campaigns on the components of the PREDICT-6G architecture.
To perform realistic simulations of sensitive scenarios to study useful scaling laws and suggest control strategies to improve performance in deterministic communication and task completion.
In the first year of the project, the team dedicated their efforts to several key initiatives. A primary focus was the in-depth study and analysis of the Smart Factory use case. Internal workshops played a crucial role in establishing a first draft of the architecture framework needed for said use case. The project achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of D1.1, titled "Analysis of use case and system requirements." Additionally, the team delineated the requirements for both the Multi Data Plane (MDP) and the Control Plane.
As the project advances into its second year, the central emphasis shifts towards the design of the use case integration. This will be accompanied by the inaugural testing of the use case within the 5TONIC Open Lab. The outcomes of these tests will be documented to facilitate further experimentation and analysis in subsequent phases.
During the first year, the Consortium helped to define the architecture and interfaces between the AI-based control plane and the data plane innovations (e.g., exploitation of new Wi-Fi features for improved determinism). This outcome was a product of a dialog between experts in determinism in the different wired and wireless domains, addressing the challenges to integrate the available options in 3GPP, IEEE and IETF standards.
The implementation and integration of technologies in the testbed such as Wi-Fi based TSN, as well as E2E and domain-specific management services such as AI-based slicing will be central in 2024. The evaluation of the target KPIs defined in the project can then be assessed.
Working with so many talented individuals and impactful organisations towards the definition of deterministic communications in 6G has been the highlight of the first year.
In Year 2, InterDigital will prove the novel concept of Data Unit Groups,. This extension to IP headers will allow to treat a set of packets carrying a single Application Data Unit collectively, e.g. to map the information inside the IP header extensions to PDU Set Markers in 3GPP networks or to place them into specific TSN switch queues and/or to pre-empt them if deemed necessary to guarantee their QoS constraints. This innovation will be demonstrated an Integrated Sensing and Communication use case. 5TONIC serves as the TRL4 environment to validate the proof-of-concept.
The first year started in-depth analysis of the technical requirements imposed by the three use cases that will be demonstrated at the end of the project and the subsequent design of the system architecture. This was a huge work that was split in two parts: one focusing on the data-plane, and another on the control/management-plane. This design resulted in a PREDICT-6G architecture that is modular, with clear separation between technology domain management and end-to-end service management, which in turn enables extendibility to any new network technology without changing end-to-end principles.
The realisation of all PREDICT-6G components and their integration into a coherent system will be the priority in 2024. The implementation work has already started on a small scale, with a few code drops delivered at the end of 2023.
As far as POLITO activity was concerned, the first year of the project has been marked by acquiring competence in creating seamless deterministic services across network domains, employing a blend of telecommunications standards and innovative Wi-Fi technologies, all unified under a flexible OpenAPI-driven control architecture.
The main focus of the second year will be on providing deterministic guarantees in WiFi networks by exploring the potential of a comprehensive 802.11 scheduler that incorporates time, frequency, and space dimensions, with an emphasis on dynamic adaptation to variable traffic and radio channels. The objective will be to efficiently allocate deterministic traffic while maximising throughput for other traffic, incorporating frequent scheduling updates and considering the integration of preamble puncturing for future-proofing against emerging WiFi standards.
UNIVERSITAT POLITÈCNICA DE CATALUNYA
In its inaugural year, the UPC group achieved significant milestones in different key areas: dynamic scheduling for radio resource management in mixed traffic types for private 5G networks, and AICP Management Services (MSs) to support E2E services provisioning and maintenance.
Dynamic Scheduling for Radio Resource Management in Mixed Traffic Types for Private 5G Networks involved substantial progress in the domain of dynamic scheduling and OFDMA radio resource management in the context of mixed traffic types (Isochronous TSN, Asynchronous TSN and Best Effort (BE)) within private 5G networks deployed in industrial settings. This entails the effective allocation of resources and admission control in response to the varying communication demands of diverse traffic types. The outcomes of this effort include improved spectral efficiency, reduced latency/jitter and enhanced reliability, all crucial factors for the successful integration of 5G technologies in private networks and the support of a range of applications in the industrial domain.
On the other hand, UPC actively contributed to the design and preliminary implementation of AICP MSs, such as Digital Twin for KPI evaluation and Path Computation, both at technology domain level and at the E2E level. Both MSs are essential for the deterministic services provisioning assuring their requirements and represent significant components of the PREDICT-6G AICP.
In conclusion, the first year has been marked by commendable progress. These achievements reflect the initiative's commitment to advancing research in the field of deterministic services, laying a solid foundation for continued exploration and innovation in the months to come.
Building on the achievements of the first year, the second year of PREDICT-6G considers the following focused areas to further advance the research and development:
- Advanced Dynamic Scheduling and Resource Management in Mobility Scenarios: This involves refining and enhancing dynamic scheduling algorithms for radio resource management, placing a particular emphasis on the allocation of resources in mobility scenarios where handovers should not affect the continuity of the service. To that end, we will consider the resource allocation for the Dual Active Stack Protocol handover. We will incorporate machine learning techniques to enable the network to adapt to UL/DL traffic variability and learn from dynamic industrial environments, ensuring improved performance.
- Development and integration of a Digital Twin module for KPI evaluation as part of the AICP.
- Development and integration of a Path Computation modules as part of the AICP.
- Integration on the Advanced Dynamic Scheduling and Resource Management in the Digital Twin: Explore the integration of the studied technologies to augment the capabilities through the integration of the schedulers in the E2E digital twin tool. Investigate how these technologies can synergize with dynamic scheduling approaches to enhance reliability, latency and real-time decision-making about the admission and rejection of traffic flows.
- Standardisation and Industry Adoption: Engage with pre-standardization bodies and industry stakeholders to contribute insights and findings to the development of 6G standards.
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