Call for Papers

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Next-generation cellular networks will need to support RAN deployments at an unprecedent scale, as well as heterogeneous and complex use cases. Managing and optimizing these new network systems require solutions that by opening the Radio Access Network (RAN) expose data and analytics and enable advanced, data- driven optimization, closed-loop control and automation. To this aim, the Open RAN paradigm has recently emerged as an enabler of (i) openness in the RAN, with standardized interfaces that allow integration of RAN controllers and multi-vendor equipment; (ii) RAN virtualization, with RAN functionalities implemented in software and running on white box hardware; and (iii) RAN programmability through closed-loop, intelligent control. Therefore, the Open RAN allows an ecosystem where multi-vendor capabilities can be practically deployed, along with interoperable software features, and autonomous services. To fully realize the ecosystem, it is important to understand the underpinnings of multi-vendor functionality, open interfaces, and the workflows enabled by this. The scope of this Special Issue is to highlight key research problems along with solid technical solutions for the development and testing of networks based on the Open RAN vision, for the adoption of open APIs, interfaces, integration of AI and ML workflows, coexistence with proprietary virtual RAN (vRAN) alternatives, developing performance measurement metrics, and dealing with vertical and horizontal flexibility in the context of Open RAN deployments. Furthermore, the Special Issue will also focus on the Open RAN standards and architecture for the evolution of 5G to 6G, and O-RAN-based intelligent techniques for service orchestration, resource allocation and management, and O-RAN use-cases.

• AI/ML based load balancing
• Networking Slicing, Virtualization and scaling techniques
• Simulation and modeling of fronthaul and open interfaces
• Distributed cloud architectures based on service management and orchestrators (ONAP, OSM), Kubernetes, and OpenStack
• Privacy-Preserving AI/ML methods
• Design of Performance Measurement Metrics
• Inter-operator orchestration
• Coexistence of Open RAN with vRAN and cRAN
• Design of intelligent controllers
• Scheduling techniques
• Lightweight Encryption, Authorization, and Authentication for data handling at interfaces
• Boosting disaggregation of functionalities through AI/ML workflows
• Enhancing openness and opportunities for non-top vendors with Digital Twins
• Approaches to counter Model Poisoning and Inversion attacks for Edge Devices
• Design of testbed architectures

Submission Guidelines

Prospective authors should follow the instructions given on the IEEE TGCN Information for Authors page and submit their manuscript with the web submission system on Manuscript Central.

Important Dates

Paper Submission Deadline: 15 January 2024 (Extended Deadline)
First Decision: 15 February 2024
First Revision Submission Deadline: 15 March 2024
Final Decision: 15 April 2024
Final Manuscript Due: 25 April 2024
Publication Date: June 2024

Guest Editors

Kapal Dev
Munster Technological University, Ireland

Chih-Lin I
China Mobile Research Institute, China

Raouf Boutaba
University of Waterloo, Canada

Shao-Yu Lien
National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan

Sunder Ali Khowaja
Korea Polytechnic University, South Korea

Yue Wang
Samsung Electronics, UK