Objectives
The NexaSphere project is driven by a clear vision: to innovate, streamline, and transform the way digital ecosystems interact and evolve. This section outlines the key objectives that guide our development process, shape our strategic decisions, and define the success of our initiatives. Each goal reflects our commitment to building a scalable, secure, and user-centric platform that empowers organizations and individuals alike. Through these objectives, we aim to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital landscape.
Objective 1: To study, design, and analyse a 6G-based satellite network, implementing onboard processing and storage capabilities towards effective networking and mobile computing in the sky through exploitation of both RF and FSO links.
Pathway to objective achievement:
Definition of use cases and corresponding user requirements,
Elaboration of KVIs,
Development of suitable business models and market analysis to identify the potentials of the proposed NexaSphere concept,
Conducting a techno-economical analysis in order to correlated the technical findings from the system architecture study phase and the corresponding roadmap definition towards commercial and market exploitation.
Means of verification:
Analysis of the key scenarios,
Techno-economical analysis results,
Deliverables: D2.1, D2.2, and D2.3.
Relevance to the call text
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Challenges: Reinforced European leadership in 6G technologies, Disruptive high-value applications support; SDGs support and in particular connectivity and service availability (inclusive coverage), affordability (cost) and (safe) accessibility; Innovative business models.
Related WPs and tasks
WP2: Task 2.1, Task 2.3
Objective 2: To define the technical specification for the 3D TN-NTN integrated communication system architecture based on the design criteria of energy efficiency and high-capacity connectivity continuum of radio frequency links, long-range and short-range wireless-optical links for all network components spanning over ground and space.
Pathway to objective achievement:
Definition of the system requirements, derived from the user requirements and related assessed KPI,
Definition of an integrated space-ground network architecture able to fulfil the set of requirements,
Identification of the main SW/HW components needed to implement such an integrated infrastructure,
Recommendation about protocol and interfaces in order to achieve a sustainable and effective network architecture.
Measurable targets
- KPI1: Network Availability of 99.99% independently of mobility characteristics by unified TN/NTN paradigm and multi-connectivity.
- KPI2: End-to-end service latency reduction of unified TN/NTN compared to terrestrial-only networks (~1ms).
- KPI3: Network Coverage improvement to remote areas up to 100%.
- KPI4: Network capacity improvement up to 80% achieved with the integrated network concept in comparison to terrestrial 5G networks alone.
Means of verification
Via computing simulation
Via analysis and verification
Via demonstration design and implementation
Deliverables: D2.1, D2.2, D2.3
Relevance to the call text
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Challenges: Reinforced European leadership in 6G technologies; Further integration with verticals; Green transition.
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Objectives: Further evolution of the 6G architecture investigating key topics from short-range communications up to non-terrestrial networks (NTN); Network architecture solutions for optical, terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks including the integration of wireless and optical networks.
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s expected outcome: Advanced solutions and technologies for optical, terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks including the integration of wireless and optical networks; Unification of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (3D networking) in the overall architecture;
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s scope: 3D networking for 6G networks; Development of low-energy communication solutions; Integration of Optical and Wireless Technologies
Related WPs and tasks
WP2: Task 2.1, Task 2.2
Objective 3: To study, design, and analyse a 6G-based satellite network, implementing onboard processing and storage capabilities towards effective networking and mobile computing in the sky through exploitation of both RF and FSO links.
Pathway to objective achievement:
Definition of the OBP spacecraft architecture able to achieve integration of both RF and FSO transceivers,
Analysis of storage, mass, and power budget to accommodate the necessary resources for the functioning of gNB and selected core network functions,
Overall integration of all key components, with the definition of the needed protocol and interfaces with respect to converging 3GPP and non-3GPP schemes.
Measurable targets
- KPI1: Onboard switching rate,
- KPI2: Overall minimised satellite payload power consumption,
- KPI3: optimal satellite throughput vs. Power consumption.
Means of verification
Via computing simulation (e.g., link budget, satellite platform dimensioning, etc.),
Via analysis and verification of the integrated platform design,
Deliverable: D3.1, D3.2.
Relevance to the call text
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Challenges: Reinforced European leadership in 6G technologies; Further integration with verticals; Green transition contribution with significantly lower energy needs for high-rate/performance connectivity and capabilities to decrease energy needs footprint of use cases,
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Objectives: Further evolution of the 6G architecture investigating key topics from short-range communications up to non-terrestrial networks (NTN); Network architecture solutions for optical, terrestrial, and non-terrestrial networks including the integration of wireless and optical networks.
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s expected outcome: Unification of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (3D networking) in the overall architecture; Non-terrestrial – open and disaggregated where relevant – network architecture.
Related WPs and tasks
WP3: Task 3.1, Task3.4
Objective 4: To achieve sustainable data communication through energy-efficient air-interface operations achieved by means of Ku/Ka user terminal antennas and LiFi-enabled devices.
Pathway to objective achievement:
Design of Ka/Ku band antennas elements based on the user requirements and KPI defined as part of the scenario analysis for ground-to-space communication (user link),
Design of LiFi devices based on the user requirements and KPI defined as part of the scenario analysis for indoor communication,
Analysis of the radiation pattern for Ka/ka band antennas and corresponding validation through dedicated tools and in-depth verification in anechoic chambers,
Analysis of LiFi connectivity capability (data rate vs. Range) and corresponding validation in relevant lab setups.
Measurable targets
KPI1: Reduced energy consumption,
KPI2: Increased range of operations for LiFi devices communication.
Means of verification
Via computing simulation,
Via laboratory validation (radiation pattern, beamwidth, etc.),
Via analysis and verification of the functions developed with the target devices (Ka/Ku antenna and LiFi transceivers),
Deliverable: D3.1, D3.2
Relevance to the call text
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Challenges: Reinforced European leadership in 6G technologies; Further integration with verticals; Green transition contribution with significantly lower energy needs for high-rate/performance connectivity and capabilities to decrease energy needs footprint of use cases,
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Objectives: Further evolution of the 6G architecture investigating key topics from short-range communications up to non-terrestrial networks (NTN); Energy-efficient solutions from an architectural, hardware and software implementation perspective.
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s expected outcome: Algorithms, software and hardware implementations where appropriate, which can be used for PoC and later trials systems; Development of low-power communication systems, especially for short-range networks.
Related WPs and tasks
WP3: Task 3.2, Task 3.3
Objective 5: To achieve effective coexistence of TN and NTN by means of advanced data-driven multi-path connectivity solutions.
Pathway to objective achievement:
Analysis of the existing solutions with respect to multi-path connectivity from IETF and ATSSS,
Analysis of mobility management towards the inclusion of multiple path for data connectivity,
Multi—path scheduler optimisation through AI-based algorithms,
Integration and validation of the key components for the achievement of a multi-path/connectivity concept.
Measurable targets
- KPI1: Optimised service latency,
- KPI2: Aggregated network throughput,
- KPI3: Increased network coverage.
Means of verification
Via computing simulation (network simulations via ns3 and AI implementation),
Via analysis and verification of the results against the functional requirements,
Deliverable: D4.1, D4.2.
Relevance to the call text
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Challenges: Reinforced European leadership in 6G technologies.
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Objectives: Further evolution of the 6G architecture investigating key topics from short-range communications up to non-terrestrial networks (NTN); Fostering European capabilities in key technologies and notably AI/ML, paving the way towards advanced fully automated systems across all network layers.
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s expected outcome: Unification of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (3D networking),
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s scope: 3D networking for 6G networks; Unified NTN service provision.
Related WPs and tasks
WP4, Task 4.1, Task 4.2, Task 4.3, and Task 4.4
Objective 6: To achieve edge-cloud continuum through space and ground network nodes by means of flexible cross-domain orchestration concepts.
Pathway to objective achievement:
Definition of service-based cloud-edge architecture, to be nested in the overall system architecture,
Definition of a cross-domain network and service orchestrator to act on the core network as well as interact with the rest of the envisioned architecture,
Integration of all components and related validation towards successful achievement of tracking, control, and monitoring of the edge-cloud service operations.
Measurable targets
- KPI1: CPU resources usage to optimize the efficiency of deployment of virtual network functions (VNFs).
- KPI 2: Reliability of the migration process for services from TN to NTN segments.
- KPI 3: Network reconfiguration time in TN and NTN segments.
Means of verification
Via computing simulation (e.g., network simulation of the developed concepts),
Laboratory verification of the functions and the related implemented in the corresponding ICD,
Deliverable: D5.1, D5.2.
Relevance to the call text
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Challenges: Reinforced European leadership in 6G technologies,
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Objectives: Orchestration of an edge/cloud continuum for a unified TN/NTN,
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s expected outcome: Unification of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (3D networking),
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s scope: 3D networking for 6G networks; Unified NTN service provision.
Related WPs and tasks
WP5: Task 5.1 and Task 5.2
Objective 7: To achieve optimal resource allocation across the whole 6G 3D integrated network, by means of a self-adapting network paradigm.
Pathway to objective achievement:
Analysis of multi-link resource allocation algorithm and definition of AI-based optimisation schemes,
Definition of specific interfaces and protocols at the core network side,
Definition of specific dApps/rApps/xApps by the RIC as available within space and ground gNB,
Overall integration of all envisioned elements towards full validation of the resource allocation loop.
Measurable targets
- KPI1: Resource allocation optimisation towards energy consumption minimisation,
- KPI2: Optimised throughput and service latency.
Means of verification
Via computing simulation (e.g., network simulation and implementation of the considered resource allocation algorithms),
Laboratory verification of the developed algorithms, functions, and interfaces,
Via analysis and verification of the achieved results against the functional requirements,
Deliverable: D5.1, D5.2
Relevance to the call text
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Challenges: Reinforced European leadership in 6G technologies; Green transition contribution with significantly lower energy needs for high-rate/performance connectivity and capabilities to decrease energy needs footprint of use cases,
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Objectives: Further evolution of the 6G architecture investigating key topics from short-range communications up to non-terrestrial networks (NTN); Fostering European capabilities in key technologies and notably AI/ML, paving the way towards advanced fully automated systems across all network layers.
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s expected outcome: Unification of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (3D networking),
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s scope: 3D networking for 6G networks; Unified NTN service provision.
Related WPs and tasks
WP5: Task 5.3
Objective 8: To design, implement, and demonstrate (up to TRL 5) E2E services over a fully integrated TN-NTN advanced network architecture with regenerative space nodes for aeronautics, railway, and automotive verticals.
Pathway to objective achievement:
Definition of the functional architecture of the Proof-of-Concepts (PoCs) for each scenario (avionics, automotive, railways) on the basis of the user and system requirements,
Technical specification of the PoC and testing plan,
Progressive integration and validation, towards full system functional verification,
Demonstration of the reference scenarios and analysis of the collected results.
Means of verification
Verification of the interfaces interconnecting all components,
Verification of the whole integrated setup against functional requirements and related ICDs,
Analysis of the results and demonstrations,
Deliverable: D6.1, D6.2, D6.3
Relevance to the call text
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Challenges: Reinforced European leadership in 6G technologies; Further integration with verticals;
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Objectives: Further evolution of the 6G architecture investigating key topics from short-range communications up to non-terrestrial networks (NTN); Network architecture solutions for optical, terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks including the integration of wireless and optical networks
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s expected outcome: Advanced solutions and technologies for optical, terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks including the integration of wireless and optical networks;
Related WPs and tasks
WP6: Task 6.1, Task 6.2, and Task 6
Objective 9: To contribute to the development of a European Research and Technology roadmap to ensure strategic positioning and global competitiveness of Europe in integrated TN-NTN communications, by engaging in standardisation activities, by ensuring exploitation in a longer-term perspective, and by injecting directly into the ambitious plans of the Smart Networks and Services (SNS) initiative.
Pathway to objective achievement:
Communication and standardisation plan
Effective communication activities through project website and social media
Involvement in the key initiatives as part of the SNS framework (i.e. WGs, SB, and TB) as well as other applicable EU-driven activities
Standardisation contribution to the relevant bodies (3GPP, ETSI, DVB, IETF, etc.
Dissemination of the main project outputs in terms of conference and journal papers
Means of verification
Tracking/monitoring of the project presence and visibility in social media, websites, and publications
Impact of standardisation contributions against actual standardisation and final deployment actions
Deliverable: D7.1, D7.2, D7.3
Relevance to the call text
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Challenges: Global Single standards for 6G; Mobilisation of the core EU networking and service industries.
SNS-STREAM B’s Specific Objectives:
SNS-2024-STREAM-B-01-03 call’s expected outcome: Dissemination of solutions for international consensus building, which can be exploited in standardisation activities; Contributions to international standardisation.
Related WPs and tasks
WP7: Task 7.1, Task 7.2. Task 7.3, Task 7.4
