INTRODUCTION
The extensive range of anticipated 6G services, each with unique Quality of Service (QoS) needs, highlights the critical role of advanced Network Management And Orchestration (MANO) systems. These systems will heavily rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure security, efficiency, scalability, and sustainability across diverse 6G environments.
To achieve this, 6G will incorporate several advanced features: Intelligent edge platforms that optimize resource efficiency, speed up deployment, and incorporate self-learning for automated infrastructure resilience; End-to-end security solutions, including Virtual Private Network (VPN)-as-a-Service for cross-testbed connectivity and Zero-Trust solutions for secure authorization managed by a security orchestrator; Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) paradigms for Zero-Trust implementation, aligning virtualized components with open interfaces like Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) compliant Centralized Units (CUs) and Distributed Units (DUs) deployed in edge-continuum data centers; Pluggable frameworks of domain-specific eXplainable AI (XAI) models that translate policies into infrastructure actions using Machine Reasoning (MR). Additionally, innovative concepts like Cell-Free (CF) networking will be pivotal for 6G RANs, offering spectral efficiency and scalability without interference. Multi-band processing will also reduce hardware components in the RAN. Furthermore, advanced theoretical concepts such as scalable CF, distributed computing, synchronization, and channel estimation will serve as foundational blocks for 6G, validating and integrating with industry initiatives. The integration of Reflected Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) with gNB (next-generation base station) for communication and sensing using a network-controlled model represents another smart integration approach.
Moreover, with the rapid advancement of Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs) have become incredibly powerful in understanding human language. Consequently, there is a growing trend in leveraging LLM capabilities to (i) enhance trust in 6G networks by providing human-language explanations to users; and (ii) enable simple intent-driven 6G procedures based on human-language. This approach simplifies interaction with 6G management frameworks, allowing users to communicate directly in natural language without needing technical expertise. Furthermore, recent years have witnessed increased efforts in designing open experimentation platforms that integrate various 6G enablers, like 6G-Bricks and 6G-Sunrise. The primary goal is to enable experimenters to conduct trials on 6G testbeds, facilitating the testing of 6G services and refinement of experiments, including resolving anomalies, prior to actual deployment.
In this respect, this Special Session aims to bring together researchers, engineers, and practitioners to share and discuss the latest innovations in 6G. We encourage innovative work including but not limited to:
● Intelligent communication, sensor, and component design of the RIS platform
● CFmMIMO building components for distributed computing, synchronization, precoding, and channel estimation
● Multi-band, millimeter-wave, and ground-breaking technologies for 6G
● Innovative Distributed Cell-Free Technologies for 6G Networks
● Unified Domain Management with Machine Reasoning and Explainable AI
● Reasoning with Generative AI in 6G networks
● Performance Evaluation of generative AI in 6G networks
● ZSM-enabled 6G network management frameworks
● Open 6G experimentation platforms
● Intent-driven 6G experimentation platforms
● Software Defined Perimeters and Secure Inter-Domain Interconnection solutions establishing Trust
● Astute management of the Extended Edge Continuum
ORGANIZERS
Session chairs:
● Kostas Ramantas: Iquadrat informatica, kramantas@iquadrat.com
● Adlen Ksentini: Eurecom, adlen.ksentini@eurecom.fr
● Anastasios Bikos: Iquadrat informatica, abikos@iquadrat.com
● Abdelkader Mekrache: Eurecom, abdelkader.mekrache@eurecom.fr
● Ioanna Ioannou: Ebos, ioannai@ebos.com.cy
● Christos Verikoukis: Isi/Athena, chverik@gmail.com
