During the Open Call Period (submission deadline 23rd of June), we received 36 Proposals in total.

The proposals we received were from the following countries (graph 1) and from the following types of organizations (graph 2):

From the 36 proposals submitted, 3 of them were not eligible and as a result, 33 were evaluated and 7 were accepted (success rate 21%).

The accepted proposals are from the following countries in pie chart 1 (based on origin of leading proposal organization) and the following types of organizations in visible in pie chart 2.

Open Call 1 – Winners per Project Proposal

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ARROW – AI-powered Digital Security Processes over Cloud-native 5G and Beyond Networks

Organisation:

• Centre of Research and Technology Hellas – CERTH: https://www.certh.gr/

• Information Technologies Institute – ITI: https://www.iti.gr/

• Visual analytics Lab – VALab: https://valab.iti.gr/

Duration: 6 months

Abstract:

An end-to-end security architecture in 5G and B5G that incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches is required to autonomously identify and respond to possible attacks based on network abnormalities rather than traditional authentication and authorization methods. ARROW targets systematic experiments with an SDN-based platform that provides AI-powered Digital Security mechanisms to generate, detect, and prevent attacks over 5G and B5G networks. The ARROW solution includes: (i) end-to-end AI-enabled threat detection and prevention techniques; and (ii) attack configuration tools for AI-powered attack generation on multiple threat vectors. The capabilities of the 5G cybersecurity platform are enhanced through experimentation in 6G-SANDBOX facilities (Malaga platform) in terms of extended experiments both from the user side and telecommunication provider side. The experiments involve various attacks and 5G protocols, while AI-enabled mechanisms are examined to generate the attacks and enable AI-based penetration testing of the facilities. A detailed data collection procedure is adopted for every conducted experiment to formulate tailored datasets that can further accelerate research on 5G/6G cybersecurity and derive updated AI models tailored to testbed intrusion detection capabilities. A validation procedure is performed to enable the ARROW Cybersecurity Module to be added to 6G-SANDBOX infrastructure for further experimentation.

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ANALYSAT – AI-driveN multi-link bAckhauL management through network data analYticS and localization

Organisations:

• Nextworks – https://www.nextworks.it/en/home

• RomARS – https://romars.tech/en/

• CNIT –  https://www.cnit.it/en/

Abstract:

ANALYSAT delivers a technical solution for the 6G-SANDBOX facilities through the implementation of three new functionalities: Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) capability, Location Management Function (LMF) capability, multi-link backhaul management in hybrid terrestrial-satellite networks.
ANALYSAT proposes to implement these three functionalities integrating and enhancing results from previous H2020 and ESA ARTES projects to extend the capabilities of 6G-SANDBOX testbed facilities. The new functionalities will be integrated with the common CAPIF available in 6G-SANDBOX platform, which allows external authorized consumers to easily access the functions’ services following a unified approach and interacting with the open interfaces exposed for each functionality. Moreover, ANALYSAT has the objective of demonstrating how the three new proposed functionalities can jointly support the introduction of novel management features for network automation in satellite enabled mobile networks. This is achieved through the implementation of a use case application that exploits the data collected from NWDAF and LMF and exposed by the mobile network to automatically select between satellite and terrestrial backhaul link technologies, offering a closed-loop optimization of the hybrid transport network.

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6G-LoRaGRAN – Integration of the University of Granada’s LoRaWAN network in the 6G SANDBOX connectivity infrastructure

Organisations:

Universidad de Granada – https://www.ugr.es/ , https://wimunet.ugr.es/

Abstract

The 6G-LoRaGRAN project was presented by the WiMuNet research group (code TIC-235 of the Scientific Information System of Andalusia) of the University of Granada (UGR), Spain. The main functionality that the project adds to the current 6G-SANDBOX infrastructure is the integration of the University of Granada’s LoRaWAN network in the 6G‑SANDBOX connectivity infrastructure. This integration will enable researchers to conduct remote experimentation within the realm of LoRaWAN. The UGR network consists of an operational network (managed by CSIRC) and a laboratory network (administered by the WiMuNet research group). To facilitate its use, our LoRaWAN testbed will be integrated with the 6G-SANDBOX sites, aiming to transmit LoRaWAN traffic through the 5G core networks of the 6G-SANDBOX sites. This integration allows for remote LoRaWAN experimentation using UGR’s LoRaWAN motes and infrastructure. Additionally, a network slicing solution will be implemented in the LoRaWAN radio access network, enabling research on radio resource allocation algorithms to efficiently share resources among motes belonging to different verticals

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ASTRAL – O-RAN research prototype for the 6G-SANDBOX platform

Organisation:

EIGHT BELLS LTD (8BELLS) – https://www.8bellsresearch.com

Abstract

ASTRAL is in position to adopt popular open-source libraries (i.e., srsRAN) and to integrate them with the latest O-RAN near-RT RIC software. This will be achieved through the establishment of the standardized E2 interface and the development of an E2 Agent integrated in srsRAN. Such a deployment will enable the data exchange between RAN and near-RT RIC, and the control and optimization of RAN functions and resources in (near) real-time through proper software tools, called xApps.

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ONEmNEF – OneSource’s Microservicebased Network Exposure Function

Organisation:

One Source, Consultoria Informática Lda – https://www.onesource.pt/

Abstract

This proposal outlines OneSource’s proposal to integrate its innovative Microservice-based NEF into the 6G-SANDBOX platform, thus enhancing its capabilities and providing users with a range of essential features specified by the 3GPP NEF framework. Furthermore, OneSource intends to include its own state-of-the art security solution to further enhance security for NEF APIs.
The integration of ONEmNEF into three of the 6G-SANDBOX testbeds (Athens, Berlin, Malaga) and their corresponding 5GCs aims to leverage the solution’s flexibility and scalability, enabling an extended set of capabilities for the platform users. The NEF acts as a pivotal component in the network, facilitating secure and controlled exposure of network services and data to authorized third-party applications. By incorporating NEF capabilities, project 6G-SANDBOX will enable developers and researchers to explore new possibilities and conduct advanced experiments in its evolving 6G ecosystem.

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RADIANT – ReleAse-16 Device IntegrAtioN and Trialing in open experimentation facilities

Organisation:

Fivecomm – https://fivecomm.eu/m/

Abstract

Fivecomm will provide to the 6G-SANDBOX project a set of 8 Release (Rel)-16 5G modems, developed by the company, that will allow consortium members to experiment on the four different infrastructures with Rel-16. Such modems represent a natural evolution of our 5G Release-15 modems, which were developed, integrated and validated in a wide range of test-bed infrastructures and Horizon 2020 5G-PPP previous projects including: FUDGE-5G [1], 5G-RECORDS [2], iNGENIOUS [3], 5G-IANA [4] and 5G-INDUCE [5]. The Rel-16 modems integrate a Quectel RG520N-EU module that, in turn, employs a Qualcomm radio chipset (Snapdragon x62). Our Rel-16 modems have been already tested and validated in the Rel-16 network of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), in Spain. The 5G modems provided by Fivecomm are a solution that connects any user device (e.g., cameras, drones, robots, etc.) to the 5G network. The 5G modem has simplified electronics while minimized power consumption and cost. It is versatile enough to adapt to the different requirements and scenarios specified by industrial verticals in the context of the 6G-SANDBOX project. The various versions of 5G modems come with different case options (such as steel, plastic, or with IP protection) or even without case, depending on the needs of the specific scenario requirements. Additionally, they offer connectivity through different interfaces, including Ethernet or USB. It is important to note that mm-wave (n257 band) is not supported, as currently no alternatives in Release-16 chipsets that include this frequency band have been found in the market for their integration.

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RAYPLICATE – RAY-tracing based Physical Layer Inside 6G digital AccuraTE twin

Organisation:

SIRADEL (Engie group, France) – https://www.siradel.com/

Abstract

SIRADEL contributes to the elaboration of an accurate digital twin (DT) for the Malaga platform. The radio physical layer can be simulated from a precise 3D digital representation of the deployed infrastructure (environment, base-stations, antennas) and deterministic ray-tracing emulation of the MIMO channel properties. The ray-tracing outputs are exploited by the Keysight’s digital twin solution, such that the performance of the real testbed can be reproduced in the virtual world, or new network scenarios (in terms of deployment, antenna system, resource management, etc) can be precisely assessed. This DT solution will be operational for several physical deployments implemented in the Malaga platform, including: FR1/FR2 small-cells installed on the rooftop or inside the Ada Byron building (University campus); and FR1 small-cells deployed in Malaga downtown.

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