Sustainable Technologies for Advanced Resilient and Energy-Efficient Networks (SUSTAINET)

In the midst of global crises and geopolitical challenges, Europe is charting its course towards a digital, sustainable future. However, with its share of the global ICT market declining, urgent actions are required to ensure technological sovereignty. This project addresses this multifaceted challenge by focusing on network resilience, energy efficiency, sustainability, high-performing end-to-end networks, and network security.

Achieving seamless interconnection of digital systems, essential for future high-performance communication networks, demands research in ICT hardware and control software. The transition towards a “Digital Society” necessitates increased dependence on ICT for power supply control, emphasizing the need for resilient, scalable networking technologies combined with the support of new services such as cognitive and complete context awareness.

Network resilience is paramount in such interconnected networking for critical infrastructures and requires new concepts to ensure communication continuity during errors or disasters. Such networking will also call for secure networks with robust cybersecurity measures to combat evolving threats.

Furthermore, network sustainability is vital for realizing a climate-neutral future. Telecommunications networks must not only prioritize connectivity but also serve as platforms for a sustainable society. Operators must adapt to fluctuating renewable energy availability, transitioning from consumers to prosumers in the energy market.

To achieve these objectives and regain technological sovereignty, collaborative R&D efforts are imperative. Government support and industry initiatives must converge to drive innovation in key technologies, fostering industrial cooperation and joint R&D initiatives.

This project proposes a holistic approach, integrating research in frictionless network performance, resilience, security, and sustainability to propel Europe towards a sustainable, technologically sovereign future.

The subproject SUSTAINET-Advance aims to enhance 6G network sustainability from RAN to core using neuromorphic computing and optical networks. It focuses on the interdependence between energy and communication networks, improving resilience and efficiency through advanced monitoring and scalable connectivity while ensuring security with trusted AI and zero-trust frameworks.