FNS at the 2025 EuCNC and 6G Summit

The conference brings together researchers from all over the world to present the latest research results, and it is one of the main venues for demonstrating the results of research projects, especially from successive European RDI programs.

The 2025 event covers topics such as cloud and virtualization solutions, hardware innovation, artificial intelligence in communication systems, and applications across industries. A large delegation from the Netherlands, representing the Future Network Services (FNS) program, participated in various activities during the conference.

Here's an overview of the highlights:

Network Digital Twinning

Chrysa Papagianni (UVA) participated in Workshop 3 on integrating Network Digital Twinning (NDT) into AI-based 6G systems. NDT creates real-time digital replicas of network infrastructure, serving as a sandbox for testing models, scenarios, and operations such as network planning and AI training. This approach addresses the complexity of 6G networks, which require AI integration, edge intelligence, and enhanced flexibility. Chrysa also highlighted key contributions from Program Line 2 of the FNS program during the session.

Joint Communication and Sensing

Haibin Zhang (TNO) participated as a panelist in the EU-Taiwan Joint Workshop on Immersive Communications Powered by ISAC and RIS Technologies. The discussion explored the technical and business opportunities of Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC/JCAS) in the 6G era. ISAC/JCAS, a key technology for 6G identified by ITU, combines communication and sensing in a single network to boost efficiency and unlock new business models for mobile operators. Haibin shared TNO's insights on co-optimization, integration challenges, and the business potential of ISAC/JCAS, reflecting TNO's work in this innovative field.

Collaboration Agreement with ITRI

TNO has signed a Collaboration Agreement with ITRI at the EuCNC conference to advance research on JCAS and RIS testbeds. Haibin Zhang(lead),Paul Wijngaard, Ljupco Jorguseski andPrachi Sachdeva were present as TNO representatives at the event.  This partnership combines the complementary expertise of both organizations, ensuring they remain in the forefront of research in this area. TNO's work in this collaboration aligns with its efforts in Future Network Services Program Line 1.

Collaboration in 6G Research

Paul Wijngaard(TNO) participated in Convened Session 2 on Wednesday, focusing on a collaborative approach to 6G and unifying the European R&I ecosystem. Moderated by Prachi Sachdeva(TNO) and Jose Almodovar Chico(TNO), the session highlighted work by SNS ICE and SNS CO-OP, showcasing key results and recommendations. A panel discussion involving National Initiatives provided insights into the current state of 6G efforts across EU member states, emphasizing promising collaboration opportunities and shared challenges.

Also on WednesdayLjupco Jorguseski(TNO) participated in the panel on ISAC Standardisation in 3GPP during the session dedicated to Integrated Sensing and Communications initiative on the European research framework. Highlighted discussions included ongoing 3GPP activities surrounding ISAC use cases, requirements, radio propagation modeling, and performance evaluations. Key debates focused on what aspects should be standardized for 5G Advanced versus those allocated for 6G. Upcoming scoping decisions will take place at the RAN Plenary meeting in Prague this June. It was also agreed that further standardization is needed around ISAC privacy, security, and sharing sensing data with third-party applications.

Showcasing Dutch Research

Researchers from the Netherlands actively showcased their progress via poster sessions and paper presentations. Highlights included:

• 6G-DALI by Rihan Hai (Technische Universiteit Delft): An AI framework for automating data and ML operations.

• A Multi-Band Full-Duplex Prototype for Integrated Sensing and Communication by Bixing Yan, Andre Kokkeler, and Yang Miao (University of Twente).

• AI-Powered Network Digital Twins by researchers from the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Vrije Universiteit, and others.

• MANTRA-6G by Marios Avgeris, Nitinder Mohan, Chrysa Papagianni, and Fernando A. Kuipers on AI-native 6G networks.

• Performance Analysis of Sub-Band Full-Duplex Cell-Free Massive MIMO JCAS Systems by Kwadwo Mensah Obeng Afrane, Yang Miao, and Andre Kokkeler (University of Twente).

• Contributions to Research and Innovation in Europe on Cloud for 6G Networks presented by Prachi Sachdeva from the SNS ICE project.

• Dynamic QoS Adaptation via Exposed Service APIs for Advanced CAM Use Cases from the ENVELOPE project, presented by Ramon Schwartz (TNO).

• Experimentation-as-a-Service Approach and interactive ENVELOPE demos led by various project partners, including Ramon Schwartz.

• Contributions to Beyond 5G Network Exposure for the Automotive Sector and recent 6G standardization efforts with Jos Berière’s support (TNO).

• Prachi Sachdeva (TNO) presented at a Women in Telecommunications and Research session, highlighting how Diversity and Inclusion strengthens Standardization.

Driving Toward the 6G Future

The 2025 EuCNC and 6G Summit highlighted critical advancements in the field of telecommunications, with Europe continuing to lead innovation for global applications. Through workshops, collaborations, and groundbreaking research, the FNS program demonstrated its commitment to shaping the future of network services.