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UNified archITecture for Open RAN-enabled Distributed, Scalable and SustainabilitY-enhanced 6G Networks

Project description

Advanced tech for scalable AI-native architecture for 6G networks

The EU-funded UNITY-6G project is pioneering the development of an advanced 6G network infrastructure that integrates cutting-edge technologies such as AI, distributed ledger technology, and digital twinning. UNITY-6G aims to build a scalable AI-native architecture that enhances network efficiency and incorporates renewable energy sources for environmental sustainability. The project is designed to meet the diverse demands of integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks and aims to evolve into a real-time, state-aware network using decentralised applications to fulfill stringent timing requirements. Moreover, it targets key use cases such as disaster management, immersive XR communications, and Industry 4.0 and sets a key milestone for future global communication networks.

Objective

UNITY-6G aims to create a highly sustainable and scalable integrated AI-native architecture that can support the diverse requirements of 6G networks by relying on advanced technologies, such as distributed ledger technology, semantic communications, digital network twinning to enhance the performance, cost-efficiency and trustworthiness of integrated 6G network services and applications. The focus is on scalability and sustainability for integrated networks (Non-Terrestrial and Terrestrial Networks, xHaul, Open RAN, Non-Public Networks, Edge, Core and Cloud). Furthermore, UNITY-6G aims to evolve to real-time distributed and network state-aware Open RAN that can leverage the integration of distributed applications in the integrated architecture. This will enable fine-grained data-driven management and control via incorporating dApps, distributed applications that complement existing xApps/rApps and use cases with stricter timing requirements in an integrated network. Common interfaces and protocols will be defined so that different heterogenous domains can communicate seamlessly. To better guide the design, UNITY-6G will use the principles of service-based architecture for integrated networks and leverage digital twins for network evaluation. UNITY-6G considers four use cases targeting: i) Sustainable networks for disaster handling, (ii) Immersive Experience with Real-time XR/holographic communications, (iii) Digital Twin for Integrated 6G Network Evaluation, (iv) Multi-RAT O-RAN enabled NPN for supporting time sensitive applications for Industry 4.0.

Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-JU-SNS-2024

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Coordinator

CENTRE TECNOLOGIC DE TELECOMUNICACIONS DE CATALUNYA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 787 600,00
Address
AVINGUDA CARL FRIEDRICH GAUSS 7 PARC MEDITERRANI DE TECNOLOGIA
08860 Castelldefels Barcelona
Spain

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Region
Este Cataluña Barcelona
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 787 600,00

Participants (17)

Partners (2)

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