Network slicing already plays an important role as a critical enabler in the current 5G technology domain. 5G aims to disrupt and accelerate innovation in various vertical fields, among those is the vehicular industry. In the detailed scope of the 5G-DRIVE research project promoting cooperation between the EU and China, a set of trials is to be undertaken towards promoting 5G growth. In this paper, initially, we identify a variety of challenges arising from the 5G convergence to the automotive industry. Then we describe the specific innovative framework of the 5G-DRIVE research, together with a novel network slicing mechanism deployed at the edge. Then an analysis on the corresponding architectures is presented, and how they operate in a set of trials for new 5G services. The services described are a virtualized caching network function (vCache), and a deep packet inspection one (vDPI), which are deployed at the edge facilitating an edge 5G service. For each case, the services are deployed and evaluated in the 5G Drive platform using the Katana slicing framework. Additional analysis of the OSM slicing platform is presented. The results demonstrate the performance of a network slicing mechanism for 5G service deployments in an edge enabled platform.

This paper presents COGNIFOG, an innovative framework under development that is designed to leverage decentralized decision-making, machine learning, and distributed computing to enable autonomous operation, adaptability, and scalability across the IoT–edge–cloud continuum. The work emphasizes Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices, development, and versatile integration infrastructures. The described methodology ensures efficient, reliable, and seamless integration of the framework, offering valuable insights into integration design, data flow, and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies. Through three real-world trials in smart cities, e-health, and smart manufacturing and the development of a comprehensive QuickStart Guide for deployment, this work highlights the efficiency and adaptability of the COGNIFOG platform, presenting a robust solution for addressing the complexities of next-generation computing environments.

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.

Telecommunication networks are shifting to multi-cloud environments. This trend is expected to shape the standardization and implementation of future networks. Thus, the protection of virtualized services has become more critical. One of the promising methods to secure virtual resources in that setting is Moving Target Defense (MTD). This paper presents the Network Topology Fuzzer (TopoFuzzer) module, enabling different MTD operations that change the topology of a 5G network. An emphasis is given to live re-instantiations and live migrations of running services and, consequently, security gains against Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). This work utilizes a 5G testbed to evaluate the TopoFuzzer module and MTD operations on Virtual Network Functions (VNFs).

This paper presents the components and integrated outcome of a system that aims to achieve early detection, monitoring and mitigation of pandemic outbreaks. The architecture of the platform aims at providing a number of pandemic-response-related services, on a modular basis, that allows for the easy customization of the platform to address user’s needs per case. This customization is achieved through its ability to deploy only the necessary, loosely coupled services and tools for each case, and by providing a common authentication, data storage and data exchange infrastructure. This way, the platform can provide the necessary services without the burden of additional services that are not of use in the current deployment (e.g., predictive models for pathogens that are not endemic to the deployment area). All the decisions taken for the communication and integration of the tools that compose the platform adhere to this basic principle. The tools presented here as well as their integration is part of the project STAMINA.

In the current 5G technology domain network slicing already plays an important role as a critical enabler. An industry that 5G aims to disrupt is the vehicular one. In this paper the brief scope of the 5G‐DRIVE research project is presented, regarding 5G vehicular research between the EU and China. In the frame of 5G‐DRIVE a set of slicing mechanisms are investigated and evaluated in regard to their performance. Firstly, related to slicing mechanisms in the NFV domain the OSM orchestrator is measured in terms of scalability and performance. In the next experimental set related to RAN slicing, the Katana Slice Manager is evaluated and depicts how different slicing configurations can achieve different performance results. Furthermore, the paper showcases how 5G network slicing can be integrated as a key enabler to the stringent demands of a vehicular network environment. Finally, the paper concludes, setting future directions in the related field.