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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) has launched the CELTIC-NEXT flagship project SUSTAINET (Sustainable Technologies for Advanced Resilient and Energy-Efficient Networks). The initiative aims to develop cutting-edge network technologies that are both sustainable and resilient. Running from January 2025 to December 2027, SUSTAINET is backed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with €30 million in funding, of which Fraunhofer HHI will receive €3.73 million.
Communication networks are the foundation of a sustainable society. They play an essential role in energy supply, as the growing decentralization of renewable energy generation requires efficient control via digital platforms. Robust communication networks are crucial for managing energy supply during power outages, maintaining communication capabilities, and restoring them quickly – especially amid increasing risks from natural disasters, sabotage, or other disruptions.
At the same time, communication networks worldwide are under growing pressure as the number of connected devices, data volume, and demands on digital infrastructures continue to rise.
In the SUSTAINET project, Fraunhofer HHI will develop future-proof technologies that seamlessly integrate fiber optics, radio, and modern mobile networks, significantly improving network availability, resilience, and sustainability.
The SUSTAINET project is divided into three sub-projects: SUSTAINET-ADvance (coordinated by Adtran), SUSTAINET-inNOvAte (coordinated by NOKIA), and SUSTAINET-guarDian (coordinated by DFKI). As a CELTIC-NEXT flagship project, SUSTAINET is a collaboration of over 80 European research institutions, universities, and companies. Together, the partners aim to address the challenges of sustainable digital transformation and strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty.
SUSTAINET-ADvance: Advanced technologies for sustainable networks
In the sub-project SUSTAINET-ADvance, Fraunhofer HHI focuses on optimizing optical transmission technologies to increase energy efficiency while enhancing transmission capacities. Particular emphasis is placed on developing innovative algorithms and network architectures that enable flexible and resource-efficient data transmission.
“Our research in SUSTAINET-ADvance will significantly contribute to laying the foundation for a sustainable and reliable European energy supply,” emphasizes Dr. Colja Schubert, Group Head at Fraunhofer HHI.
In addition, Fraunhofer HHI is developing network technologies that leverage artificial intelligence and modern signal processing technologies.
“We are pioneering a groundbreaking autonomous network architecture that seamlessly integrates AI agents while ensuring data sovereignty and confidentiality for all stakeholders in the telecommunications market,” says Dr. Behnam Shariati, Project Manager at Fraunhofer HHI.
SUSTAINET-inNOvAte: Intelligent solutions for resilient networks
In the sub-project SUSTAINET-inNOvAte, Fraunhofer HHI develops technologies for sustainable and deterministic optical access networks for industrial applications, as well as novel monitoring and sensing technologies for coherent passive optical networks. These technologies aim to make networks more efficient and resilient to disruptions.
“The combination of intelligent sensing and signal processing with energy-efficient technologies is crucial for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of future networks,” explains Dr. Johannes Fischer, Group Head at Fraunhofer HHI.
Dr. rer. nat. Colja Schubert
Head of Submarine and Core Systems Group
+49 30 31002-252
colja.schubert@hhi.fraunhofer.de
Dr.-Ing. Johannes Fischer
Head of Digital Signal Processing Group
+49 30 31002-556
johannes.fischer@hhi.fraunhofer.de
© Fraunhofer HHI
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