ETHER proudly participated in the EuCNC & 6G Summit held in Antwerp (3-6 June 2024), contributing to four pivotal workshops that focused on advancing research and innovation in 6G technologies. Our involvement underscores our commitment to pioneering next-generation network solutions and fostering collaboration within the global research community. Here are the highlights of our contributions:
Architectural Considerations Enabling the IMT 2030 Framework by European 6G R&D Activities
Agapi Mesodiakaki from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki represented ETHER in this workshop, which she also helped organize. The workshop, facilitated by the Arch WG, explored the architectural frameworks essential for realizing the IMT 2030 vision. ETHER, alongside 6G NTN, 5G-STARDUST, and 6G-SANDBOX, presented a consolidated overview focused on enabling ubiquitous connectivity for the unconnected, addressing key architectural considerations for future networks.
EU Collaborative Research & Innovation Focal Points in the SNS JU
This workshop, organized by the SNS JU, provided a comprehensive overview of collaborative research and innovation efforts aimed at advancing 6G Smart Networks and Services (SNS). The discussions highlighted Europe’s strategic efforts to achieve technological sovereignty in 6G and enhance 5G deployment. Philip Harris from Collins Aerospace represented ETHER with a presentation titled “A 6G Architectural Approach for Sustainable Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks.” The workshop emphasized the importance of coordinated strategic efforts and the roles of the SNS JU’s governance bodies in aligning technological advancements across projects.
HEXA-X II Workshop
Konstantinos Ntontin from the University of Luxembourg, and coordinator of ETHER, participated in the HEXA-X II workshop with a presentation on “ETHER: A 6G Architectural Framework for 3D Multi-Layered Networks “. Overall, this session focused on the European 6G flagship research project, HEXA-X II, which aims to establish the blueprint system design for 6G. The project, involving a consortium of 44 partners, emphasizes sustainability in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The workshop provided insights into ongoing research on architectural enablers, radio evolution, 6G devices, and smart network management, solidifying HEXA-X II’s position as a leading 6G initiative.
Non-Terrestrial Networks and Terrestrial Networks Unification – From Vision to Reality
Organized by ESA and Eurescom GmbH, this workshop explored the integration of space assets into 5G/6G networks. ETHER contributed to a joint presentation titled “Enabling Technologies towards NTN-6G systems: Tools and Demonstrators,” in collaboration with 5G-STARDUST, 6G-NTN, and 6G-SANDBOX. The session facilitated discussions on utilizing space assets for 6G experimentation and demonstration. The workshop highlighted opportunities for future advancements and the importance of space assets in validating proof-of-concept in real-world scenarios.
ETHER’s active participation in these workshops at the EuCNC & 6G Summit Conference demonstrates our dedication to advancing 6G research and fostering a collaborative environment for technological innovation. We look forward to continuing our contributions to the global discourse on next-generation network technologies.
