Secure and Trustworthy Next Generation O-RAN Optimisation

Dear Colleagues,

Beyond 5G and the upcoming 6G networks offer the potential to transform mobile wireless networks and lay the foundation for a future of converged communication and computing frameworks. An important aspect of this process is the move towards network abstraction through the deployment of new technologies such as the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), Software-Defined Network (SDN), and neutral host networks; this will open the sector to a wider variety of vendors and network operators. They are also characterized by their configurable nature and the ability of dynamically optimise their performance based on operator requirements. However, as we move towards more mature deployments of these network infrastructures, issues have been uncovered with how they are orchestrated, optimised and managed, in addition to how they can be secured against misuse. This requires providers to carefully consider a wide range of network challenges across a variety of deployment scenarios, while also guaranteeing a secure and trustworthy environment for their operation—for example, through zero-trust techniques. Examples of this could include securing the deployment and interoperation between components, effectively orchestrating the network functions, and governing the interoperation concerns where multiple optimisation algorithms are operating simultaneously with overlapping or even conflicting objectives.

In this Special Issue, prospective authors are invited to submit original and innovative manuscripts on the design, development, testing, and evaluation of Beyond 5G and 6G network components including, but not limited to, the following:

• Design, orchestration and coordination of network architecture based on O-RAN, SDN, and neutral host networks, among others;
• Network optimization algorithms for performance, load balancing, and intelligent spectrum management in future wireless networks;
• Secure and trustworthy deployment and management of mobile networks, catering to both traditional and emerging technologies, such as immersive communications (IC), extended reality (XR), digital twins, and holographic communications.

Dr. Michael Mackay
Dr. Alessandro Raschellà
Dr. Miguel López-Benítez
Dr. Ahmed Al-Tahmeesschi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Future Internet is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.