The “RESTART Grand Challenges” present the main research problems of the future telecommunications that the programme addresses from the point of view of new technologies and systems. They cut across disciplines and application domains and show how the necessary innovation requires skills and creativity in different sectors.
Cluster Coordinator: Antonio Capone
The future of Telecommunications in Italy will be defined by a careful analysis of the necessary economic and technological transformations. Continuous innovation will replace the idea of "new generations", with a focus on network virtualization: complexity will move from hardware to software, allowing easier updates, greater flexibility and cost reduction. Key macro-trends include: reduction in the number of operators, separation between networks and services, integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, and a growing role of Artificial Intelligence. These factors outline a sustainable future for the sector, according to the forecasts of Cluster A of the RESTART Grand Challenges.
Grand challenge 0: Creating a vision of the future evolution of telecommunications in Italy and abroad
Coordinators: Ilenia Tinniriello, Antonio Capone, Nicola Blefari Melazzi
Projects: All projects are involved
Imagining the future evolution of the telecommunications ecosystem in Italy and on an international scale implies a comprehensive and forward-looking analysis of various factors. The main areas of interest include: ecosystem decomposition and recomposition in terms of actors and value chain, impact of technological evolution on the relationships between actors, impact of regulatory aspects at national and European level and others.
Grand challenge 5: No more new mobile generations but continuous innovation in networks
Coordinator: Nicola Blefari Melazzi
Project: Net4Future
The innovation and standardization process of radio networks have accustomed us to deal with the arrival of a new generation of cellular networks every ten years or so, from 1G analog cellular to the latest standardized 5G and the emerging 6G, whose characteristics are starting to emerge in research projects. However, the profound changes in network architecture and technologies used represent a challenge for a future in which we will no longer rely on technologically independent generations that require the development of new infrastructures. Similar to the software field, the goal is to enable a continuous innovation process that maintains compatibility with previous versions and gradually evolves the network.
Grand challenge 15: Analyzing the role of hyperscalers and application developers in network design
Coordinator: Eugenio Moro
Project: 6GWinet
The role of Internet stakeholders is evolving, with a shift from telecom operators to hyperscalers and other players, for several reasons. First, important features such as multicast and service differentiation have not been fully implemented in the network. Second, network protocols have not kept pace with advances, missing opportunities for software solutions, additional services and enabling technologies (CDN, accelerators, optimizers, network processing, edge cloud). Finally, telecom operators have struggled to diversify their services and adapt to growing competition. This has opened the network market to hyperscalers but also to neutral hosts, IXPs, utilities, municipalities and large companies. In this situation, Italy is facing two challenges: the absence of large-scale Internet giants and a growing fragmentation of the network due to proprietary solutions and separate ecosystems, which are undermining the global Internet as a whole.
The future of Telecommunications in Italy will be defined by a careful analysis of the necessary economic and technological transformations. Continuous innovation will replace the idea of "new generations", with a focus on network virtualization: complexity will move from hardware to software, allowing easier updates, greater flexibility and cost reduction. Key macro-trends include: reduction in the number of operators, separation between networks and services, integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, and a growing role of Artificial Intelligence. These factors outline a sustainable future for the sector, according to the forecasts of Cluster A of the RESTART Grand Challenges.
Grand challenge 0: Creating a vision of the future evolution of telecommunications in Italy and abroad
Coordinators: Ilenia Tinniriello, Antonio Capone, Nicola Blefari Melazzi
Projects: All projects are involved
Imagining the future evolution of the telecommunications ecosystem in Italy and on an international scale implies a comprehensive and forward-looking analysis of various factors. The main areas of interest include: ecosystem decomposition and recomposition in terms of actors and value chain, impact of technological evolution on the relationships between actors, impact of regulatory aspects at national and European level and others.
Grand challenge 5: No more new mobile generations but continuous innovation in networks
Coordinator: Nicola Blefari Melazzi
Project: Net4Future
The innovation and standardization process of radio networks have accustomed us to deal with the arrival of a new generation of cellular networks every ten years or so, from 1G analog cellular to the latest standardized 5G and the emerging 6G, whose characteristics are starting to emerge in research projects. However, the profound changes in network architecture and technologies used represent a challenge for a future in which we will no longer rely on technologically independent generations that require the development of new infrastructures. Similar to the software field, the goal is to enable a continuous innovation process that maintains compatibility with previous versions and gradually evolves the network.
Grand challenge 15: Analyzing the role of hyperscalers and application developers in network design
Coordinator: Eugenio Moro
Project: 6GWinet
The role of Internet stakeholders is evolving, with a shift from telecom operators to hyperscalers and other players, for several reasons. First, important features such as multicast and service differentiation have not been fully implemented in the network. Second, network protocols have not kept pace with advances, missing opportunities for software solutions, additional services and enabling technologies (CDN, accelerators, optimizers, network processing, edge cloud). Finally, telecom operators have struggled to diversify their services and adapt to growing competition. This has opened the network market to hyperscalers but also to neutral hosts, IXPs, utilities, municipalities and large companies. In this situation, Italy is facing two challenges: the absence of large-scale Internet giants and a growing fragmentation of the network due to proprietary solutions and separate ecosystems, which are undermining the global Internet as a whole.
Cluster Coordinator: Michele Zorzi
The future of natural disaster response could be through drones capable of providing connectivity in areas without network infrastructures, according to Cluster “B” of the RESTART Grand Challenges. These drones require an advanced architecture to connect to both cellular networks, useful for precise guidance thanks to low latency, and satellite networks, which guarantee connection in situations of total isolation. A solution not yet commercially available, but essential for search, rescue and public protection (PPDR) operations, with the advantage of being controllable even outside the human field of vision.
Grand challenge 1: Designing networks that are hard to die (even in extreme conditions)
Coordinators: Michele Zorzi
Projects: SEXTET, ITANTN, AQUASMART
Define which are the aspects of networks that can provide high reliability to end-to-end communications. Define the application domains, the associated expected network reliability and the range of working conditions. Identify technology gaps and propose new solutions at system and component level.
The future of natural disaster response could be through drones capable of providing connectivity in areas without network infrastructures, according to Cluster “B” of the RESTART Grand Challenges. These drones require an advanced architecture to connect to both cellular networks, useful for precise guidance thanks to low latency, and satellite networks, which guarantee connection in situations of total isolation. A solution not yet commercially available, but essential for search, rescue and public protection (PPDR) operations, with the advantage of being controllable even outside the human field of vision.
Grand challenge 1: Designing networks that are hard to die (even in extreme conditions)
Coordinators: Michele Zorzi
Projects: SEXTET, ITANTN, AQUASMART
Define which are the aspects of networks that can provide high reliability to end-to-end communications. Define the application domains, the associated expected network reliability and the range of working conditions. Identify technology gaps and propose new solutions at system and component level.
Cluster Coordinator: Sergio Barbarossa
RESTART Cluster C proposes a new approach to communication, based on the semantic and goal-oriented concept: instead of transmitting the entire sequence of bits, it aims to send only the essential meaning, with data compression made possible by Artificial Intelligence and deep learning. This allows to reduce bandwidth usage, but requires more computational resources on the reception side. The solution consists in distributing machine learning servers close to the user to improve efficiency. Challenges include maintaining performance and application in different areas, such as telephony and environmental sensing. The Cluster is developing a white paper and collaborations, including the use of Digital Twin for smart control of networks.
Grand challenge 2: Defining how to transmit meanings rather than bits
Coordinators: Sergio Barbarossa
Projects: NETWIN
The fundamental conceptual framework of today's communications is still based on Shannon's information theory, according to which any type of signal, text, audio, image, video, etc., can be converted into a sequence of bits. Shannon set the conditions for reliable bit recovery at the receiver end and deliberately left aside the semantic aspect of what is transmitted. With this challenge we aim to redesign source coding and communication strategies to allow the receiver to regenerate a message that is semantically equivalent to the one transmitted, without necessarily requiring it to be identical at the bit level. This shift in perspective offers many more degrees of freedom that can be exploited to increase the efficiency of next-generation networks.
Grand challenge 12: Making AI distributed and networked
Coordinators: Sergio Barbarossa
Projects: All projects involved
Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are becoming pervasive in our daily lives. However, in most cases these algorithms run on data centers, so the time between the query issued by the end user and the time the response reaches the user can be too large or out of control. This challenge aims to exploit the synergy between AI and networking in two directions: a) design distributed machine learning algorithms running in the edge cloud, as close as possible to the end user, to enable delay-sensitive intelligent applications; b) exploit distributed machine learning algorithms to improve the performance of telecommunication networks by making the sensing, decision and control cycle increasingly autonomous.
RESTART Cluster C proposes a new approach to communication, based on the semantic and goal-oriented concept: instead of transmitting the entire sequence of bits, it aims to send only the essential meaning, with data compression made possible by Artificial Intelligence and deep learning. This allows to reduce bandwidth usage, but requires more computational resources on the reception side. The solution consists in distributing machine learning servers close to the user to improve efficiency. Challenges include maintaining performance and application in different areas, such as telephony and environmental sensing. The Cluster is developing a white paper and collaborations, including the use of Digital Twin for smart control of networks.
Grand challenge 2: Defining how to transmit meanings rather than bits
Coordinators: Sergio Barbarossa
Projects: NETWIN
The fundamental conceptual framework of today's communications is still based on Shannon's information theory, according to which any type of signal, text, audio, image, video, etc., can be converted into a sequence of bits. Shannon set the conditions for reliable bit recovery at the receiver end and deliberately left aside the semantic aspect of what is transmitted. With this challenge we aim to redesign source coding and communication strategies to allow the receiver to regenerate a message that is semantically equivalent to the one transmitted, without necessarily requiring it to be identical at the bit level. This shift in perspective offers many more degrees of freedom that can be exploited to increase the efficiency of next-generation networks.
Grand challenge 12: Making AI distributed and networked
Coordinators: Sergio Barbarossa
Projects: All projects involved
Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are becoming pervasive in our daily lives. However, in most cases these algorithms run on data centers, so the time between the query issued by the end user and the time the response reaches the user can be too large or out of control. This challenge aims to exploit the synergy between AI and networking in two directions: a) design distributed machine learning algorithms running in the edge cloud, as close as possible to the end user, to enable delay-sensitive intelligent applications; b) exploit distributed machine learning algorithms to improve the performance of telecommunication networks by making the sensing, decision and control cycle increasingly autonomous.
Cluster Coordinator: Davide Dardari
RESTART Cluster D is working on solutions for more sustainable wireless networks, using “smart radios” to control the path of electromagnetic waves. These devices allow signals to bypass obstacles, improving coverage and reducing costs without the need for more antennas. The goal is to overcome the limitations of 5G, improving capacity, latency and energy efficiency. Promising technologies include meta-surfaces, while common testbed platforms will be used to integrate and validate advances on a larger scale.
Grand challenge 3: Bend radio propagation to network needs
Coordinators: Davide Dardari
Projects: SRE, 6GWINET, MOSS
When designing radio networks, such as cellular networks, the propagation of electromagnetic waves in urban environments has always been a challenge due to the various effects caused by obstacles, reflections and other factors. However, the way in which waves interact with the environment has traditionally been considered unalterable. Research is now working to introduce new elements into the environment, such as smart reflective surfaces, controllable radio repeaters and others that can modify the way in which waves propagate to better align with the needs of the radio network.
RESTART Cluster D is working on solutions for more sustainable wireless networks, using “smart radios” to control the path of electromagnetic waves. These devices allow signals to bypass obstacles, improving coverage and reducing costs without the need for more antennas. The goal is to overcome the limitations of 5G, improving capacity, latency and energy efficiency. Promising technologies include meta-surfaces, while common testbed platforms will be used to integrate and validate advances on a larger scale.
Grand challenge 3: Bend radio propagation to network needs
Coordinators: Davide Dardari
Projects: SRE, 6GWINET, MOSS
When designing radio networks, such as cellular networks, the propagation of electromagnetic waves in urban environments has always been a challenge due to the various effects caused by obstacles, reflections and other factors. However, the way in which waves interact with the environment has traditionally been considered unalterable. Research is now working to introduce new elements into the environment, such as smart reflective surfaces, controllable radio repeaters and others that can modify the way in which waves propagate to better align with the needs of the radio network.
Cluster Coordinator: Roberto Verdone
Grand challenge 4: Making teleportation virtually possible with digital twins
Coordinators: Riccardo Marini
Projects: SUPER, IN, 6GWINET, COHERENT, RIGOLETTO
A digital twin is a dynamic software emulation of a real system that represents its functioning in real time. The concept of digital twin is now moving towards a holistic digital model of a real system, i.e. its virtual representation (always within a computer program) that replicates its state and related changes thanks to the combined use of data, simulations and artificial intelligence. If this sw digital twin is progressively coupled with hardware components that resemble the original system, the digital twin becomes a synchronous copy of the original system. This approach can be called teleportation if the original system and the hw/sw digital twin are remotely synchronized via an appropriate telecommunications infrastructure. The challenge is essentially interdisciplinary but involves a contribution of dominance from the telecommunications discipline.
Grand challenge 6: Designing an Internet of Emotions
Coordinators: Roberto Verdone
Projects:
Recent neuroscience studies show that electromagnetic brain waves and body emissions contain a lot of information in terms of the emotional state that a person leaves. Through their analysis it is possible to measure the emotions experienced by individuals. Even more interesting is that, when two individuals close to each other share the same emotions, these emissions tend to interact and synchronize. It is therefore possible to imagine a world in which wearable devices will detect these emissions, digitally encode them and transmit them to the other end, where the emotional instances will be reproduced. It will be possible to share emotions, as if in presence, even if you are on the opposite side of the world.
Grand challenge 8: Adding connectivity to digital transformation for a sustainable industry
Coordinators: Roberto Verdone
Projects: IN
Research on industrial networks is essential to drive the digital transformation of industrial processes and ensure their sustainability. This importance is underscored by several key factors. First, industrial networks are the backbone of modern manufacturing and production. Through research, we can develop cutting-edge technologies and protocols that improve the efficiency, reliability, and security of these networks. This, in turn, optimizes operational processes, reduces downtime, and minimizes resource waste, ultimately leading to cost savings and increased competitiveness. Additionally, the integration of advanced network solutions can facilitate data analytics and real-time decision-making. This allows industries to respond quickly to changing conditions, identify opportunities for improvement, and adapt to market demands with agility. In terms of sustainability, research in industrial networks can enable resource-efficient practices, such as predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and waste reduction. These eco-conscious initiatives not only reduce the environmental impact of industrial processes, but also align with the growing global emphasis on sustainability.
Grand challenge 4: Making teleportation virtually possible with digital twins
Coordinators: Riccardo Marini
Projects: SUPER, IN, 6GWINET, COHERENT, RIGOLETTO
A digital twin is a dynamic software emulation of a real system that represents its functioning in real time. The concept of digital twin is now moving towards a holistic digital model of a real system, i.e. its virtual representation (always within a computer program) that replicates its state and related changes thanks to the combined use of data, simulations and artificial intelligence. If this sw digital twin is progressively coupled with hardware components that resemble the original system, the digital twin becomes a synchronous copy of the original system. This approach can be called teleportation if the original system and the hw/sw digital twin are remotely synchronized via an appropriate telecommunications infrastructure. The challenge is essentially interdisciplinary but involves a contribution of dominance from the telecommunications discipline.
Grand challenge 6: Designing an Internet of Emotions
Coordinators: Roberto Verdone
Projects:
Recent neuroscience studies show that electromagnetic brain waves and body emissions contain a lot of information in terms of the emotional state that a person leaves. Through their analysis it is possible to measure the emotions experienced by individuals. Even more interesting is that, when two individuals close to each other share the same emotions, these emissions tend to interact and synchronize. It is therefore possible to imagine a world in which wearable devices will detect these emissions, digitally encode them and transmit them to the other end, where the emotional instances will be reproduced. It will be possible to share emotions, as if in presence, even if you are on the opposite side of the world.
Grand challenge 8: Adding connectivity to digital transformation for a sustainable industry
Coordinators: Roberto Verdone
Projects: IN
Research on industrial networks is essential to drive the digital transformation of industrial processes and ensure their sustainability. This importance is underscored by several key factors. First, industrial networks are the backbone of modern manufacturing and production. Through research, we can develop cutting-edge technologies and protocols that improve the efficiency, reliability, and security of these networks. This, in turn, optimizes operational processes, reduces downtime, and minimizes resource waste, ultimately leading to cost savings and increased competitiveness. Additionally, the integration of advanced network solutions can facilitate data analytics and real-time decision-making. This allows industries to respond quickly to changing conditions, identify opportunities for improvement, and adapt to market demands with agility. In terms of sustainability, research in industrial networks can enable resource-efficient practices, such as predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and waste reduction. These eco-conscious initiatives not only reduce the environmental impact of industrial processes, but also align with the growing global emphasis on sustainability.
Cluster coordinator: Andrea Passarella
RESTART Cluster F explores how digitalization can contribute to environmental sustainability, optimizing resource management through the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning. Key applications include reducing water waste by monitoring in real time losses in distribution (currently estimated at 35-40%) and decreasing the associated energy consumption. The challenge aims to develop a cross-project vision to promote sustainable solutions at energy, social and economic levels, with the aim of improving global environmental conditions.
Grand challenge 7: Digitizing the environment for a more sustainable world
Coordinators: Andrea Passarella
Projects: PESCO, ISaCAGE, R4R, SENSING NET, TeleSmEg, WITS
Low-power telecommunications technologies and the Internet of Things can play a key role in monitoring and preserving the environment. The use of sensors and connected devices can help collect real-time data on resource use, water, air quality and many other environmental aspects. This challenge aims to combine this data, collected by appropriate IoT solutions, with new AI methods that can inform smarter decisions for sustainable resource management and environmental impact reduction. The goal is to leverage environmental digitalization, interconnectivity and machine learning to take a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable world.
Grand challenge 7: Digitizing the environment for a more sustainable world
Coordinators: Andrea Passarella
Projects: PESCO, ISaCAGE, R4R, SENSING NET, TeleSmEg, WITS
Low-power telecommunications technologies and the Internet of Things can play a key role in monitoring and preserving the environment. The use of sensors and connected devices can help collect real-time data on resource use, water, air quality and many other environmental aspects. This challenge aims to combine this data, collected by appropriate IoT solutions, with new AI methods that can inform smarter decisions for sustainable resource management and environmental impact reduction. The goal is to leverage environmental digitalization, interconnectivity and machine learning to take a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable world.
Cluster Coordinator: Enrico Magli
Cluster G of RESTART addresses the challenges of an increasingly digital and immersive world, characterized by opportunities and risks related to Artificial Intelligence. On the one hand, AI enables realistic and interactive experiences, such as remote musical collaborations; on the other, it facilitates the creation of hyper-realistic synthetic media, such as deepfakes, with serious social implications. In the framework of the FUN-Media project and collaborations with the PNRR, the Cluster develops solutions to improve user experience and prevent the spread of counterfeit content, ensuring a safer digital ecosystem.
Grand challenge 9: Integrating media and networks for a new immersive digital world
Coordinators: Enrico Magli
Projects: FUN-Media, 6GSALUS
Modern media can be consumed by individuals or analyzed by machines to extract semantic information. The related amount of data and computations requires innovative media representations that adapt to the network, reducing the data speed and enabling the analysis and reliability of the contents. From the data itself, complex multidimensional and multimodal models can be learned, rendering the world with unprecedented realism. Models can be learned in a centralized or distributed way, integrating media and networks towards an immersive digital retina.
Grand challenge 17: Detecting deepfakes of images and videos to fight disinformation
Coordinators: Sara Mandelli
Projects: FUN-Media
The widespread adoption of deep learning techniques in the generation of hyper-realistic synthetic media, commonly referred to as deepfakes, poses a substantial threat to individuals, organizations and society at large. Indeed, the production of fake media has become more accessible than ever, with users now able to create exceptionally realistic synthetic images and videos with minimal effort and without the need for specialized skills. Given the potential for malicious exploitation of such data, it is becoming crucial to distinguish between authentic and fake media.
Cluster G of RESTART addresses the challenges of an increasingly digital and immersive world, characterized by opportunities and risks related to Artificial Intelligence. On the one hand, AI enables realistic and interactive experiences, such as remote musical collaborations; on the other, it facilitates the creation of hyper-realistic synthetic media, such as deepfakes, with serious social implications. In the framework of the FUN-Media project and collaborations with the PNRR, the Cluster develops solutions to improve user experience and prevent the spread of counterfeit content, ensuring a safer digital ecosystem.
Grand challenge 9: Integrating media and networks for a new immersive digital world
Coordinators: Enrico Magli
Projects: FUN-Media, 6GSALUS
Modern media can be consumed by individuals or analyzed by machines to extract semantic information. The related amount of data and computations requires innovative media representations that adapt to the network, reducing the data speed and enabling the analysis and reliability of the contents. From the data itself, complex multidimensional and multimodal models can be learned, rendering the world with unprecedented realism. Models can be learned in a centralized or distributed way, integrating media and networks towards an immersive digital retina.
Grand challenge 17: Detecting deepfakes of images and videos to fight disinformation
Coordinators: Sara Mandelli
Projects: FUN-Media
The widespread adoption of deep learning techniques in the generation of hyper-realistic synthetic media, commonly referred to as deepfakes, poses a substantial threat to individuals, organizations and society at large. Indeed, the production of fake media has become more accessible than ever, with users now able to create exceptionally realistic synthetic images and videos with minimal effort and without the need for specialized skills. Given the potential for malicious exploitation of such data, it is becoming crucial to distinguish between authentic and fake media.
Cluster Coordinator: Carla Chiasserini
The evolution of networks has led from the predominance of fixed and non-programmable hardware to the concept of "network softwarization", which offers greater flexibility but has performance limits. We are therefore witnessing a return to the use of programmable hardware, combining the flexibility of software with the efficiency of specialized hardware to develop advanced network management platforms. A crucial aspect is the distribution of computing power along the network, allowing dynamic adaptations to requests and improving responsiveness and sustainability. This progress contributes to the digital transition, allowing users to access faster and more reliable services, companies to reduce costs, develop innovative sectors and offer new high-performance services, and the environment to benefit from lower energy consumption. This evolution is the focus of Cluster H of the RESTART Grand Challenges.
Grand challenge 10: Making the network a programmable platform for running applications
Coordinators: Carla Chiasserini
Projects: SUPER, COHERENT, 6GWINET, RIGOLETTO, PESCO, WatchEDGE, ADAPTO, LEGGERO, LIAISON
In today’s fast-paced technology landscape, we are not only using IoT, softwareization and machine learning, we are letting them redefine the way we interact with our surroundings. We are weaving a network of IoT devices to acquire and share data in real time. Software is becoming the backbone that enables agile updates and targeted optimizations. Machine learning is the brain of the operation, allowing our systems to learn and anticipate our needs. Imagine a future where your home, office or city is an interconnected ecosystem, intuitively attuned to your needs, all while maximizing energy efficiency and comfort.
Grand challenge 14: Redefining the role of hardware components in software-based networks
Coordinators: Sebastiano Miano
Projects: SUPER
The process known as “softwarization of the network” is causing a profound transformation in the telecommunications infrastructure. It involves the shift of many functions, previously dependent on specialized hardware, to general computing hardware (CPU-based servers) via software services. This shift may give the impression that the role of hardware is diminishing in technological progress. However, this is not the case in reality. Similar to the realm of computation, there are also network operations that benefit from acceleration with specialized hardware, often programmable or configurable. This hardware domain is experiencing rapid technological evolution and active research. The frontiers of research are now being addressed with innovative hardware, especially in areas such as switching, which is fundamental to the evolution of data centers, as well as in the field of disaggregated and open radio access networks. In addition, high-frequency radio transmissions continue to witness advances in the world of hardware technology.
The evolution of networks has led from the predominance of fixed and non-programmable hardware to the concept of "network softwarization", which offers greater flexibility but has performance limits. We are therefore witnessing a return to the use of programmable hardware, combining the flexibility of software with the efficiency of specialized hardware to develop advanced network management platforms. A crucial aspect is the distribution of computing power along the network, allowing dynamic adaptations to requests and improving responsiveness and sustainability. This progress contributes to the digital transition, allowing users to access faster and more reliable services, companies to reduce costs, develop innovative sectors and offer new high-performance services, and the environment to benefit from lower energy consumption. This evolution is the focus of Cluster H of the RESTART Grand Challenges.
Grand challenge 10: Making the network a programmable platform for running applications
Coordinators: Carla Chiasserini
Projects: SUPER, COHERENT, 6GWINET, RIGOLETTO, PESCO, WatchEDGE, ADAPTO, LEGGERO, LIAISON
In today’s fast-paced technology landscape, we are not only using IoT, softwareization and machine learning, we are letting them redefine the way we interact with our surroundings. We are weaving a network of IoT devices to acquire and share data in real time. Software is becoming the backbone that enables agile updates and targeted optimizations. Machine learning is the brain of the operation, allowing our systems to learn and anticipate our needs. Imagine a future where your home, office or city is an interconnected ecosystem, intuitively attuned to your needs, all while maximizing energy efficiency and comfort.
Grand challenge 14: Redefining the role of hardware components in software-based networks
Coordinators: Sebastiano Miano
Projects: SUPER
The process known as “softwarization of the network” is causing a profound transformation in the telecommunications infrastructure. It involves the shift of many functions, previously dependent on specialized hardware, to general computing hardware (CPU-based servers) via software services. This shift may give the impression that the role of hardware is diminishing in technological progress. However, this is not the case in reality. Similar to the realm of computation, there are also network operations that benefit from acceleration with specialized hardware, often programmable or configurable. This hardware domain is experiencing rapid technological evolution and active research. The frontiers of research are now being addressed with innovative hardware, especially in areas such as switching, which is fundamental to the evolution of data centers, as well as in the field of disaggregated and open radio access networks. In addition, high-frequency radio transmissions continue to witness advances in the world of hardware technology.
Cluster Coordinator: Luca Chiaraviglio
In communication systems, signals not only transmit information, but can also be used to sense the surrounding environment. This is the principle behind integrated communication and sensing, which leverages existing infrastructure to improve the quality, efficiency and safety of environments and roads, while optimizing communication itself. This technology allows, for example, to optimize cellular coverage by analyzing the environment in real time and adjusting signals more precisely. Cluster I of the RESTART Grand Challenges explores this frontier through research on optical networks for sensing, integration of communication and sensing over multiple frequencies, use of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, data collection from signals and communication-enabled sensing technologies.
Grand challenge 11: Sensing and protecting the world through communication signals
Coordinators: Luca Chiaraviglio, Marco Lops
Projects: ISaCAGE, R4R, SENSING NET
The philosophy of simply sharing the spectrum between communications and sensing systems has evolved towards full integration, summarized by the acronym ISAC (Integrated Sensing And Communications). ISAC design strategies can include both co-designed rad/com architectures, where radar probing signals and communication code are designed together to allow overlay/underlay procedures, and more sophisticated systems, where a single transmission platform is designed to allow overlay/underlay procedures to satisfy both functions. In this last category we find opportunistic systems (i.e. detection systems that use deviated communication signals and communication systems that use the reverberation generated by detection systems) and completely holistic structures, in which the transmission platform is designed to optimize both communication and detection.
In communication systems, signals not only transmit information, but can also be used to sense the surrounding environment. This is the principle behind integrated communication and sensing, which leverages existing infrastructure to improve the quality, efficiency and safety of environments and roads, while optimizing communication itself. This technology allows, for example, to optimize cellular coverage by analyzing the environment in real time and adjusting signals more precisely. Cluster I of the RESTART Grand Challenges explores this frontier through research on optical networks for sensing, integration of communication and sensing over multiple frequencies, use of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, data collection from signals and communication-enabled sensing technologies.
Grand challenge 11: Sensing and protecting the world through communication signals
Coordinators: Luca Chiaraviglio, Marco Lops
Projects: ISaCAGE, R4R, SENSING NET
The philosophy of simply sharing the spectrum between communications and sensing systems has evolved towards full integration, summarized by the acronym ISAC (Integrated Sensing And Communications). ISAC design strategies can include both co-designed rad/com architectures, where radar probing signals and communication code are designed together to allow overlay/underlay procedures, and more sophisticated systems, where a single transmission platform is designed to allow overlay/underlay procedures to satisfy both functions. In this last category we find opportunistic systems (i.e. detection systems that use deviated communication signals and communication systems that use the reverberation generated by detection systems) and completely holistic structures, in which the transmission platform is designed to optimize both communication and detection.
Cluster Coordinator: Ernesto Limiti
Grand challenge 13: Opening the wide spaces of high frequencies to radio access
Coordinators: Ernesto Limiti, Umberto Spagnolini
Projects: 6GWINET, MIND-DREAM, T-NEXT, INCHNET, ARCADIA
The philosophy of simply sharing the spectrum between communications and sensing systems has evolved towards full integration, summarized by the acronym ISAC (Integrated Sensing And Communications). ISAC design strategies can be ascribed to both co-designed rad/com architectures, where the radar probing signals and the communication code are designed together to allow overlay/underlay procedures, and more sophisticated systems, where a single transmission platform is designed to allow overlay/underlay procedures in order to satisfy both functions. In this last category we find opportunistic systems (i.e. detection systems that use deviated communication signals and communication systems that use the reverberation generated by detection systems) and completely holistic structures, in which the transmission platform is designed to optimize both communication and detection.
Grand challenge 13: Opening the wide spaces of high frequencies to radio access
Coordinators: Ernesto Limiti, Umberto Spagnolini
Projects: 6GWINET, MIND-DREAM, T-NEXT, INCHNET, ARCADIA
The philosophy of simply sharing the spectrum between communications and sensing systems has evolved towards full integration, summarized by the acronym ISAC (Integrated Sensing And Communications). ISAC design strategies can be ascribed to both co-designed rad/com architectures, where the radar probing signals and the communication code are designed together to allow overlay/underlay procedures, and more sophisticated systems, where a single transmission platform is designed to allow overlay/underlay procedures in order to satisfy both functions. In this last category we find opportunistic systems (i.e. detection systems that use deviated communication signals and communication systems that use the reverberation generated by detection systems) and completely holistic structures, in which the transmission platform is designed to optimize both communication and detection.
Cluster Coordinator: Francesco Matera
The emergence of new highly heterogeneous use cases requires increasingly flexible communication protocols and systems, capable of meeting stringent latency and bandwidth requirements. The goal is to develop a single, fully integrated system where people, vehicles and infrastructures can exchange data in real time. The activities of the RESTART Grand Challenge Cluster include research on connected and non-connected autonomous vehicles, drone operations, traffic management and electromagnetic exposure analysis in V2X communication contexts.
Grand challenge 16: Connecting and supporting anyone and everything that moves
Coordinators: Francesco Matera, Alessandro Bazzi
Projects: ITA-NTN, MoVeOver
B5G/6G telecommunications techniques will revolutionize mobility by enabling real-time communication and data exchange between vehicles, infrastructures and control centers. They will support connected/autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing platforms, drone operations, traffic management and remote vehicle control. Winning this challenge will improve the safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability of any means of transportation.
The emergence of new highly heterogeneous use cases requires increasingly flexible communication protocols and systems, capable of meeting stringent latency and bandwidth requirements. The goal is to develop a single, fully integrated system where people, vehicles and infrastructures can exchange data in real time. The activities of the RESTART Grand Challenge Cluster include research on connected and non-connected autonomous vehicles, drone operations, traffic management and electromagnetic exposure analysis in V2X communication contexts.
Grand challenge 16: Connecting and supporting anyone and everything that moves
Coordinators: Francesco Matera, Alessandro Bazzi
Projects: ITA-NTN, MoVeOver
B5G/6G telecommunications techniques will revolutionize mobility by enabling real-time communication and data exchange between vehicles, infrastructures and control centers. They will support connected/autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing platforms, drone operations, traffic management and remote vehicle control. Winning this challenge will improve the safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability of any means of transportation.
Cluster Coordinator: Piero Castoldi
Grand challenge 18: Building the highways of the future with fiber communications
Coordinators: Piero Castoldi
Projects: RIGOLETTO, GrapHICS, ELENE, HePIC, SENSING NET
Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) is the current frontier of high-capacity networks. Multicore fiber is the most efficient SDM technique that can exist in the version with decoupled cores or with multiple cores, placed so close together that a significant amount of coupling occurs between the fibers (coupled SDM fibers) and supermodes are formed. To address the resulting crosstalk problem, improved MIMO (multiple inputs/multiple outputs) techniques based on electronic signal processors and new optical packet devices that handle SDM are used. At the control plane level, different solutions are needed to meet network agility, energy consumption reduction and security in such an evolving scenario.
Grand challenge 18: Building the highways of the future with fiber communications
Coordinators: Piero Castoldi
Projects: RIGOLETTO, GrapHICS, ELENE, HePIC, SENSING NET
Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) is the current frontier of high-capacity networks. Multicore fiber is the most efficient SDM technique that can exist in the version with decoupled cores or with multiple cores, placed so close together that a significant amount of coupling occurs between the fibers (coupled SDM fibers) and supermodes are formed. To address the resulting crosstalk problem, improved MIMO (multiple inputs/multiple outputs) techniques based on electronic signal processors and new optical packet devices that handle SDM are used. At the control plane level, different solutions are needed to meet network agility, energy consumption reduction and security in such an evolving scenario.
Cluster Coordinator: Giacomo Verticale
The main activities of the task and the Grand Challenge associated with the project include community engagement and the definition of strategies to involve the reference communities, both internal and external to RESTART, measuring the impact of open-source and open-data products. The identification of relevant platforms to make the project contributions accessible to the community and the organization of the open-source software produced to directly associate it with RESTART and ensure its strategic visibility are planned. Furthermore, repositories will be created to collect and make available open data, ensuring accessibility and reliability through synergies with other PNRR projects on Cloud and Big Data, so as to guarantee the availability of the results in the long term. The project also includes the definition of guidelines for the publication of open-source contributions, addressing licensing issues to ensure correct use and possible commercialization of the materials. Tools will be identified to ensure the sustainability of the initiatives, including the creation of a structured portal to give visibility and access to the data and software produced. Finally, the participation of volunteers will be promoted to take on responsibilities in specific tasks, valorizing motivated individuals who can effectively guide the activities.
Grand challenge 19: Creating a community for open data and open source software RESTART
Coordinators: Giuseppe Bianchi, Giacomo Verticale
Projects: All projects are involved
The main activities of the task and the Grand Challenge associated with the project include community engagement and the definition of strategies to involve the reference communities, both internal and external to RESTART, measuring the impact of open-source and open-data products. The identification of relevant platforms to make the project contributions accessible to the community and the organization of the open-source software produced to directly associate it with RESTART and ensure its strategic visibility are planned. Furthermore, repositories will be created to collect and make available open data, ensuring accessibility and reliability through synergies with other PNRR projects on Cloud and Big Data, so as to guarantee the availability of the results in the long term. The project also includes the definition of guidelines for the publication of open-source contributions, addressing licensing issues to ensure correct use and possible commercialization of the materials. Tools will be identified to ensure the sustainability of the initiatives, including the creation of a structured portal to give visibility and access to the data and software produced. Finally, the participation of volunteers will be promoted to take on responsibilities in specific tasks, valorizing motivated individuals who can effectively guide the activities.
Grand challenge 19: Creating a community for open data and open source software RESTART
Coordinators: Giuseppe Bianchi, Giacomo Verticale
Projects: All projects are involved