The latest 6G-SANDBOX Newsletter – Issue #9 is out now! This edition covers the first trimester of 2025 (January–March) and highlights our participation in key events such as Mobile World Congress, News Space and Solution Event, and Smart Living Marbella. Inside, you’ll also find updates on the 6G-SANDBOX #Marketplace and #GitHub, along with insights into the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) Vertical Engagement Tracker.
On March 27–28, 2025, the Congreso Internacional Smart Living Marbella brought together top experts in innovation and digital transformation at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones Adolfo Suárez in Marbella. Among the distinguished speakers was Prof. Pedro Merino Gómez, Director of the Institute for Software Technology and Software Engineering (ITIS UMA) and Technical Manager of 6G-SANDBOX. Prof. Merino participated in the roundtable discussion titled “Smart Tourism: How 5G and 6G Technology Influence Various Aspects of Tourism.” The panel, moderated by Carmen Aguayo, Professor at the University of Málaga
In his talk, Pedro Merino presented the Málaga Platform and 6G-SANDBOX project.
He also highlighted how specific 6G innovations like JCAS, RIS, and NTN & 5G Integration are poised to transform tourism.
As an official partner of the event, ITIS UMA proudly confirmed its dedication to advancing digital technologies for the benefit of society.
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The ARROW Project, a winning proposal from Open Call 1, submitted by Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) and Information Technologies Institute (ITI), has released a demo video—now available on our YouTube channel.
https://6g-sandbox.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/6g-sandbox-logo-2-300x138.jpg00Adminhttps://6g-sandbox.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/6g-sandbox-logo-2-300x138.jpgAdmin2025-03-27 11:43:442025-03-27 11:43:47Deliverable D2.3 – “Final Definition of Trial Networks Lifecycle” – is available
The 𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗬𝗦𝗔𝗧 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, a winning proposal from 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟭, submitted by 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗦.𝗿.𝗹., 𝗖𝗡𝗜𝗧 – 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘇𝗶𝗼 𝗡𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶 and 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗦.𝗿.𝗹., has released a demo video—now available on our YouTube channel.
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Developed by the NetworldEurope SME Working Group, in collaboration with the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) and the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA), this edition offers a comprehensive look at the innovative SMEs driving next-generation network technologies across Europe.
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This project presents a comparative experimental study of 5G New Radio (5G NR) and DVB-RCS2 waveforms for their suitability in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) operating in geostationary (GEO) satellite scenarios. Using open-source platforms such as the OpenAirInterface5G NTN suite for 5G NR and openSAND for DVB-RCS2, the experiment evaluates each technology’s performance under realistic traffic conditions including video streaming, file transfers, and interactive applications. Performance is assessed across key metrics such as throughput, latency, jitter, and error rates, under various system configurations and channel conditions including large GEO delays and different signal-to-noise ratios. The novelty of this work lies in its cross-layer, end-to-end emulation using publicly available tools. It addresses key limitations in prior research that either focused solely on physical layer simulations or relied on proprietary platforms. This is one of the first experiments to directly compare DVB-RCS2 and 5G NR using open tools under realistic conditions, offering practical and reproducible insights into their respective strengths, weaknesses, and potential synergies. The results of this experiment will help identify which technology works best under specific conditions. They will also provide useful information for designing future networks that combine satellite and terrestrial systems. The information developed will be shared openly with the research community.
6G-VLCBOX: Scalable applications with point-to-multipoint communication towards 6G/IMT-2030 technologies
6G-VLCBOX will on-board, experiment with and validate an end-to-end 3GPP Rel-18 system incorporating, for the first time and in an open-source environment, 5G Multicast-Broadcast Services (MBS) features for reliable, low latency, and scalable communication. The open-source software components for MBS contribute towards the SNS Stream C goals of advancing on open architectures and APIs while providing full customization and control for 6G-SANDBOX members and the community. The ability to customize code and configuration is of particular relevance given that MBS spans the UE, RAN (gNB), 5G Core (5GC) and User Services architecture. The project will develop the necessary 3GPP features to enable MBS by extending existing open-source initiatives: For the MBS RAN and UE, the srsRAN platform will be further developed to integrate point-to-multipoint NR features; while for the MBS functions in the 5GC, the relevant control and user plane network functions will be extended from the Open5GS core implementation. This means to update both segments of the solution to Rel-17 and Rel-18 functionalities. The solutions will be integrated into the Malaga’s platform, which already features SDR (software defined radio) equipment and Open5GS, with the objective to create a new type of Broadcast-enabled Trial Network. The developments of the project will be aligned with the efforts of the 5G-MAG Reference Tools development programme, which fills the gaps between the development of specifications for multimedia applications and their conformance testing, validation and prototyping. Moreover, the project will contribute feedback to 3GPP as part of 5G-MAG’s activities as 3GPP Market Representative Partner. Additionally, 6G-VLCBOX will also provide insight into MBS applications for media, public safety and its potential integration with Non-Terrestrial Networks. With the tools developed, the project will realize the first End-to-End (E2E) experiment with MBS in an European test-bed, as these point-to-multipoint communication features introduced starting from 3GPP Rel-17 have not been trialed to date nor implemented in any open-source environment available to the community. UPV is currently the main developer and maintainer of MBS open-source software in the 5G-MAG Reference Tools. UPV is the sole participant of 6G-VLCBOX, and will ensure the success of this project with its long track and experience in the design and development of point-to-multipoint features from previous projects such as 5G-PPP FUDGE-5G; and other 3GPP point-to-multipoint solutions such as 5G Broadcast, as shown in the 5G-PPP projects 5G-TOURS and 5G-Xcast. The proposal is very well aligned to the general objective of the 3rd 6G-SANDBOX open-call: Innovative experiments deployed and tested over the 6G-SANDBOX experimentation infrastructure. 6G-VLCBOX will provide 6G-SANDBOX and the Malaga testbed with a suite of scalable applications point-to-multipoint communication towards 6G/IMT-2030 technologies that can enable bandwidth constrained applications and provide continuous support after the open-call is over.
OVQOS: Orchestration of Virtualized Passive QoS Measurement
Kaitotek augments the selection of measurement solutions available in the 6G-SANDBOX Trial Networks by bringing the capability to carry out passive QoS measurement with their Qosium solution. Qosium is a real-time and passive network quality measurement software. It enables accurate one-way measurement of QoS for any real application, IP or Ethernet-based, without synthetic test traffic. Qosium tells exactly how the advancements, new innovations and developments, and changes in the test networks affect the performance experienced by different applications, being indispensable information for scientific and R&D work. In the OC project, Kaitotek’s main goal is to integrate Qosium into the 6G-SANDBOX Trial Network concept by making it available through the 6G Library for the Trial Network users to select, deploy, and use in their experiments. Besides integration, technological improvements to Qosium to better satisfy the dynamic orchestration, measurement control, and results collection in Trial Networks are done.
OAIBOX+RIS: Testing the integration of an open-source 5G FR2 gNB with the 6G-SANDBOX Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface
The main objective of the 6G-SANDBOX OC3 project is to test and validate the 6G-SANDBOX Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology, developed by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and available at the University of Malaga. We will test the integration of the QUB’s RIS with the OAIBOX mmWave and commercial UEs in several propagation scenarios.
ARMOR: Adversarial Resistance and Model Optimization for Robustness for 6G Open Radio Access Networks
The ARMOR (Adversarial Resistance and Model Optimization for Robustness) project aims to fortify the security and reliability of AI-driven decision-making in 6G Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN). By developing a comprehensive adversarial testing framework, ARMOR evaluates the vulnerabilities of machine learning models under various attack scenarios throughout the AI lifecycle. The experiment integrates edge AI services on UCD’s O-RAN testbed and the 6G-SANDBOX 5G test platform at Oulu to conduct rigorous real-world validations. Leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), the project provides intelligible insights and actionable recommendations for stakeholders. The outcomes will guide the design of resilient AI architectures, enabling secure deployment of next-generation 6G networks while enhancing the capabilities of the 6G-SANDBOX ecosystem.
NEXT-CELL-GNN: Next cell prediction using Graph Neural Networks
Predicting user-base station connections in mobile networks is a critical challenge for network operators searching to optimize handover management, improve network performance, identify congested cells, and achieve energy savings. We systematically trained and evaluated three temporal Graph Neural Network (GNN) architectures: TGN, GraphMixer and TGB 2.0, using network data generated throughEXata simulation tool in two scenarios: one with 22 gNBs and 60 user devices, and another with 31 gNBs and 70 user devices. A dynamic link prediction approach was implemented to distinguish between serving and neighbor connections. TGB 2.0 was selected as the best-performing model due to its superior results and advantages such as support for multiple edge types. In Scenario 1, TGB 2.0 achieved a Mean Reciprocal Rank of 0.8866, Hits@1 of 0.8432, accuracy of 95.2%, precision of 74.3%, recall of 87.1%, F1 score of 78.3%, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient of 0.7746. Scenario 2 showed improved results with a Mean Reciprocal Rank of 0.8992, Hits@1 of 0.8551, accuracy of 95.7%, precision of 76.2%, recall of 90.1%, F1 score of 80.6%, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient of 0.8012. The developed solution includes stable inference with temporal filtering suitable for near real-time applications, and was fully integrated with CAPIF APIs and validated in a 6G- SANDBOX laboratory environment. The results demonstrate that GNN models can deliver robust performance and scalability, enabling more efficient and reliable mobile networks.
The 6G4Artifacts project introduces an innovative remote-controlled robotic system designed for the safe handling and movement of ancient artifacts with precision and without damaging them. By leveraging 5G-enabled teleoperation, robotics, and immersive VR interfaces, the system ensures precise and delicate manipulation, minimizing the risk of damage to fragile cultural artifacts. The project sets the foundation for future applications, including automated artifact restoration and conservation, expanding the role of robotics in cultural heritage management.
6G-VIZ: 6G Real-Time Visualization and Digital Twin Platform
Next-generation 6G networks aim to revolutionize wireless communication by enabling advanced use cases such as holographic communication, tactile Internet, digital twins, and extended reality (XR). However, developing and validating networks for these applications is challenging due to uncertainties in future technological developments and the difficulty of visualizing complex radio behaviors and network performance. To address these challenges, we propose a modular, open-source, real-time 3D visualization platform that integrates real or simulated use cases into a digital twin of a 6G laboratory environment. This system allows researchers to observe and interact with network KPIs—such as latency, throughput, and signal strength—through immersive simulations that reflect their real-world impact on perceived Quality of Service (QoS). The platform features a 3D globe UI for multi-site collaboration, XR headset support via WebXR, and interactive plug-in-based use case simulations (e.g., robot control, media streaming). It also supports multi-user interaction, live experimentation, and replay capabilities using ROS2 and OpenVidu frameworks. By making invisible network phenomena visible and tangible, this solution enhances research collaboration, stakeholder communication, and training in future network technologies
The HART project explores the integration of advanced wireless technologies and AI-driven health monitoring within future 6G eHealth infrastructures. Central to this collaboration between the start-up Sykno GmbH and the Huawei Munich Research Center is the vertical experimentation of contactless vital sign monitoring using millimeter-wave Radio Sensing (WRS), leveraging Sykno’s ViRa24 system. This technology enables fully non-invasive measurement of physiological parameters by emitting mmWave signals that penetrate clothing and reflect off the body’s surface. AI algorithms are used to extract detailed vital signs from the measured patient movements, including respiratory patterns, heart rate, heart rate variability, and even heart sounds. A typical deployment scenario includes a hospital waiting room, where multiple patients are anonymously monitored by WRS nodes. Data collected is transmitted via 5G/6G networks to an edge/cloud-based eHealth platform, where AI models analyze it in real time to detect abnormal health parameters and alert medical staff promptly. Additionally, Key Value Indicators (KVIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to 6G network performance – such as latency, reliability, service continuity, and user impact – are continuously monitored. By ensuring that no biometric or personal identity data is collected, the solution maintains strong privacy standards, enabling streamlined deployment and regulatory compliance. HART sets a foundational path for scalable, intelligent, and privacy-conscious 6G-enabled eHealth systems. The necessary network infrastructure is explored through vertical trials in the 6G-SANDBOX facility.
BENSM: Blockchain Enabled End-to-End Network Slicing for Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector demands end-to-end network slicing (E2ENS) to meet diverse operational requirements such as high availability, guaranteed bandwidth, and ultra-low latency. However, current private 5G networks lack clearly defined service-level agreements (SLAs) to support transparent, traceable, secure, and efficient automation of E2ENS. This research introduces a blockchain-enabled approach to automate E2ENS through the use of smart contracts. These contracts establish tamper-proof, transparent agreements among key stakeholders – including mobile network operators, telecom regulators, and end users – tailored to specific manufacturing needs. The project will develop and implement smart contracts for two E2ENS scenarios, each governed by pre-defined SLAs. Upon fulfilment of the contractual conditions, the network slices will be instantiated automatically to meet the required use case parameters. This approach enables dynamic, demand-driven allocation of network resources over shared infrastructure, allowing rapid adaptation to evolving industrial requirements.
While 5G is more energy-efficient than previous generations, its deployment has led to a significant increase in overall network energy consumption due to the advanced features required to support new services. As a result, reducing energy use has become a critical challenge for network operators, both from environmental and cost perspectives. To address this, the O-RAN Alliance is developing control mechanisms to manage energy-saving features in multi-vendor environments, though the design of specific energy-saving algorithms is intentionally left open for vendor innovation. AI and machine learning are expected to play a pivotal role, enabling networks to learn from historical data, adapt to changing conditions, and make automated control decisions. The ECO-RAN project focuses on optimizing energy consumption in a Non-Standalone (NSA) deployment, where 5G cells providing the capacity layer are co-located with 4G sites offering coverage. Preliminary analysis suggests that switching off 5G cells can lead to substantial energy savings; however, migrating 5G-connected users to 4G cells may degrade the quality of experience.To tackle this trade-off, ECO-RAN will develop innovative rApps and xApps to proactively balance energy efficiency and service quality. A RAN Digital Twin, leveraging the Keysight RIC Tester from the 6G-SANDBOX Malaga platform and data from a real Spanish MNO, will be built to validate these energy-saving strategies.
6GMeasurOps – 6G Measurement and QoS Predictability Operations
6GMeasurOps introduced a dual-agent measurement and prediction framework to assess and forecast 5G/6G network performance under real-world conditions. The solution combines a portable Golden Unit (mini-PC with 5G modem and Dockerized measurement suite) with a Server at the UPF breakout, enabling synchronized active and passive monitoring – from PHY to the application.
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In January 2025, The Test, Measurement, and KPIs Validation (TMV) Working Group (WG) published the white paper on 6G KPIs titled ‘6G KPIs – Definitions and Target Values’.
‘This white paper consolidates 6G KPIs from SNS JU projects, providing definitions, target values, and context to shape the 6G vision. Furthermore, the TMV WG promotes common collection procedures, validation methodologies, and analysis of KPI metrics. Various SNS JU projects provided the KPIs, which drive their technical developments.’
InterDigital, Inc. and Keysight are set to demonstrate dynamic AI-enabled sensing capabilities at 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 (𝐌𝐖𝐂) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓! Visit InterDigital’s booth (Hall 5C51) ‘𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 3𝐺𝑃𝑃 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝐴𝐼 𝑒𝑛ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑐 𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠.’
“𝑨𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝑨𝑰 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚,” said Michael Dieudonne, R&D Manager, 6G and Next-Generation Technology at Keysight and Project Coordinator of 6G-SANDBOX project.
This demo includes technology developed in the CENTRIC Project and 6G-SANDBOX project, supported by Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) under the EU’s Horizon Europe program (Grant Agreements No. 101096379 & 101096328).
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