Knowledge & Innovation
Research areas & Innovation projects
Innovation Areas
Exploratory innovation activities are set around strategic themes such as the Wireless Private Networks, Beyond 5G + 6G, Ultra Broadband Optical Networks, Quantum Technologies, Cybersecurity, Satellite Communications, Big Data & Analytics, Next-Gen UX/UI, Artificial Intelligence/GEN AI, Connected Spaces, and Telecom Cloud Continuum.
Research Areas
Research Areas
Wireless Private Networks
Private wireless networks, both in terms of licensed spectrum (5G) and shared spectrum (Wi-Fi), allows a ubiquitous connectivity while on the move. Its usage enables the construction of tailored networks to answer the most specific customer requirements.
Beyond 5G + 6G
The path towards a digital society requires a communication path to link applications with users while on the move. Realizing the potential of artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, holographic projections or 3D-based applications requires a new infrastructure to support the new requirements of the future services. B5G and 6G are the appropriate answers to enable this new era of digital communications.
Ultra Broadband Optical Networks
Fixed-access networks had a huge impact on society over the last few decades, allowing residential broadband services and being a driver for the digitalization of society. With increasing broadband speeds, optical access technologies are playing an increasingly important role in fixed access. In the last few years, the world has seen a clear rise in the deployment of FTTH (Fiber to the Home) networks. PON (Passive Optical Network) technologies for FTTH are now rapidly evolving towards ever higher speeds accompanied by lower latencies.
Quantum Technologies
Quantum technologies are beginning to play a major role in the wider context of ICT. The focused topics in this area have been quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communication, the latter especially with its application in quantum cryptographic key distribution (QKD). Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) has also been achieving prominence with the possibility of quantum computers being exploited.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a critical field dedicated to safeguarding digital systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage. In an increasingly interconnected world, where technology plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, the importance of cybersecurity extends beyond individual users to encompass businesses, governments, and society. It is critical for Digital Service Providers to ensure the security and trust in infrastructures, data and services.
Satellite Communications
Satellite communications involve the use of orbiting satellites to transmit signals between different locations on Earth. These systems enable long-distance communication by relaying data, voice, and video signals. Satellites are especially useful in remote or rural areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking. They play a crucial role in global broadcasting, internet access, navigation, and military operations. Satellite communications ensure fast, reliable, and wide-reaching connectivity across the globe.
Big Data & Analytics
Big Data is enabling major breakthroughs in every field of science and economics, bringing the associated technologies to the core of most modern societal deployments. The digitalization of society has stimulated the intensive creation of huge volumes of data, from several sources and in a wide variety of formats. The Big Data requires active and careful management of the data, so that it can be analysed to extract the underlying knowledge, enabling the construction of data-based applications.
Next-Gen UX/UI
User experience and user interface (UX/UI) are critical factors in the adoption and success of digital products. With the evolution of technologies and user expectations, it is essential to investigate new approaches, interactions and paradigms. This area focuses on developing more intuitive, accessible and efficient solutions, promoting the engagement of digital experiences adapted to future needs.
Artificial Intelligence/GEN AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly impacts many areas of society, rapidly shaping how we live and work. In the healthcare sector, AI facilitates accurate and personalized diagnoses, improving the treatment of diseases. In automation and industry, it optimizes processes, increases efficiency, and reduces overall costs. AI is crucial in transforming cities, making them more citizen-friendly, helping in urban planning, organizing traffic, ensuring public safety, and easing energy savings. Furthermore, the emergence of “Generative AI” opens the door to a new range of applications, in which systems and applications become automatic content generators, creating new ways of communicating.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) studies the phenomenon of human intelligence replicated by machines and, at the same time, is an engineering branch, that seeks to build instruments to support human decision. Together, science and engineering aim to allow machines to perform tasks that, when performed by humans, need the use of intelligence.
Big Data Analytics
Usually applied to describe the exponential growth and general availability of data in multiple forms, Big Data is already enabling major breakthroughs in every field of Science and Economics, bringing the associated technologies to the core of most modern RDI projects.
Optical Networks
Fixed-access networks had an enormous impact on society over the last few decades allowing residential broadband services and being a driver for the digitalization of society. With increasing broadband speeds, optical access technologies are playing an increasingly important role for fixed access. In the last few years the world has seen a clear rise in the deployment of FTTH (Fiber To The Home) networks. GPON and XGSPON technology for FTTH (2.5Gbps and 10Gbps) are now evolving very quickly to faster technologies capable of much higher speeds and a wider range of applications, like mobile fronthaul.
Connected Spaces
The broader concept of “Connected Spaces” has been conquering relevance in the field of smart homes, transcending the traditional vision of the Connected Home. Connected Spaces are sensitive to the needs of their users, responding in a proactive and smart way. Through the combination of cutting-edge technologies and a human-centric vision, the focus is shaping the future of smart spaces, making them more intuitive, personalized and connected than ever before.
Telecom Cloud Continuum
The Cloud Continuum subject highlights the presence of services distributed across different cloud infrastructures, allowing them to be used to create new combined services, both local and remote. This concept has emerged as the basis for building the telecommunications of the future, as well as representing the natural evolution of cloud/edge computing.
