A digital twin is the digital representation of a physical object, using real-world data (both real time and historical) combined with simulation or machine learning models to enhance operations and support decision-making. The digital twin of the network, in the context of the next generation (6G) of mobile netwrosk, is motivated by the need to assess the adequacy and the efficiency of Quality-of-Service, security etc. policies as well as the design and the operation of innovative services. The digital twin of the network, has thus become an active area in 6G research.
The objective of the PhD project is to develop the framework and mechanisms, leading to Digital network twinning, applied in 6G. The task entails the dynamic virtual representation of 6G components and derivation of network models (digital twins) from traffic analysis, using Generative AI and large language models (LLMs). This work aim to compbine theoretical and practical aspects of digital twin networks, using AI/ML-driven optimization and control.
The research is conducted within the scope of the
Future Network Services (FNS): the 6G flagship project for the Netherlands where 60 leading ICT businesses, mobile operators, semiconductor manufacturers and research institutions, have united to spearhead the development of specific aspects of 6G: Software antennas, AI-driven network software, and groundbreaking 6G applications.
You will be embedded in the MNS group. The group focuses its research on the fundamental architectural problems that arise from the interconnection of systems and of data flows. We look at the emerging architectures that can support the operations of the future Internet. More information can be found
here.
Tasks and responsibilities: - Investigation of the landscape for digital network twinning (including frameworks, simulators etc.) and adapting them to 6G systems;
- Model the different components of such systems using AI techniques;
- develop appropriate proof of concept(s) to benchmark the performance or validate the applicability of proposed approaches;
- access a unique state-of-the-art testbed to also put theory to practice and be at the forefront of the Dutch 6G national ecosystem.;
- become active in the research community and collaborate with other institutes and/or companies that are part of the project;
- publish and present work regularly at international conferences, workshops, and journals;
- assist in teaching activities (labs) and in supervising bachelor and master students.