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COREnext’s progress in Digital Components for 6G

The COREnext project’s Work Package 4 (WP4) focuses on developing foundational digital components for communication systems. By addressing key areas such as hardware acceleration for power efficient signal processing and protocol acceleration, hardware orchestration and trusted environments, WP4 contributes to the advancement of technologies required for 6G networks. Recent progress demonstrates developments in these areas.

Efficiency Increase

WP4 has delivered solutions aimed at improving the energy efficiency of communication systems. The introduction of programmable many-core RISC-V accelerators, including the TeraPool-SDR cluster, supports low-latency and high-throughput tasks necessary for 5G and future 6G systems. Additional work on vector processing accelerators and LDPC decoders has enabled efficient and reliable data transmission with throughput capabilities reaching gigabit-per-second levels. To optimise resource usage, WP4 developed AI-based MAC scheduling accelerators that improve resource allocation in complex networks.

Security Enhancements

In terms of security, the TokSek framework enables multi-tenant use of FPGA resources in cloud environments while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. This approach addresses challenges in securely sharing hardware resources.

Further advancements include the virtualisation of DSPs to improve computational resource management and the development of tile-based processing platforms equipped with isolation mechanisms to enhance security. RF fingerprinting, used for device authentication, provides an additional layer of trust by accurately identifying devices in communication networks.

Contributions to Research and Standardisation

WP4 has produced several publications documenting the outcomes of its work, with contributions to open-source tools and methods. The RF fingerprinting technology has led to a patent application, indicating potential for future applications in communication systems.

The work aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG9 (Innovation in Infrastructure) and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities). By focusing on energy efficiency, WP4 supports the broader goals of sustainable and resilient communication systems.

Readiness for Deployment

The technology readiness levels (TRLs) of platforms developed under WP4 have increased, indicating progress towards deployment. The validation of the RISC-V environment, encompassing both hardware and software, creates opportunities for practical application and further development in communication technologies.

WP4’s ongoing work in digital components contributes to the technical objectives of the COREnext project, with progress focused on addressing practical needs and ensuring alignment with long-term goals for communication system development.

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by info@corenext.eu

COREnext at Nokia Bell Labs Seminar: Driving Innovation with Impact

This summer, Nokia Bell Labs hosted an internal seminar that brought together around 40 participants, creating an engaging platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. One of the highlights of the seminar was a presentation by José Luis González Jiménez from CEA-Leti, who delivered an insightful talk titled "Recent Investigations of Channel Aggregation Transceiver Architectures for D-band and H-band Communications".

The presentation showcased the latest research in advanced communications architectures, including contributions from the COREnext project.

Motivations for Polymer Microwave Fiber Communications

One part of the presentation focused on the motivations for Polymer Microwave Fiber (PMF) communications, where COREnext research was highlighted. PMF technology represents a new frontier in high-data rate communications, offering significant benefits for professional connectivity, data centers, connected industries, and medical equipment. The technology aims to replace traditional optical cables, such as 10-25GbE optical links, with more efficient solutions, providing telecom fronthaul applications with better flexibility and scalability.

The research also emphasized the role of PMF communications in bridging the gap between Baseband Units (BBUs) and Radio Heads (CPRI), showcasing how this approach could replace conventional optical cables, offering enhanced performance for on-board interconnections in various industrial and medical sectors.

Sustainability and Industry Impact

For nearly 100 years, Nokia Bell Labs scientists have made many groundbreaking discoveries and innovations including the transistor, the laser, Information Theory, UNIX and more. These breakthroughs have been recognized in the awarding of hundreds of prestigious prizes, including ten Nobel Prizes and five Turing Awards.  Nokia Bell Labs continues to champion disruptive technologies for improving sustainability to make a measurable impact on society. By integrating the research results of projects like COREnext, Nokia Bell Labs is advancing the vision of connected industries that operate more efficiently, with reduced energy consumption and lower environmental impact.

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by info@corenext.eu

Driving Progress Towards SDG 9 and SDG 11 through Cybersecurity and Innovation 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interconnected goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to tackle pressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, education, gender equality, sustainable energy, and climate change, with the aim of creating a better world by 2030. The COREnext project plays a pivotal role in advancing two of these goals: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By integrating cutting-edge digital components and architectural innovations, the project ensures that infrastructure and urban development remain both resilient and energy efficient. 

Building Trustworthy and Resilient Digital Infrastructure (SDG 9) 

SDG 9 aims to foster resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation, and support innovation. As part of Work Package 4 (Digital Components: Components for power-efficient signal processing, and Components for isolation, orchestration & TEEs) in the COREnext project, the focus is on developing trustworthy infrastructure that ensures resilient industrial and societal digitisation. These digital components play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of industries and communities during digital transformation. COREnext enhances system security by implementing robust component isolation and minimizing trusted computing bases, thereby reducing the attack surface and improving overall resilience. 

Additionally, Work Package 3 (Trustworthy Disaggregated Computing Architecture) contributes to SDG 9 by shaping an architecture that promotes secure and scalable digital infrastructure, which is vital for sustainable development in various sectors, from transport to energy. To fully achieve SDG 9 by 2030, investments in infrastructure  - including transport, irrigation, energy, and information and communication technology - are crucial. Supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) through investments in advanced technologies, reducing carbon emissions, and expanding mobile broadband access are essential steps toward empowering communities and fostering sustainable development.  

Enhancing Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Cities (SDG 11) 

SDG 11 aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. COREnext supports this by improving energy efficiency through accelerator integration, enabling hardware to perform tasks previously handled by software on general-purpose processors.  The digital innovations within Work Package 4 enable the integration of energy-efficient solutions into digital infrastructure by systematically replacing inefficient components with more efficient alternatives. This facilitates the operation of smart cities with reduced energy consumption and lower carbon footprints, thereby promoting sustainability by optimizing energy consumption and management in urban environments. 

Digitalisation also plays a vital role in boosting energy efficiency across various sectors, contributing directly to SDG 11's sustainability targets. By incorporating innovative technologies, cities can reduce their environmental impact, improve public services, and ensure long-term resilience to climate change and population growth.  

What Needs to Be Done to Achieve SDG 9 and SDG 11 by 2030  

While the COREnext project is making contributions, there is still work to be done to fully achieve these goals by 2030. For SDG 9, it is essential to: 

• Continue investing in infrastructure in critical areas like transport, energy, and communication technology. 
• Increase support for LDCs by investing in advanced technologies and ensuring their inclusion in global digital advancements. 
• Focus on lowering carbon emissions through sustainable industrial practices. 
• Improve access to mobile broadband, ensuring that all regions, particularly underserved ones, can benefit from digital innovations. 
• For SDG 11, more efforts should be made to: 
• Boost energy efficiency through further digitisation and integration of smart technologies in urban areas. 
• Promote the use of sustainable energy solutions in cities to minimise their carbon footprint and improve the overall quality of urban life.

A Secure and Sustainable Path Forward 

COREnext's contributions to SDG 9 and SDG 11 showcase how cybersecurity and digital innovation can directly impact global sustainability efforts. By prioritising trustworthy infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and promoting inclusive digitisation, COREnext is helping to shape a future where industries and cities are not only more secure but also more sustainable. Achieving these goals by 2030 will require continued innovation, investment, and global collaboration. 

Stay tuned for further updates as COREnext continues to drive forward the future of sustainable and secure infrastructure. 

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by info@corenext.eu

Advancements in COREnext WP3 Architecture - Building Trustworthy and Efficient Systems for the Future 

The COREnext project continues to make significant strides in developing advanced architecture for trustworthy and efficient digital infrastructures. The focus of Work Package 3 (WP3) is to ensure that the project’s architectural design not only meets the current technological needs but also anticipates future challenges. This post highlights the latest developments and achievements within WP3. 

Objectives of WP3 

WP3 is dedicated to translating the requirements outlined in Work Package 2 (WP2) into tangible architectural strategies. The first phase involved breaking down these requirements into architecture concerns, with a focus on defining disaggregation dimensions, data flows, and attacker models. The architectural design spans three key tiers: terminal, base station, and edge cloud, each with specific security and data flow requirements. The data flows between these tiers must be carefully managed to ensure efficiency and security, from the internal cores within systems-on-chip to services across radio links.  

In the next phase, WP3 focused on identifying the necessary component innovations to advance both processing capabilities and system trustworthiness. This involved pinpointing the key technology building blocks that are essential for progressing the overall architecture. The team worked closely with WP4 and WP5 to translate these architectural needs into specific component advancements. 

Balancing trustworthiness and efficiency is a core challenge in the architecture, and WP3 has been continuously analyzing the trade-offs. This work ensures that components developed in WP4 and WP5 meet the validation targets set by WP6. 

Key Architectural Elements 

The COREnext architecture comprises multiple tiers—terminal, base station, and edge cloud—each playing a critical role in managing data and ensuring secure communication. Data flows occur within system-on-chip cores, between servers on physical sites, and across radio links connecting these systems. Managing these flows effectively is essential for maintaining both efficiency and security. 

Technology Building Blocks and Innovations 

Significant progress has been made in identifying key technology building blocks that support the advancement of the COREnext architecture. Joint Communication and Sensing was identified as an essential capability, where communication antennas can be used for radar sensing. However, this approach raises privacy concerns that need to be addressed. In terms of performance, heterogeneous accelerators were identified to enhance both performance and energy efficiency. 

Another critical innovation involves virtualization and disaggregation, which helps increase resource utilization by allowing more flexible allocation of computational power. For security, component isolation and access control were identified as key elements, implemented through capability-based systems that uphold the principle of least authority (POLA). In addition, WP3 developed systems for trusted execution and attestation, providing cryptographic proof of software operations on remote machines, which ensures secure execution across the network.  

Challenges and Solutions in Integration 

WP3 faced several challenges related to integrating a diverse set of components, often from third-party vendors. The project aims to balance trustworthiness and efficiency while incorporating both trusted and untrusted elements. To address these challenges, WP3 introduced the M³ hardware/software co-design platform, which helps reduce the system's attack surface. Additionally, a Trusted Communication Unit was developed to ensure secure isolation and communication between components. 

Impact and Contributions 

The advancements within WP3 have led to multiple impactful outcomes. So far, six publications have emerged from the work, contributing valuable knowledge to the community. The M³ platform is now available as open-source hardware and software, fostering further innovation and collaboration in the field. 

WP3’s contributions have also extended into standardization and regulation. Enhancements to 3GPP RAN have been proposed, particularly for supporting low-end devices. Regulatory opportunities related to Joint Communication and Sensing were also identified, creating pathways for further integration of these technologies. 

In addition to these technical advancements, WP3 plays a pivotal role in achieving the project’s sustainability goals. By aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, the architecture promotes trustworthy infrastructure, essential for resilient industrial and societal digitization. WP3 also contributes to SDG 11 by integrating energy-efficient accelerators that support sustainable smart cities. 

Product and Business Opportunities 

WP3’s innovations offer significant benefits for European companies by focusing on trustworthiness and efficiency in their designs. The architecture is compatible with existing software stacks, which ensures seamless integration with traditional hardware components. Furthermore, by connecting the edge cloud with terminal systems, WP3 opens up new avenues for product development and business opportunities.  

With the M³ platform available as open-source hardware and software, the project promotes open innovation, creating opportunities for other organizations to build upon its advancements. As COREnext progresses, the contributions of WP3 will continue to be central to its success, ensuring that both trustworthiness and efficiency remain at the forefront of its architecture. 

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by info@corenext.eu

Frida Strombeck Presents Latest Research at European Microwave Week 2024 

At the prestigious 27th European Microwave Week (EuMW 2024) in Paris, Frida Strombeck showcased the research on high-speed polymer microwave fiber communication technology. As part of the COREnext project, Frida's presentation focused on the findings outlined in her scientific paper titled "A Transmitter/Receiver Link for High Data Rate Polymer Microwave Fiber Communication at Y-band".  

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a Y-band (170-260 GHz) ultra-high data rate transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) using a 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS process. The system successfully demonstrates data rates up to 30 Gbps over a one-meter polymer microwave fiber (PMF) link, operating at a carrier frequency of 237 GHz. This achievement marks the first PMF link above 200 GHz to reach a one-meter distance, highlighting the potential of PMF technology as a robust and cost-efficient solution for high-frequency, high-data-rate communication systems, particularly in applications like intra-box or module-to-module vehicle communications. 

The 27th edition of the European Microwave Week (EuMW 2024) took place in Paris, continuing the long-running series of successful microwave events that began in 1998. EuMW 2024 featured three co-located conferences: the European Microwave Conference (EuMC), the European Microwave Integrated Circuits Conference (EuMIC), and the European Radar Conference (EuRAD). In addition to these, the event hosted forums on Defence, Security and Space, the Automotive Forum, the 6G Forum, and a large trade show. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in conferences, workshops, short courses, and special events like Women in Microwave Engineering. The event also included Europe's largest RF and microwave trade show, complemented by technical seminars and exhibitor workshops showcasing commercial products and innovations. 

Presentations at such high-profile conferences highlight the importance of innovative microwave technology in achieving faster and more reliable communication systems. The COREnext project, through research of this kind, continues to drive advancements in digital communication and infrastructure.

Stay tuned as the publication: "A Transmitter/Receiver Link for High Data Rate Polymer Microwave Fiber Communication at Y-band" will available soon on IEEE platform and our website! 

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by info@corenext.eu

Advancing Real-Time Capabilities in Cyber-Physical Systems: Core-Local Reasoning with M³ 

RTAS'24 invites papers that describe case studies, applications, methodologies, and algorithms contributing to the state of practice in the design, implementation, verification, validation, and evolution of time-sensitive systems. That’s where Nils Asmussen, Sebastian Haas, Adam Lackorzyński, and Michael Roitzsch presented their paper, "Core-Local Reasoning and Predictable Cross-Core Communication with M³." 

Their research addresses the need for security, heterogeneity, and real-time operation in modern cyber-physical systems. While traditional real-time operating systems like FreeRTOS offer high predictability, they lack the strong component isolation necessary for platform security. Conversely, microkernels provide this isolation but complicate real-time analysis due to their use of virtual memory and privileged CPU modes. 

The team introduces an alternative approach with M³, a hardware/software co-design for heterogeneous systems that ensures strong isolation between cores. The real-time capabilities of M³ had not been explored until now. To address this, researchers assessed M³’s current real-time capabilities, comparing its communication latencies with other systems and examining its unique core isolation approach. 

To enhance M³'s suitability for real-time applications, they introduced network-on-chip traffic regulation and enforced resource limits. These improvements allow for local reasoning about application execution, making M³ more effective for real-time tasks. 

Their evaluation, conducted using an FPGA-based hardware prototype and simulations based on gem5, demonstrates the potential of M³ to meet the demands of secure and predictable real-time systems. 

The full paper is available here. 

See other COREnext scientific publications here. 

Check the COREnext white paper here. 

by info@corenext.eu

Exploring New Horizons in Datacenters: Disaggregation-Native Data Streaming

At the 2024 ACM International Conference on Architectural Support for Programming Languages and Operating Systems (ASPLOS), Nils Asmussen and Michael Roitzsch presented their paper, "Towards Disaggregation-Native Data Streaming between Devices," during the 3rd Workshop on Heterogeneous Composable and Disaggregated Systems (HCDS).

Their research explores the emerging trend of disaggregation in datacenters, a method aimed at enhancing flexibility. Disaggregation involves using technologies like CXL to connect pools of CPUs, accelerators, and memory through a datacenter fabric. This setup allows applications to select the specific resources they need from these pools, optimizing performance and efficiency.

However, a challenge arises with data movement. Typically, data needs to be streamed through multiple devices, but instead of flowing directly from one device to another, it often gets staged in memory by a CPU. This staging can create delays and inefficiencies.

The researchers propose a solution: a disaggregation-native and device-independent data streaming facility. This innovation enables data to flow directly between devices without the need for intermediary staging in memory. The result is improved processing speeds and reduced latencies, making datacenters more efficient.

Their full paper can be accessed here.

Check out all list of COREnext scientific publications here.

by info@corenext.eu

Trustworthiness in the Digital Era: Invitation to EuCNC Convened Session 4 on 5th June

Join us for an insightful session regarding the future of trustworthiness in the digital realm at Convened Session 4 on 5th June at EuCNC conference. This session, chaired by Patrick Pype and Manuela Neyer, will discuss the critical domains of security, reliability, and beyond. 

The session will commence with an overview of the current threat landscape, as outlined in the forthcoming ICS CERT landscape report by Kaspersky. These findings will underscore the urgent need for robust solutions to counter malicious attacks, and ensure the integrity of our digital systems.

A central focus of the session will be the role of trustworthiness throughout the lifecycle of microelectronics. As microelectronics increasingly permeate every aspect of modern life, ensuring their reliability and security will be paramount. From design to manufacturing to operation, each phase must undergo meticulous scrutiny to mitigate risks and threats effectively.

Attendees can anticipate an in-depth presentation of the recently published COREnext White Paper, which offers valuable insights into future strategies for enhancing trustworthiness in microelectronics. Fredrik Tillman from Ericsson and Zulaicha Parastuty from Infineon will provide a preview of the proposed solutions, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and rigorous verification processes.

The session will culminate in a dynamic panel discussion featuring industry luminaries such as Patrick Pype, Franz Dielacher, Stefan Wunderer, Panagiotis Demestichas, and Mamoun Guenach. Participants will discuss the challenges posed by cybersecurity threats and explore potential solutions to address them. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders will be key themes of the discussion, driving advancements in trustworthiness across industries.

Check the details of the session HERE 

by info@corenext.eu

COREnext Releases White Paper: Trustworthiness – The Key to Europe’s Digital Future 

COREnext, a EU-funded project focused on advancing Europe's digital infrastructure, released its latest white paper, "Trustworthiness – The Key to Europe’s Digital Future." This comprehensive study examines the critical role of trust and security in the digitalisation process, underscoring the essential steps needed to maintain Europe's leadership in high-end consumer goods.  

The COREnext white paper will be presented during Convened Session 4 at the EUCNC | 6G Summit in Antwerp, Belgium, on Wednesday, 5 June 2024, at 16:00 by Fredrik Tillman from Ericsson and Zulaicha Parastuty from Infineon. The whole session will be devoted to the importance of trustworthiness in the digitalisation process.  

Read the White Paper

The paper opens with a discussion, based on Abraham Maslow’s theory, on the significance of trustworthiness for both humans and machines in a fully connected world. It acknowledges digitalization as both a challenge and an opportunity for Europe, stressing the necessity to focus on areas and technologies that enable a secure digital future.  

Key recommendations outlined in the white paper include:  

• Ensuring the reliability and security of processing units. 
• Exploring scalable and flexible digital infrastructures. 
• Advancing sensing technologies and physical layer innovations. 
• Developing secure and reliable Radio Access Networks (RAN).

A call to action is extended to stakeholders to embrace these priorities, emphasising the importance of trust and security. This will ensure a continued high European value content in products as these become a natural and integrated part of consumers' digital ecosystems.  

To download the white paper click here.  

COREnext is an initiative funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101092598.   

KEY CONTACTS 

Coordinator: Michael Roitzsch (Barkhausen Institut) - michael.roitzsch@barkhauseninstitut.org 

Communication: Arantxa Echarte (AUSTRALO) – arantxa@australo.org 

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by info@corenext.eu