This study delves into the potential of 5G and blockchain technologies in smart agriculture, specifically targeting remote farming sectors. A conceptual architecture is proposed, aiming to leverage these cutting-edge technologies while ensuring energy efficiency and sustainable development within the agriculture industry. We provide an in-depth analysis of 5G applications and explore alternative communication channels that could empower remote communities, introducing them to state-of-the-art technological solutions. A unique aspect of our research is the detailed presentation of a parametric insurance business case, designed to align with the proposed architecture, thereby illustrating the practicality of our approach. Moreover, we propose an innovative solution to the challenge of providing internet connectivity in rural areas using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Current limitations due to the weight of onboard equipment, which includes an access network and a backhaul link for internet provision, are addressed by introducing a lightweight 5G system onboard the UAV. This system serves multiple user equipment on the ground, with one acting as a connection gateway to the internet. This unique approach not only streamlines the process of providing rural internet connectivity but also opens up new markets for service providers and businesses related to lightweight 5G systems and UAV technology. Our work presents an avant-garde solution to technical challenges and offers significant business opportunities in the rapidly evolving telecommunications sector and beyond.

This paper aims to develop an open Asset Administration Shell (AAS) solution for 5G Non-Public Network (NPN) management, focusing on manufacturing digitization and complete Information and Operational Technology (IT/OT) convergence. The proposed 5G NPN framework is evaluated in a factory-like simulation scenario considering network slicing for I4.0, and demonstrates the outlook of 5G communication in the industrial domain, achieving an upload data rate of up to 86 Mbps, and a Round-Trip Time (RTT) for end-to-end communication as low as 11 ms. The proposed framework integrates OPC UA as an enabler and middleware across different protocols, equipment, and the manufacturing shop floor, with the target of aggregating different industrial data and creating insights on production optimization in a unified manner. The framework combines 5G NPNs with I4.0 environments, in the form of a complete FNMS and its corresponding AAS. In parallel, a set of I4.0 enablers are investigated within the framework of the project, covering a Time-Sensitive Network (TSN) on the shop floor. The main objective of this paper is to propose a method for the unified integration of various enablers in the I4.0 domain and their combination with 5G technology, and to evaluate the feasibility of hosting industrial applications and services over 5G channels through the implementation of different slicing schemas. The paper presents detailed experimental data regarding 5G downlink/uplink data rates and RTT delays.

Reliable data availability and transparent governance are fundamental requirements for distributed edge-to-cloud systems that must operate across multiple administrative domains. Conventional cloud-centric architectures centralize control and storage, creating bottlenecks and limiting autonomous collaboration at the network edge. This paper introduces a decentralized governance and service-management framework that leverages Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and Decentralized Applications (DApps) to to govern and orchestrate verifiable, tamper-resistant, and continuously accessible data exchange between heterogeneous edge and cloud components. By embedding blockchain-based smart contracts within swarm-enabled edge infrastructures, the approach enables automated decision-making, auditable coordination, and fault-tolerant data sharing without relying on trusted intermediaries. The proposed OASEES framework demonstrates how DAO-driven orchestration can enhance data availability and accountability in real-world scenarios, including energy grid balancing, structural safety monitoring, and predictive maintenance of wind turbines. Results highlight that decentralized governance mechanisms enhance transparency, resilience, and trust, offering a scalable foundation for next-generation edge-to-cloud data ecosystems.

This work presents an energy-efficient implementation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based systems over 5G networks with on-board accelerated processing capabilities and provides a preliminary evaluation of the integrated solution. The study is a two-fold comparative analysis focused on connectivity and edge processing for UAVs. Two discrete deployment scenarios are implemented, where standard 5G configuration with artificial neural network (ANN) processing is evaluated against 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) connectivity, paired with Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs). Both proposed energy-efficient alternative solutions are designed to offer significant energy savings; this paper examines whether they are suitable candidates for energy-constrained environments, i.e., UAVs, and quantifies their impact on the overall energy consumption of the system. The integrated solution, with 5G RedCap/SNNs, achieves energy-use reductions approaching 60%, which translates to an approximate 35% increase in flight time. The experimental evaluations were performed in a real-world deployment using a 5G-equipped UAV with edge-processing capabilities based on NVIDIA’s Jetson Orin.

As urbanization continues to accelerate, the concept of smart buildings has transitioned from a futuristic vision to an integral component of modern cities. These buildings, often seen as the building blocks of smart cities, are increasingly relying on cutting-edge technologies like 5G and cloud computing to reach unprecedented levels of energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort. This paper offers a comprehensive exploration into the marriage of smart building technologies with 5G and cloud computing. It scrutinizes the individual and combined impacts of these technologies, presents various case studies showcasing real-world applications, and anticipates future trends. Moreover, it delves into technical challenges, policy implications, and offers concrete recommendations for stakeholders.