Exploring New Architectures, Physical Layer and Programmable Solutions for 6G Networks
Scope of the papers
The advent of 6G networks constitutes a new generation in wireless communications, which is characterized by unprecedented data speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity. These advancements are expected to enable new application verticals and usage scenarios that introduce stringent requirements in the networks. To realize the vision of 6G networks, all facets of the network, from the radio access and core networks to the edge and cloud, should be orchestrated in a coordinated manner. In this context, network softwarization emerges as a promising paradigm that has the potential to enable autonomous network operation, rapid deployment of optimization mechanisms, and increase interoperability among network entities. This increases the flexibility and interoperability of the network and facilitates the deployment of components that autonomously orchestrate, manage, and optimize the network resources through intelligent data-driven mechanisms. This special session aims to disseminate emerging trends and recent developments in 6G networks, focusing on radio access, edge, core, and cloud architectures, security and trust, Blockchain, AI, and orchestration methodologies.Topics of interest include but are not limited to:
- AI-native 6G architectures
- Open-RAN-based testbeds and deployments
- AI/ML-based resource allocation
- Explainable AI techniques for network orchestration
- Service and Management Orchestration (SMO) frameworks
- RAN Intelligent Controllers
- Zero-touch network management
- Integrated sensing and communication schemes
- Blockchain-based trust schemes
- Software Defined Networking (SDN) solutions for 6G networks
- Next-generation SDN algorithms utilizing data plane programmability
- Edge/cloud computation offloading schemes
- Integration of non-terrestrial networks
- Antennas for 6G Networks
- Measurements for 5G/6G
- Metalearning for 6G Networks
- RIS design and modeling for 6G networks
- Optimization methods for 6G Networks.
- NOMA schemes for 6G Networks
The special session is also supported by the ideas and work of NANCY [https://nancy-project.eu] and ENACT [https://enact-horizon.eu/] projects. NANCY is funded by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) under the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (GA ID: 101096456), while ENACT under the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (GA ID: 101135423).
Submission Guidelines
Full Papers: Submissions should present original research that has not been published or is not under review elsewhere. Papers must not exceed five pages. Accepted full papers will be published in IEEE Xplore.
Short Papers and Extended Abstracts: These submissions should be no longer than two pages and should demonstrate the potential for engaging discussions and valuable insights. Short papers and abstracts will NOT be included in the conference proceedings but will be part of the conference discussions.
Important Dates
- Paper submission deadline: April 24, 2025
- Notification of acceptance: May 5, 2025
- Camera-ready papers due: May 12, 2025
Organizers and Chairs
- Panagiotis Sarigiannidis, University of Western Macedonia, Greece
- Thomas Lagkas, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
- Dimitrios Pliatsios, University of Western Macedonia, Greece
- Anna Triantafyllou, University of Western Macedonia, Greece
- George Tsoulos, University of Peloponnese, Greece
- Sotirios K. Goudos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
