Novel network architectures and virtualized software networks
Our mission focuses on leading the definition and implementation of new network architectures, network protocols and technologies that enable the increase of the overall network performance of what will be next generation networks, 6G, in terms of KPIs, such zero-perceived delay, high bandwidth, high device density. For that purpose, we integrate technologies such as Edge Computing and Artificial Intelligence into network management capabilities, while keeping high security requirements as well as sustainability in terms of network energy consumption reduction following a decarbonization strategy.
The work that we perform on networks' advanced technologies will allow us to make the new mobile broadband communications generations a reality, creating new business opportunities for telco customers. Besides, it will enable future scenarios for use cases related to eHealth, Connected Mobility, Industry 4.0 or Media & Entertainment, which based on mobile communications networks (Beyond5G and 6G) can act as a catalyst to encourage industries from all sectors to exploit their possibilities and generate use cases that were previously unthinkable (Holographic communications, Internet of Senses, etc).
Thanks to our long trajectory over the R&D projects in the telecom sector, we offer great expertise in technologies that enable the development of future communications networks, such as Network Virtualization (NFV), Software Defined Networking (SDN), AI-based Zero-Touch Management and Orchestration, telco-grade cloud-native deployments, Network slicing and Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), among others. This work is being implemented around the following main current software assets:
- AI-based Network Orchestration framework: it enables the automated deployment of Artificial Intelligence capabilities on (Virtual) Network Functions (NFs) orchestrated from an NFV Orchestrator (NFVO). These capabilities allow the NFVO to perform operations such as alerting or scaling based on more complex metrics leveraging AI/ML algorithms. Besides, this asset is complemented with an optional functionality of an ML framework that facilitates the development and execution of ML algorithms across multiple domains. The ML framework enables the management of the complete lifecycle of ML models, from design and training to deployment in production environments at different domains, allowing their integration into the Management & Orchestration domain control loops.
- E-Licensing Manager: it allows NFs providers to keep track of the usage of their software products while supporting different licensing schemas for them. It provides a trust level masurement mechanism for a service provider/operator when acquiring VNFs to be deployed on ist own network, since it provides record of the previous usage and performance of the NFs, so NF vendors and service providers can interact in a more transparent, accurate and secure way. Besides, this asset is complemented with enhanced NF repository functionalities for NF validation and access management among multiple NF vendors providing privacy management.