Cross-Layer Optimization for Data-Intensive Applications Using Centralized Controllers in Next Generation Cellular Networks

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Kellerer; Dr. Fidan Mehmeti
• Subject Area: Communication Technology and Networks, High-Frequency Technology and Photonic Systems, Signal Processing and Machine Learning for Information Technology ; Security and Dependability, Operating-, Communication- and Distributed Systems
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 573715189

The main idea of this project is to look at the advantages brought by centralized controllers in joint dynamic allocation of frequency resources and transmission power to base stations, with a focus on mobility management and multi-domain networks, with practical implementation in O-RAN. More specifically, the main objectives of this project are: 1) Using a central controller for joint allocation of Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) and transmission power, where the advantages brought by the joint allocation of PRBs and base station transmission power in a network with a centralized controller are considered for different optimization objectives. 2) User assignment on top of joint resource allocation, with investigating the improvements in cellular network operation when user assignment is also handled by the central controller. 3) Mobility management with guaranteed level of service, with the goal of optimizing the metrics of interest to the users and operators while providing a minimum level of service to all the users in the network. 4) Incorporating the in-networking feature in mobility management with controller, with the goal of optimizing the performance of cellular networks when handling highly mobile users with data-intensive tasks run on a number of edge clouds collocated with base stations. 5) Efficient mobility management with central controller in multi-domain networks, where we would be looking at different approaches to hand over a user leaving a campus network and entering another campus network operated by another entity and making this transition smoothly. 6) Minimizing computational power when running data-intensive tasks. 7) Implementation of network functions such as rApps and xApps in O-RAN, depending on the function at hand.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants