Morphable Networks for Cross-Layer and Cross-Domain Programmability: A Novel Network Paradigm
Journal article, 2024
Next-generation networks are expected to adapt not only to a wide range of application demands but also to the specific needs of individual users, end device heterogeneity, and changing operational conditions. In this work, we discuss how to enhance the programmability of network devices (e.g., radio end devices, base stations, and routers) to achieve an unprecedented level of network adaptation and customization in 6G systems. We focus on two main innovations: full network programmability and morphable networking. The former breaks down traditional boundaries between protocol layers as well as domains (e.g., network segments, technological realms, and administrative domains); the latter enables the protocol stack of each network node to be dynamically and consistently reconfigured across different domains, enabled by embedded artificial intelligence (AI).
Decision making
Hardware
Radio access networks
Microservice architectures
6G mobile communication
Protocols
Ecosystems
Author
Carla Fabiana Chiasserini
Network and Systems
Simone Bizzarri
Telecom Italia S.P.A
Cristinaemilia Costa
Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Telecomunicazioni (CNIT)
Gianluca Davoli
University of Bologna
Jaime Llorca
University of Naples Federico II
New York University
Vincenzo Luciano Lucrezia
Tiesse
Francesco Malandrino
National Research Council of Italy (CNR)
Sebastiano Miano
Polytechnic University of Milan
Antonella Molinaro
University Paris-Saclay
Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria
Sergio Palazzo
Univ Catania
Fulvio Risso
Polytechnic University of Turin
Daniele Ronzani
HPE Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Stefano Salsano
University of Rome Tor Vergata
Giacomo Verticale
Polytechnic University of Milan
IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine
1556-6072 (ISSN) 15566080 (eISSN)
Vol. In PressSubject Categories
Computer and Information Science
Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering
DOI
10.1109/MVT.2024.3433670