Adaptive and Distributed Network Architectures

A future network does not necessarily need to keep the same structure while conditions around it change. Functions, state and processing can be distributed differently depending on where users, compute resources and connectivity are available.

This direction builds on our earlier Organic 6G Networks work: network functionality is treated as software that can be instantiated or moved to suitable compute locations, while user and system state follow the functions that need it. Open6GCore already separates functionality from a shared state backbone, enabling stateless workers, dynamic deployment, scaling, and migration.

The architectural question goes beyond cloud deployment. We investigate networks that can change their own functional distribution and structure at runtime – moving functionality closer to users, adapting the split between local and central processing, exploiting temporarily available infrastructure, or continuing operation when parts of the infrastructure become disconnected. Earlier Organic 6G concepts explicitly included operator and third-party resources, nomadic and mobile networks, and dynamically allocated RAN, device-control and data-plane functionality.

Research Topics

  • Adaptive 5G/6G network architectures
  • Dynamic network-function placement and migration
  • Shared and distributed network state
  • State placement close to functions and users
  • Dynamic local/central functionality split
  • Nomadic and mobile networks
  • Autonomous operation of disconnected network islands
  • Integration of temporary and third-party infrastructure
  • Architectures adapting to available compute, connectivity and service needs

The goal is a network whose architecture itself becomes adaptable: not only changing parameters but changing where functionality and state reside and how the system is organized.