Evaluate the technologies that will drive smart networks: evidencing the utilisation of the UK’s lead in AI and Edge technology to develop self-organising, secure and highly optimised network software.

Background

For the deployment of current and future technologies, DI wishes to develop a stronger evidence base around the benefits of and barriers to their deployment, with a focus on the adoption of 5G and open network infrastructure to build the resilience of networks and support innovation. DI needs to develop models and techniques to understand efficient spectrum allocation and understand the issues surrounding the use of specific spectrum bands.
DI needs to better understand the trends around technological convergence, future demand for digital connectivity, regulation around access to the internet and emerging cloud services and their impact on security.
DI wishes to complement its understanding of current technology deployment with research into the work driving future technologies to develop and increase the UK’s future capabilities.
All of this needs to be underpinned by further research into the security and resilience of UK networks, addressing future developments and threats, gaining insight into the value of security interventions and barriers to investment in security.

Next steps

If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
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Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

DSIT Areas of Research Interest 2024 GOV UK

Related UKRI funded projects


  • NATWORK: Net-Zero self-adaptive activation of distributed self-resilient augmented services

    The ambition of the NATWORK project is to set the foundations and deploy the very first economically realistic, energy efficient and viable bio-inspired AI-based 6G cybersecurity and resilience framework for intelligent ...

    Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee

    Why might this be relevant?

    The NATWORK project aims to develop a novel AI-leveraged self-adaptive security mechanism for 6G networks, aligning with the goal of developing self-organising, secure, and highly optimized network software.

  • MoatE (Morello at the Edge)

    MoatE - A cyber-security business demonstrator project for Edge Computing: * Led by UK SME Iceotope; * The University of Manchester providing technical expertise; * Avnet providing the voice of the customer, and end-use...

    Funded by: ISCF

    Why might this be relevant?

    The MoatE project focuses on cyber-security for Edge Computing, which is related to the security aspect of smart networks, but does not fully address the utilization of AI and Edge technology for self-organising networks.

  • RapidRANDefender: AI security for Open networks

    The Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture represents a keystone paradigm in establishing more flexible, versatile, and intelligent next-generation wireless communication networks. By adopting an open platform, O...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Why might this be relevant?

    The RapidRANDefender project addresses security concerns in Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN), which is relevant to the question but does not fully cover the utilization of AI and Edge technology for self-organising networks.

  • REMOTE: Resilient and Secure Multi-Access Interoperable Communication Fabric for TinyEdge

    The Internet of Things (IoT) has permeated every aspect of our lives, from our homes to public spaces like train stations and hospitals. These smart devices, known as TinyEdge, are connected to the internet and provide u...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project REMOTE addresses the need for secure and resilient IoT communication at the edge, partially aligning with the question's focus on secure and optimised network software.

  • Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research - Queen's University Belfast

    As the internet evolves, so too do the major issues of network and data security. The secure protection of sensitive information, is increasingly a major challenge. The pervasive use of mobile and wireless communication ...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research focuses on various aspects of cyber security, but does not directly address the question's focus on AI and Edge technology for network software.

  • CyberStone: Collaborative Secure IOT Gateway

    Public description Objective CyberStone will develop a secure, intelligent, collaborative IOT gateway to address the IOT cyber security challenge. Its key components are Secure: the gateway will embody security best pr...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

  • Security Enhanced Virtualised Networking for 5G (SEViN-5G)

    The UK is at the forefront of 5G innovation, and 5G will bring massive economic benefits to the global economy. In particular the ability to deploy dedicated Private 5G for industrial and smart city use cases will yield ...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

  • UK-India Future Networks Initiative

    In July 2024, the governments of UK and India announced the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI)[1].   Pillar 1 of this TSI states that “the UK and India will build a new and enhanced Future Telecoms P...

    Funded by: ISPF

  • Cyber Security of the Internet of Things

    Today we use many objects not normally associated with computers or the internet. These include gas meters and lights in our homes, healthcare devices, water distribution systems and cars. Increasingly, such objects are ...

    Funded by: EPSRC

  • UKRI-India Future Networks Initiative

    This proposal will provide the networking and pump priming funds needed to establish a re-strengthened Indo-UK telecoms research network; academically led but including UK and Indian industry partners. The science scope...

    Funded by: EPSRC