Morphable Networks For Cross-Layer And Cross-Domain Programmability: A Novel Network Paradigm
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 <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">programmability</i> 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: <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">full network programmability</i> and <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">morphable networking</i>. 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).
Authors
- Simone Bizzarri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5700-0621)
- Gianluca Davoli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8937-9624)
- Carla Fabiana Chiasserini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1410-660X)
- Antonella Molinaro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2731-300X)
- Francesco Malandrino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0458-2004)
- Jaime Llorca (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6713-5861)
- Daniele Ronzani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3248-302X)
- Sebastiano Miano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1247-9640)
- Cristina Costa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2198-2571)
- Giacomo Verticale (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7508-9706)
- Sergio Palazzo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7428-0533)
- Stefano Salsano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3040-3559)
- Fulvio Risso (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6134-7890)
- Vincenzo Luciano Lucrezia
Institutions
- University of Rome Tor Vergata (IT)
- Politecnico di Torino (IT)
- University of Catania (IT)
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Telecomunicazioni (IT)
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IT)
- Hewlett-Packard (Italy) (IT)
- University of Reggio Calabria (IT)
- University of Naples Federico II (IT)
- University of Bologna (IT)
- Politecnico di Milano (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine
- Published
- 2024-08-09
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1109/mvt.2024.3433670
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Software-Defined Networks and 5G
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.70
Funders
- European Commission